Google recently unveiled the Pixel 9 smartphones, sparking excitement and curiosity among tech enthusiasts. This latest series introduces significant upgrades and fresh features, promising to reshape the smartphone experience.
For the first time, the Pixel Pro now boasts two sizes, introducing the Pixel Pro XL alongside the standard Pixel Pro model. The new lineup showcases impressive capabilities and design improvements, aiming to stand out in the competitive smartphone market.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has become the highlight, being the company’s slimmest foldable smartphone to date. At just 5.1 mm thick when unfolded and 10.5 mm when folded, it significantly improves upon its predecessor’s dimensions.
When fully open, this foldable marvel displays an expansive 8-inch screen, beating the 7.6-inch display found on its earlier version. Design-wise, it has shifted from the familiar camera bar to a sleek rectangular setup featuring two elliptical lenses.
Despite maintaining similar camera specifications, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold now incorporates enhancements with its ultrawide sensor. The camera combination includes 48 MP for the main, 10.5 MP for ultrawide, and 10.8 MP for telephoto, complete with 5x optical zoom.
Interestingly, the battery size has decreased to 4,650 mAh, from 4,821 mAh, yet the device now features boosted RAM of up to 16 GB, optimizing performance. The price tag for this innovative smartphone will start at $1,799 in the US and €1,899 in Europe.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro series also introduces two distinct sizes. The regular Pixel Pro now sports a 6.3-inch screen, whereas the new Pixel Pro XL features an enlarged 6.8-inch Super Actua display.
The two models share many specs aside from display and battery differences. Both devices tout enhanced durability due to reengineering efforts and come equipped with the same triple-camera system configuration.
Their camera systems include a 50 MP main shooter, 48 MP telephoto, and newly upgraded ultrawide sensor, also retaining 48 MP. For selfies, the Pixel Pro has introduced a 42 MP sensor, promising improved light sensitivity and broader field of view.
Battery capacity remains nearly identical at 4,700 mAh for the Pro model, whereas the Pro XL jumps to 5,060 mAh. Both devices will feature 45 W fast charging and generous RAM options aimed at providing improved performance.
The standard Pixel 9 also enjoys camera upgrades, sporting a dual-camera system with the same 50 MP main shooter but introducing a 48 MP ultrawide sensor. This latest ultrawide camera is engineered to capture significantly more light.
The front camera is unchanged at 11 MP; nonetheless, it now supports autofocus for better quality selfies. Google has also promised the Pixel 9 models will yield 20% improved battery life, alongside the memory upgrade to 12 GB.
Powering these smartphones is Google’s custom Tensor G4 chip, promising enhanced AI capabilities. This chip is touted to result in faster browsing speeds, quicker app launches, and improved battery longevity.
Although G4 is impressive, Google hints bigger advancements are anticipated with next year’s Tensor G5, produced by Taiwan's TSMC. The Tensor G4 will operate Google’s Gemini Nano large language model, enhancing its ability to process various input types.
"Gemini can offer unparalleled, personalized help accessing relevant information across your inbox, your calendar, and more," described one of Google’s spokespeople. This will allow users to manage tasks, find services, and create messages more efficiently.
Handling of user data is front and center with these updates, as Google assures compliance with user agreements before cloud data transfers. Data security will rely on Google’s infrastructure as part of this commitment.
The AI enhancements extend beyond mere performance boosts; they're reimagining photography with several new features. The latest Pixel devices come with improvements, such as guided Panorama mode and Magic Editor, aiding users during photography.
Video capabilities have also been upgraded, particularly notable on Pro models, enabling zooming up to 20x and upscale video recording to 8K with HDR+. Users can now expect higher quality both for photos and video recording with these innovations.
Looking at pricing, the Pixel 9 base model is set to kick off at €899, with the Pixel 9 Pro starting at €1,099. The Pro XL model elevates this to approximately €1,199, with Google bundling one year of One AI Premium plan for Pro device buyers.
Color options for the new phones include obsidian, porcelain, hazel, and peony. These choices reflect not just modern tastes but also Google's intent to offer personal style options to its users.
Overall, Google’s latest Pixel 9 smartphones mark significant advancements worthy of consideration. With compelling features and nuanced designs, these devices aim to meet the evolving needs of smartphone users everywhere.
