Google Pixel 9 rumors: Everything we know so far about the upcoming Pixels

Will there be a Google Pixel 9?

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

The Google Pixel series is currently in its 8th generation, and Google’s commitment to its smartphone lineup is evident. There’s no indication that this will change in the near future. Furthermore, we’ve already heard plenty about the Pixel 9, further solidifying this commitment.

As far back as December 2022, Android Authority exclusively reported a leaked roadmap, suggesting the release of three models in 2024. Alongside the anticipated Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, the roadmap indicated the existence of a second, smaller Pro model. This option caters to individuals who prefer a smaller display while still desiring the same Pro-level specifications.

Since then, we’ve seen leaked renders, information about the upgraded processor, and other tidbits of info that corroborate our earlier leak. And now, Google has officially announced a launch event and confirmed that the Pixel 9 series is indeed coming.

Following this pattern, we expected an early October 2024 launch event for the Pixel 9 series. However, Google has shaken up its Pixel launch schedule this year, officially confirming a Pixel 9 launch event for August 13. Historically, the launch happens early in the month, with pre-orders starting that same day and shipments coming shortly thereafter. We expect Google to follow a similar availability strategy for the Pixel 9 series.

How many Pixel 9 phones will there be?

As we mentioned earlier, we leaked the Pixel roadmap in late 2022. In that leak, we posited that there would be three Pixel 9 phones, which would be a huge shake-up for the series. Although Google has had several different strategies for Pixels over the years, it has never launched three phones in one mainline family.

We were trepidatious when we learned that information since it was so early on. However, now we are very confident that, for the first time, there could be more than two Pixel phones for the ninth iteration in the series. This could include a vanilla Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Pro, and a Pixel 9 Pro XL. There is also evidence to suggest the follow-up to the Pixel Fold could be the Pixel 9 Pro Fold — giving the Pixel 9 series a whopping four phones.

We are confident that Google could launch three slate phones in the Pixel 9 series, a first for the line.

If you remember, the last time Google launched an “XL” phone was in 2019 with the Pixel 4 XL. It abandoned launching a large phone altogether with the singular Pixel 5 and then introduced “Pro” models with the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, therefore, is a combination of past and present strategies.

If you’re wondering why Google would push three slate phones like this, there’s a one-word answer: iPhones. The iPhone series has a small vanilla model (i.e., iPhone 15), a more powerful variant of that with the same or similar dimensions (i.e., iPhone 15 Pro), and then a larger version of that more powerful device (i.e., iPhone 15 Pro Max). Google is simply emulating this strategy, which, quite obviously, has worked out very well for Apple.

However, Apple doesn’t have a foldable phone yet, so Google’s strategy could be quite different if recent leaks are to be believed.On April 15, 2024, we received word that what was known as the Pixel Fold 2 may have been rebranded to the “Pixel 9 Pro Fold.” Codenamed “comet,” the moniker Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t final, but our sources say it’s the name Google is currently using for it at the moment.

Let’s get into the leaked designs of the phones so we can tell you more about what to expect!

What will the Pixel 9 look like?

The first design leak for the Pixel series was the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which came via reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka “OnLeaks.” At the time, though, Steve said it was the Pixel 9 Pro. Regardless, this will be the largest model in the family. With reported dimensions of 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, it is about the same size as the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Check out the renders below:

The images show a phone that looks quite different from previous versions. Firstly, it has a fully flat look, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The camera bar at the back is also changing and looks more compact than before.

The primary camera sensor also appears to be much bigger. The publication that leaked the renders noted that this could mean it’s a variable aperture lens. However, there’s no concrete information to share about the phone’s cameras just yet. Do note that it looks like the temperature sensor, first launched with the Pixel 8 Pro, could make a return.

Only a day after the alleged Pixel 9 Pro XL leaked, Hemmerstoffer released renders for what will likely be the Pixel 9 Pro (but, at the time, Hemmerstoffer claimed it as the regular Pixel 9). The renders show a smaller device with a triple camera setup, lining up with our 2022 leak. It also appears to have a telephoto lens and possibly a thermometer like the Pro. Overall, it looks very similar to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, just smaller:

According to Hemmerstoffer, the Pixel 9 Pro’s dimensions are 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm, and it has a 6.1-inch flat display. This would make the Pixel 9 Pro bigger than the Google Pixel 8 but not nearly as big as the Pixel 8 Pro.

Later, on April 19, we saw the first alleged real-life images of the Pixel 9 Pro:

These images strongly align with the leaked renders, so there’s a good chance they are legit. However, given how early this phone leaked — very early, even for Google’s standards — we are approaching them with some skepticism. Still, if these don’t show a real Pixel 9 Pro, they are very likely a good representation of what to expect.

In late March 2024, we saw renders for the third model, likely to launch as the standard Google Pixel 9. Check out renders for that here:

The phone also measures 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm, giving it about the same dimensions as the Pixel 9 Pro. Interestingly, Hemmerstoffer claims the display is only 6.03 inches, meaning it will have a smaller display than the Pixel 9 Pro but in a similar-sized body. In other words, expect thicker bezels on the standard model.

You can also see that this handset has two rear cameras instead of three. This lines up with the iPhone strategy. We expect the two lenses to be a primary and an ultrawide, similar to what Google has done with every standard Pixel since the Pixel 6 series.

Russian site Rozetked later leaked more images of the Pixel 9 series. However, this time the site shared more than just the Pixel 9 Pro. We get a look at the three slab-style handsets in comparison to each other, as well as other devices. Some of the images even show the screen running Android 14. The site also reaffirms some details from previous leaks.

Finally, we need to talk about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the alleged name of the expected follow-up to the Pixel Fold. If Google goes with this name, then the new foldable phone would officially be a part of the Pixel 9 lineup. Here are leaked renders of that:

What specs and features could the Google Pixel 9 have?

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

It wouldn’t be a new Pixel launch without a slate of hardware upgrades. We expect Google to have some brand-new updates for the Pixel 9 series, and this is what we know so far.

According to The Information, Google had initially planned to launch that custom chip in time for the Pixel 9, but it missed internal deadlines. Consequently, it’s now too late to include it in the Pixel 9. Google will continue developing the custom chip for testing purposes. You can also expect a successor based on this early work to debut with the Pixel 10 series as Tensor G5 in 2025 (unless, of course, Google faces more delays).

The Tensor G3 wasn't a massive leap forward, and it seems like the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 won't be a big upgrade, either.

Regardless, Tensor G4 will now be based on a chip codenamed “zuma pro.” For those who may not be aware, Google refers to the Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 as “zuma.” It doesn’t take Batman to deduce that Tensor G4 could just be a slightly better Tensor G3. While the Tensor G4 is likely to introduce some useful enhancements and features, it’s unfortunate that Google couldn’t provide its fully custom chip as initially intended.

Our sources claim that Tensor G4 will also introduce a new modem — the Samsung Modem 5400. This modem is expected to be faster and more power efficient than the Exynos Modem 5300 that appears in the Pixel 8. It’s said the software stack has been updated to improve stability as well as provide support for 3GPP Rel. 17 — which supports 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or satellite-based communication in other words. This won’t be exclusive to the higher-end model, either, as it’s believed it will come to all devices with Tensor G4.

We've seen very little in the way of Pixel 9 camera leaks for now.

The Pixel 8 series made the switch to the Samsung Isocell GN2, a 50MP shooter with several improvements, including 35% more light processing, the possibility of 8K/30fps video capture, and staggered HDR. It’s very likely the Pixel 9 series will retain this main camera. It’s less clear if the aging ultrawide lens will also see an upgrade on the base Pixel 9. The camera systems of the Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold, though, are even harder to predict. Google often makes at least a few changes to its Pro lineup every year, so odds are we’ll see improvement to either the ultrawide lens, telephoto lens, or both. But, even then, there’s no telling if there will be distinct differences between the systems on those three phones or if Google will make them all the same. Google has never launched this many Pixels before, so we have no historical evidence to use for hypotheses.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be surprising if Google decided to upgrade the selfie camera hardware across all Pixel 9 models. This is because the Pixel 8 family kept the same Samsung 3J1 (11 MP) sensor as the Pixel 7 family, which suggests that it’s time for an upgrade in 2024.

The leak from Rozetked appears to show that the Pixel 9 could land with 12GB of RAM. While the Pixel 9 Pro models could have 16GB of RAM. However, all three models seem to start at 128GB of internal storage.

Elsewhere, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has announced that the Qi2 wireless charging standard has completed certification testing, and there is a strong chance the Pixel 9 series would support it. That’s because a senior Google Hardware engineer is a board member of WPC and is “currently leading the investigation and design of next-generation wireless charging platforms for future Pixel products.”

Meanwhile, a report by Android expert Mishaal Rahman on March 11 suggests that an Adaptive Touch feature could come to the Pixel 9 line. This feature could be similar to OnePlus and OPPO’s own function, which delivers more accurate and reliable touch input with wet fingers.

The Pixel 9 series could also be one of the first few phones to properly support Android 15‘s Powered Off Finder API. This API will allow compatible devices to be location-tracked even when they are switched off by letting them use Google Play Services to continue sending Bluetooth signals to broadcast their location to other nearby devices on Android’s upgraded Find My Device network. To enable this feature, it is fair to presume that the Pixel 9 series will come with the hardware support needed to keep the Bluetooth chip enabled even after the phone is switched off.

In addition to the modem, Google has been working on integrating support for satellite-based messaging in Android 15, commonly referred to as non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). Along with NTN support from the new modem, the Pixel 9 series will be the first to support Android’s native satellite implementation. At first, satellite communication will be text-based and provided by T-Mobile (built in collaboration with SpaceX). However, other providers may join sometime in the future.

Additionally, a special Satellite Gateway app will allow for easy communications with emergency services via a feature called Emergency SOS. This app will ask a few basic questions to narrow down the situation, and you’ll be given a choice to notify your emergency contacts. Some of these questions include:

Once the questions are answered, you’ll be able to converse with emergency services to get the help you need. Due to the nature of satellite connectivity, mobile devices typically need precise alignment to connect. Google has designed animations to help this process, such as the one below:

The interface Android could use for this animation was discovered by X (formerly Twitter) user Nail Sadykov. It appears this UI — which can be seen below — is part of the Adaptive Connectivity Services app, which is a Pixel-exclusive app.

If you’re using the feature, you will be prompted to move your phone to “center the satellite in the circle.” This will coincide with you facing and pointing to the nearest active satellite you can connect to. As you attempt to get set up, it will provide a reminder that you must get a “clear view of the sky by avoiding buildings, trees, and mountains,” for it to work correctly.

This UI can also be minimized into a floating window with the PiP button at the top left. You can see an example in the image below.

We’ll be sure to update this guide as more leaks and rumors hit.

What might the Google Pixel 9 price be?

We can’t see Google jacking prices even higher than this a year later. If it doesn’t, we’d expect the Pixel 9 to come in at $699, the Pixel 9 Pro at $899, the Pixel 9 Pro XL at $999, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at $1,799. That’s just speculation, but it seems pretty plausible.

It’s not totally out of the question for Google to match iPhone pricing, though. If Google went that route, the Pixel 9 would cost $799, the Pixel 9 Pro would cost $999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL would cost $1,099 or even $1,199. We have our fingers crossed that Google doesn’t do this, but given the company’s efforts to mimic the iPhone strategy, it’s not impossible, either.

Should you wait for the Google Pixel 9?

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

With this new August launch date, the Pixel 9 series launch is only a few weeks away, so unless you have a pressing need to buy a new smartphone right away, it’ll be advisable to wait and see what Google has to offer with the Pixel 9 series.

What if you have an aging handset that needs an upgrade ASAP? There’s really no reason to wait. The jump from the Pixel 8 ($699 at Amazon) to the Pixel 9 will be relatively minor, though the Pixel 8 Pro ($999 at Amazon) was a big leap from previous Pro Pixels.

If the Pixel 8 doesn’t pique your interest, alternatives like the Galaxy S24 ($859.99 at Amazon) or Galaxy S24 Ultra ($1419.99 at Amazon) could also be worth exploring.