Google is expected to announce two smartphones in October this year. Those phones are the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. In this article, we’ll focus on the vanilla model, the Pixel 9. At this point, we’re quite some time away from the launch period for the device, but some information has already surfaced. We’ll talk about that, try to fill in the gaps, and continually update the article as new information comes knocking.
The company will seemingly stick with releasing two flagship-grade smartphones, as it has been doing for years, since the Pixel 6 series, basically. Since then, Google has been releasing vanilla and ‘Pro’ Pixel models at the same time. This time around, the company is looking to change up the design a bit, which will be the biggest change since the Pixel 6. We’ll talk more about that and much more below. So, read on.
This article will be regularly updated with new information on the Google Pixel 9 (this is a preview article) — both official teasers and credible leaks, rumors, and insider claims — as it becomes available in the run-up to the release of the upcoming Android smartphone. This is the initial version of the article.
When will the Google Pixel 9 be released?
At this point in time, a specific launch date for the Pixel 9 is not rumored. However, Google always announces its flagship smartphones in October, pretty much, so at least we have a general timeframe for the launch. The Pixel 6 series arrived on October 19, the Pixel 7 series on October 6, and the Pixel 8 phones launched on October 4. The launch dates have been moving closer and closer to September, but we believe Google will stick to an October launch date. We’ll see. Chances are we’ll have to wait until August or even September for a confirmation.
What models are coming?
The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are coming, but we’re here to focus on the Pixel 9. We’ll have a separate article for the Pixel 9 Pro. In the last three years, the vanilla Pixels came in one RAM option, and two storage options. The same could happen with the Pixel 9. The last three models offered 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Google could end up sticking with 8GB of RAM, or up it to 12GB of RAM. It’s possible that the 128GB storage model will end up being the base model, but who knows? No specific information surfaced just yet. Google is, however, expected to use LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 flash storage.
How much will the Google Pixel 9 cost?
The Google Pixel 8 ended up being more expensive at launch than the Pixel 7. Its base model was priced at $699 in the US. With the Pixel 8, Google could keep that price tag, or move it up a bit. If we end up seeing a price bump, chances are Google will go up to $749, not higher. That’s only a guess, though, as the information regarding that has not surfaced yet. We doubt that the company will bump it up to $799, though it’s possible. We don’t expect it to go over $800 for the base model, though.
What will the Google Pixel 9 look like?
When it comes to the Pixel 9 design, well, it did surface. The phone appeared in CAD-based renders already, so we know exactly what to expect when it comes to its design. Google is looking to change things up a bit with the Pixel 9. The phone will feature flat sides, and that goes for its front, back, and frame. The frame will be slightly curved toward the edges, for comfort’s sake. The corners of the phone will be rounded too, and the frame will likely be made out of aluminum. Some metal is in play, that’s for sure.
Another visible change compared to the Pixel 8 is the phone’s camera island on the back. Google seems to be moving away from the camera visor that connects to the frame on the sides. The Pixel 9 will have a pill-shaped camera island on the back, which will be centered up top. The metal around the cameras will be a lot less noticeable than on the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9 will seemingly also have larger camera sensors, It will stick to two camera sensors, though, the same as the Pixel 8. The camera island will protrude on the back, and aside from being pill-shaped, it will have flat sides.
You’ll get a flat display with uniform bezels
A flat display will be in use on the front side of the phone. A centered display camera hole is also visible in the images provided below. The phone will have very thin bezels around the display, and those bezels will be uniform. You can also see the Pixel 9’s metal-clad physical buttons on the right-hand side. The power/lock button is positioned above the volume up and down keys. Google’s logo is a part of the package too, and it sits at the center of the phone’s backplate. That backplate will be made out of glass, by the way.
The phone will measure around 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm (12mm including the camera bump). 91mobiles claims that the display will be a 6.1-inch panel, but considering that the phone will be both taller and wider than the Pixel 8 (which has a 6.2-inch panel), we find that hard to believe. It’s more likely the phone will have a 6.3-inch display, but we’ll see. A rumor from last year also suggested that it will include a bigger display.
What specs will the Google Pixel 9 have?
The Google Tensor G4 will fuel the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9. That is Google’s upcoming chip which will debut on the Pixel 9 series. Based on the latest information, it will be a 4nm processor based on Samsung’s process. Rumors are claiming that we’ll see a huge bump with the Tensor G5 that will be included in the Pixel 10 series, but some improvements are expected with the Tensor G4 as well.
A 6.2 or a 6.3-inch display is expected to be included on the front, and it will be a flat panel. Chances are that will be a fullHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. We’re expecting it to be an LTPO panel too, which means it will offer an adaptive refresh rate. That panel will also be quite bright. The Pixel 8’s display had a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and the Pixel 9 is looking to up that even more.
It will likely have a slightly larger battery
We’re still not sure about the phone’s battery life, as no information surfaced. However, it’s expected to be slightly larger than the 4,575mAh unit included in the Pixel 8. The phone is also expected to support Qi2 wireless charging standard. So if you loved Apple’s approach to wireless charging, with magnets and whatnot, that will be supported on the Pixel 9 series too, including the Pixel 9.
Android 15 will come pre-installed on the device. This will be the first phone to offer that version of Android, in addition to its sibling. Stereo speakers will also be included, while the phone’s cameras are still a mystery. No information whatsoever surfaced regarding the cameras, so we’ll have to wait and see. We do know that it will include two cameras on the back and a single camera on the front.
The Google Pixel 9 is expected to measure 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm (12mm with the camera bump). Its weight is still a mystery.
Should you wait to buy the Google Pixel 9?
At the time of writing this article, we’re still 6 months away from the Pixel 9 launch. We don’t have a lot of details about the device, so if you need a new phone, getting the Pixel 8 may not be a bad idea. It’s a solid smartphone with a good price tag, that’s for sure. If you really like the design the Pixel 9 will offer, and can wait a bit to see what will its camera setup be, it may be worth it. You’ll be good either way.