The Google Pixel 8 series was launched last October and has been a beloved phone by many despite some of its quirks. With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro out the way, Google is expected to launch the Pixel 8a at the Google I/O ’24. This will mark the completion of the Pixel 8 series.
Anticipation for the Pixel 9 series has started to build up as leaks and rumors about the series have already started surfacing the web. In fact, renders of the Pixel 9 have already been leaked which gives us a first look at the upcoming Google flagship.
If you are excited to learn more about the Google Pixel 9, then this is the article for you. We’ll cover the release window, models, design, specifications, and price of the Pixel 9 series. So, let’s dive in.
Google Pixel 9 Series Release Window
Following past trends, the Google Pixel 9 series should debut in October 2024. Google tends to release a new Pixel series at an event every October. We can also expect Google to announce the Pixel Watch 3 and Android 15 at this very event.
As to when exactly in October, we can expect the event to be held in the first week itself. For reference, the Pixel 8 was launched on October 04, 2023, after being officially previewed in September 2023.
Expect the Pixel 9 series to be previewed at either Google I/O ’24 like the Pixel 7 series or in September like the Pixel 8 series.
Google Pixel 9 Series Design and Models
OnLeaks, a reliable leaker, has revealed the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro renders in full resolution. The design of both devices has been fully revealed.
Unlike the Pixel 8 and the 8 Pro, the Pixel 9 series is going with flat edges, just like the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S24. Nevertheless, Google has retained the visor camera module with a few changes.
The camera visor now stays within the rear of the phone without extending to the edges. The design of both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro is very similar except that the Pixel 9 is 6.1″ and the 9 Pro is 6.5″. Both phones have flat displays.
Surprisingly, both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro have a temperature sensor on the back and more importantly, a periscope module. So, are we finally getting a periscope module on the vanilla Pixel 9? Well, probably yes.
It’s also important to mention the possibility of another model in the Pixel 9 series. As per an analysis made by an X (Twitter) user, the Pixel 9 renders we are seeing are actually the renders of the Pixel 9 Pro. And the Pixel 9 Pro renders we are seeing are actually the renders of the Pixel 9 Ultra, a new addition to the Pixel 9 roster.
This was also discussed in one of the articles by Android Authority. However, when we take a close look at the renders of the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 9 has a 6.1″ display and the Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.5″ display.
Now, the claims suggest that the Pixel 9 renders are actually of the 9 Pro. Assuming these display sizes are accurate, there is no way that Google would release both a Pro model and a vanilla model of the same screen size. Also, it wouldn’t make sense for Google to release an “Ultra” phone with a 6.5″ display size.
Furthermore, display analyst Ross Young suggested that there will be three models in the Pixel 9 roster including the Pixel 9a which will be released in 2025. Moreover, OnLeaks has a solid track record and it is most likely that these are the correct renders of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
At the end of the day, do note that these are very early leaks/renders and Google could, well, introduce a 6.3″ Pro model. Although this is highly unlikely, there is a possibility. We’ll have to wait for Google I/O ’24 or perhaps September for an official announcement.
Nevertheless, we really hope that the vanilla Pixel 9 gets a periscope module and some of the other “Pro-exclusive” features like the temperature sensor. We can expect the periscope module on the vanilla Pixel 9 to be an inferior one, perhaps a 3x module with a smaller sensor size.
Google Pixel 9 Series Specs
Right now, it’s too early to give out any concrete information on the specs of the Pixel 9 series. However, we do have a few details about the devices.
First and foremost, the Google Pixel 9 series will be powered by the Tensor G4 chip. This chip, unlike what we initially expected, will be based on Samsung’s 4 nm fabrication. Leaks say that the Tensor G4 will be based on Samsung’s latest in-house flagship chip, the Exynos 2400.
The good news is that the Exynos 2400 is performing better than expected, to say the least. As per Golden Reviewer on X (Twitter), the Exynos 2400 performs 10-15% slower than the Snapdragon 8 Gen3. While this is not impressive in any way, it’s still better than what we have seen from Exynos in the past.
A better Exynos chip should also translate to a better Tensor G4. However, it is still far away from matching the performers and efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen3.
Nevertheless, leaks suggest that Google will finally ditch Samsung’s manufacturing node in favor of in-house manufacturing, starting with the Tensor G5. This was initially planned for the Tensor G4 but there has been a delay due to some technical issues.
Google is also said to be adopting the Qi2 wireless charging standard, which is more efficient and enables a MagSafe-like experience. Apart from that, the Pixel 9 series will boast a flat 120 Hz OLED screen with perhaps 2400 nits of peak brightness across both models.
As for the cameras, we can expect a 50 MP primary lens on both models, which is rumored to be Samsung’s ISOCELL GNV, the same one used in the Pixel 8 series. 
The Pixel 9 Pro should retain the 48 MP ultra-wide lens, but this is just speculation. We are not sure whether the Pixel 9 will get an upgraded ultra-wide lens from the 12 MP that the Pixel 8 has.
The most exciting part of the Pixel 9 series is the addition of a periscope module to the vanilla Pixel 9. If this is true, the Pixel 9 Pro should retain the 48 MP 1/2.55″ 5X periscope module.
On the other hand, we are speculating that the Pixel 9 might get an inferior 3X periscope module with a smaller sensor size. However, these are just our speculations and we would love to read your thoughts on this.
Moving ahead, the Pixel 9 series is also expected to heavily focus on AI features, more than ever before. With the introduction of Galaxy AI, there should be a trend of companies trying to integrate AI into their phones.
Google is no stranger to the AI game, and it’s only getting better with the Pixel 9 series. We are hopeful that Google will introduce at least one unique AI feature that will make it stand out in the realm of AI phones.
To top it all off, the Google Pixel 9 series will boot with Android 15 out of the box and will most likely get 7 years of OS and security updates alongside parts availability.
That’s all we know about the specs of the Google Pixel 9 series for now.
Google Pixel 9 Series Price (Expected)
- Pixel 9-$899
- Pixel 9 Pro-$1099
Unfortunately, we don’t have any information on the price of the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro yet. However, we can make some speculations.
Given the upgrades, the Pixel 9 should see a price increment at $100 which lands it at $899. We hope that Google does something more to justify this pricing, like maybe a base storage of 256 GB.
We already had a $100 price increment on the Pixel 8 over the Pixel 7 and this would be the second price bump in a row.
As for the Pixel 9 Pro, we can expect it to be priced at $1099, also a $100 increase. Again, we hope that Google gets rid of the 128 GB base variant and goes all in with 256 GB.
Meanwhile, if there actually is a smaller Pro coming to the Pixel 9 series, here are the expected prices:
- Pixel 9-$799
- Pixel 9 Pro-$999
- Pixel 9 Ultra-$1099
What are your thoughts on all these leaks and rumors revolving around the Pixel 9 series? Let us know in the comments section below.
