The Pixel 9 series elevates your selfie game with much-awaited front camera upgrades

Google’s Pixel 9 series has wowed us with some truly cool features, including better durability, enhanced software and AI capabilities, and a powerful rear camera setup that’s capable of taking some stellar shots. But it doesn’t end there. Some phones tend to have advanced rear cameras with a far less impressive selfie camera, but Google has taken a different approach with the Pixel 9 series.

The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, in particular, have the best selfie camera we’ve seen in any Pixel device to date. These devices are equipped with 42MP front cameras that can capture incredibly detailed photos. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the Pixel 8 Pro, in comparison, features a 10.5MP selfie camera. You can only imagine what a difference an improvement on this scale can make to your photos.

The devices also boast 30% better light sensitivity compared to their predecessor. What difference does light sensitivity make, you ask? Well, for one, a camera that is more light-sensitive can shoot clear and detailed photos even in low-light conditions. Not only does this improve the brightness of the photo, but it can also reduce noise, which, in turn, means you get a photo that’s not devoid of detail.

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority

Pixel 9

Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL also have a really wide 103-degree field of view (the Pixel 8 Pro, in comparison, has a 95-degree field of view). This means you won’t have to worry about anyone getting cut out of group selfies or missing out on capturing a stunning backdrop to its full extent.

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Google Pixel 9 Pro

All Pro, reasonable size
High-quality display
Seven years of software support

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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The best specs in the Pixel 9 series
Gorgeous display
Seven years of software updates

Not one to be left out of all the fun, the Pixel 9 also sees some notable upgrades to the front camera. While the device retains the 10.5MP front camera from its predecessor, it now comes with enhanced autofocus capabilities. This improvement can significantly enhance the clarity and stability of your photos and video calls, ensuring you always look your best.

Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9

Most affordable Pixel 9 • Seven years of updates • Refreshed design

The vanilla Pixel 9.

The Pixel 9 rocks a 6.3-inch display, Tensor G4 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and at least 128GB of internal storage.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, at the very top of the Pixel 9 lineup, has received perhaps the most modest selfie camera improvements. It boasts a 10 MP Dual PD selfie camera with an 87-degree ultrawide field of view on the inner screen and the same camera on the cover screen.

In comparison, its predecessor — the Pixel Fold — features a 9.5MP Dual PD selfie camera with an 84-degree wide field of view on the cover screen and an 8MP camera on the inner screen. The upgrade is certainly not groundbreaking, and we wish the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s selfie camera had been improved more. But since this is a foldable, you have ways to use the rear camera for your selfies if you do need a serious upgrade.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Improved design • 8-inch folding display • Seven years of software updates

The Fold goes Pro.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google's most impressive foldable to date, offering a 6.3-inch exterior display, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. When you're ready for more, unfold to access the 8-inch interior display. Solid cameras, a decent battery, and top-notch software support round out this monster of a device.

All devices from the Pixel 9 series are currently available for pre-order from Google’s website and online retailers. So, if you want to experience these front-camera upgrades for yourself, be sure to pre-order a device of your choosing.

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