The Pixel lineup is one of the most popular lineups of phones, not just of the Google brand, but of Android as a whole. Close to the eigh-year mark, the Google Pixel series has evolved substantially, and everyone is looking forward to what the Pixel 9 brings to the table.
The latest generation of Pixels, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, were launched on October 12, 2023. The Pixel 8 series featured innovative designs, upgraded processors, top-notch cameras, and above all – budget-friendly prices. It’s thanks to the success of the Pixel 8 that fans have high expectations for the Pixel 9.
Here’s everything we currently know about the Google Pixel 9, including when it might be released and what rumors we’ve heard about it.
When Will the Google Pixel 9 Be Released?
To start, when can fans expect to get their hands on the Google Pixel 9? Although the next entry in the Google Pixel line of phones hasn’t been confirmed by Google yet, that’s pretty on-brand for the company. After all, previous Google Pixel phones were announced in early October. The Pixel 8 was also announced in October.
Google will likely continue this trend of late-year announcements and releases to announce the Google Pixel 9 in late 2024. This suggests that the phone will also be released in Q4 of 2024, and we believe it may be near the end of October.
Google Pixel 9 Rumored Hardware Changes
According to rumors, Google had planned to build from scratch and launch its custom chip, but it missed the target time frame and has been delayed. So the usual Samsung Exynos chips will be utilized. That being said, the newer chip is still predicted to offer a substantial upgrade from the previous generation.
The Pixel 9 has been said to keep the same back camera setup as the Pixel 8. For comparison, the Pixel 8 launched with a 50MP main camera and Samsung Isocell GN2 sensor. The selfie shooter is, however, expected to get a decent upgrade as the 11MP Samsung 3J1 sensor has been used well past its expiration date.
It is too soon to talk about the battery capacity of the Pixel 8. However, there is a high probability the Pixel 9 will support Qi2 wireless charging standard. This is because, according to Android Authority, a senior Google hardware engineer is said to be “currently leading the investigation and design of next-generation wireless charging platforms for future Pixel products.”
Will There Be Three Google Pixel 9 Versions?
In the past few years, Google has been steadily decreasing the display size of the Pixel models. This is proven by the fact that the Pixel 8 was smaller than the Pixel 7. However, according to a reportedly leaked roadmap by Android Authority, the Pixel 9 “will have three devices for the first time.”
The vanilla version of the Pixel 9 will likely have the same screen size as the Pixel 8. The second, as expected, will be the Google Pixel 9 Pro, which will have a “screen size in the 6.7-inch realm.” Finally, a third version codenamed “Caiman” will have the same specs as the Pixel 9 Pro, but the screen size will be decreased to 6.3 inches.
Comparisons have been made between Google’s rumored roadmap for the Pixel 9 and how Apple does things, with the Pixel 9 Pro being seen as the iPhone Pro, and the new version being seen as the iPhone Pro Max.
How Much Will the Google Pixel 9 Cost?
There have been no reliable leaks as to how much Google will charge for the upcoming Pixel 9; however, the price shouldn’t vary too much from the Pixel 8. For comparison, the Google Pixel 8 costs $699 for the 128GB variant. However, the Pixel 8 saw the price of Google’s Pixel series increase for the first time, as previous entries in the series had a constant $599 price.
It’s currently unknown if Google will match the Pixel 8’s increased price or if it’ll go back to following the price trend set by previous entries in the Google Pixel line. It might also further increase the price of the Pixel 9.