prices, dates, characteristics… Everything we know about the next Google smartphones

At the beginning of October 2024, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, or even a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, should be presented. Four Google smartphones that would arrive with Android 15 and some other new features. Discover the program that Google could have in store for us with its next smartphones.

A few weeks ago, the Pixel 8a, Google’s latest smartphone, was released: a cheaper version of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, with some technical concessions. In a few months, probably at the beginning of October, the new main series of Google models could be released. Three would be on the program: the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Rumors even point to a fourth model: the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Everything you need to know about leaks and rumors is here.

How many Pixel 9s does Google have in store for us?

Usually, we are entitled to two versions of the new Pixel. But in 2024, Google could prepare up to four, with two additional Pro models.

Will there be a Pixel 9 Pro XL?

Back to basics for Google: the firm is preparing a third model for its next smartphones. This would be the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The only difference with the Pixel 9 Pro: the size of its screen, if we are to believe the various rumors. Enough to offer a larger version of a Pixel 9 Pro which would be relatively compact compared to the competition. This would be a departure for Google, since the manufacturer originally had XL models, like the Pixel XL, up to the Pixel 4 XL, before abandoning the larger versions.

The paradox is that the Pixel 4 XL offered a diagonal of 6.3 inches, a little more than the Pixel 9 a priori. In just a few years, screens have continued to grow: yesterday’s large models have become today’s compact ones.

Will there be a Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

From its code name “ Comet», the Pixel 9 Pro Fold would be in preparation: it would in fact be a Pixel Fold 2, but integrated into the main Google series.

According to Android Authority , it would also be planned for this fall and would be a real flagship, placed on the same level as the others. It would be a foldable smartphone in book format, with a large internal screen.

What release date for the Pixel 9?

Traditionally, the new Pixels are presented at the same time as the release of the next version of Android, or almost at the same time. Everything suggests that this year will be like the previous ones. Enough to glimpse an announcement of the Pixel 9 at the beginning of October during the Made by Google event. At the same time, Google will talk about Android 15, but we also expect the announcement of a Pixel Watch 3 as well as news regarding Gemini.

Design: there should be change

The dimensions of the Pixel 9 would be 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm (12 mm with the photo block). For the Pro model (not the XL or the Fold), you should count on 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm and up to 12 mm thick with the photo block. A Pro model which would therefore be smaller, mainly to leave room for the XL model which would appear. And for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it would be 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm.

The corners would be even more rounded than those of the Pixel 8, which were already much more rounded than the Pixel 7. According to rumors, Google would continue to round the edges. Almost all contours: the screen, back and edges would be flat, like iPhones. Speaking of the back, the Pixel 9 Pro would be entitled to matte glass, which would then be less sensitive to fingerprints and which would slip less. As for the base model, it would have a shiny back.

One of the most important changes in the design of the next Pixels would be the photo block. It would take up the entire width of the smartphone: this is an element that Google is keen on, as its design manager explained in an interview. From now on, however, said photo block would be pill-shaped, that is to say planed on the sides and with very rounded corners.

Available colors

A leak revealed by Android Authority recently reported the colors possibly available for the different models. Furthermore, the folding model would be launched in two shades: obsidian and porcelain (also called “golden” internally).

For Pixel 9:

• Jade (green)
• Obsidian (black)
• Peony (pink)
• Porcelain (white/gold)

For Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL:

• Sage (Google’s grey-green)
• Obsidian
• Porcelain
• Pink

Screen: what’s reserved for the Pixel 9?

If we put aside the Fold model, there would be three screen sizes for the different Pixel 9:

• 6.1 inches for the 9 (another rumor mentions a 6.03 inch screen);
• 6.34 inches for the 9 Pro (or 6.1 inches);
• 6.73 inches for the 9 Pro XL (or 6.5 inches).

0.1 inch difference between the two models, for devices which would remain rather compact in view of the competition on Android. All models should offer Oled and 120 Hz, as is currently the case.

Wallpapers already in the wild

Google integrates new wallpapers on its smartphones every year: the Pixel 9 is not left out. Another leak allowed us to see what the upcoming wallpapers were, supposedly described by Google as “a swirling depiction of abstract flowers“. Slightly different wallpapers depending on the model: here are those of the base Pixel 9.

Pixel 9 wallpapers

Performance: AI would integrate a little more

The name of the SoC that Google would choose would be completely logical: it is the Tensor G4, successor to the Tensor G3 found on all Pixel 8s. This new chip would even be manufactured by Samsung. It would still be engraved in 4 nm thanks to the founder’s process, SF4P. Which would not lead to a strong increase in performance this year. Enough to leave the Pixels a notch behind the rest of the Android models. In terms of RAM, not all models have the same quantity:

• Pixel 9 (Tokay) – 12 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM;
• Pixel 9 Pro (Caiman) – 16 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM;
• Pixel 9 Pro XL (Komodo) – 16 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM.

More RAM: we would go from 8 to 12 GB on the base model. Enough to provide more power to operate generative AI locally, as is Google’s project. The mediaRozetkedsuggests that there would only be 128 GB of storage, regardless of the model. Which is strange, since all the brand’s other smartphones also offer a version with 256 GB of storage.

What’s new in software with the Pixel Experience and Android 15?

The Pixel 9 should be released under Android 15, with Google’s interface, the Pixel Experience. On top of that, they should be updated for at least seven years (as is the case with the Pixel 8). Which means they should enjoy Android 22 in 2031.

Towards the satellite connection

The Pixel 9 Pro is expected to have a Samsung Exynos 5400 modem: it allows satellite connection. Moreover, we find support for the functionality in the Developer Preview 2 of Android 15: it would allow you to send “messages to anyone, including emergency services“. All in the latest beta version of Google Maps. You should be able to update your position every 15 minutes, up to a limit of five times per day.

Furthermore, we would find an SOS service by satellite, like what exists on iPhones. There would even be a tutorial for connecting to a satellite from your smartphone. Google could initially launch the satellite connection of smartphones running Android 15 with its own models.

Protection against theft

Google is preparing several new anti-theft features for Android 15 and the Pixel 9 could benefit from exclusive features. The Pixel Power-off Finder function would arrive on the next models, but not only that. It would allow you to find your smartphone using the Find My Device network, even when it is turned off.

Adaptive touch: more practical for using your phone in the rain

Google may soon add a “Adaptive Touch“, which could be translated into “adaptive touch» in Android’s display settings. The description of the function revealed by Mishaal Rahman is this: “the touch sensitivity will automatically adapt to your environment, your activities and your screen protector.» Enough to use your smartphone more easily when your fingers are wet or when it’s raining, like on the OnePlus 12 for example. It seems that this will initially only happen on the Pixel 9.

Photo: this is Google’s challenge, like every year

On all models, we would be entitled to two similar photo sensors:

• A 50 Mpx main sensor, a Samsung ISOCELL GNV;
• A 50 Mpx ultra-wide-angle sensor.

However, the x5 telephoto lens (50 Mpx) would still be reserved for the Pro models. This is one of the ways for Google to segment its range.

Pixel 9 and 9 Pro prices: it’s still too early to say

For the moment, it is too early to comment on the prices of future Pixels. However, the trend seems to remain upward in prices: for a long time, Google had not increased them, before doing so with the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9 could remain at the same price. As a reminder, here are the launch prices of the Pixel 8:

• Pixel 8: 799 euros;
• Pixel 8 Pro: 1099 euros.

We can expect an even more expensive Pixel 8 Pro XL and a Pixel 9 Pro Fold which exceeds 1500 euros.

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