Google’s next generation of flagship phones are here, and there’s a lot to talk about.
Not only has the company launched successors to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro (now the Pixel 9 Pro XL), there’s also a brand-new, compact Pro model. Google’s foldable also now gets Pixel 9 branding, but we’re covering the Pixel 9 Pro Fold separately.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Pixel 9 series.
When will the Google Pixel 9 be released?
Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series on 13 August 2024, along with the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.
The regular and Pro XL models are on sale now, having been released on 22 August. You’ll have to wait until 4 September for the Pro and Pro Fold, though both are available to pre-order now.
Find out where to buy the new phones in our separate Pixel 9 deals guide.
For context, here are the launch dates of previous generations:
- Google Pixel 8: October 2023
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: October 2023
- Google Pixel 7: October 2022
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: October 2022
- Google Pixel 6: October 2021
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: October 2021
(Learn more about all previous Google Pixel phones.)
How much does the Google Pixel 9 cost?
This is how the launch prices of the individual models of the Pixel 9 series phones look:
- Pixel 9 (128GB) – £799/$799
- Pixel 9 (256GB) – £899/$899
- Pixel 9 Pro (128GB) – £999/$999
- Pixel 9 Pro (256GB) – £1,099/$1,099
- Pixel 9 Pro (512GB) – £1,219/$1,219
- Pixel 9 Pro (1TB) – £1,449/$1,449
- Pixel 9 Pro XL (128GB) – £1,099/$1,099
- Pixel 9 Pro XL (256GB) – £1,199/$1,199
- Pixel 9 Pro XL (512GB) – £1,319/$1,319
- Pixel 9 Pro XL (1TB) – £1,549/$1,549
Here are the starting prices for the last few generations:
- Google Pixel 8: $699/£699
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: $999/£999
- Google Pixel 7: $599/£599
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: $899/£849
- Google Pixel 6: $599/£599
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: $899/£849
As you can see, the regular Pixel 9 is £100/$100 more expensive over the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9 Pro, on the other hand, has been priced the same as the Pixel 8 Pro, likely so that the Pixel 9 Pro XL can be introduced at £100/$100 more.
If you’re planning to buy one, you’re going to want to keep an eye on our guide on where to pre-order the Pixel 9 series (put the link here when the article is ready) and Pixel deals coverage!
What features does the Google Pixel 9 have?
Confirming all previous rumours, Google unveiled not only the standard Pixel 9 and its Pro version, but also a larger Pro XL model and a successor to the original Pixel Fold, which has been renamed the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Below you will find the specifications for each of the first three models. If you want to know what the last one offers, be sure to check out our the Pixel 9 Pro Fold guide.
Design
The Pixel 9 series, comprising the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, showcases a cohesive design language with subtle variations across the models.
All three devices feature a flat metal frame, with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro adopting a more compact form factor than the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. The front of each phone includes a centred punch-hole cut-out for the selfie camera, framed by slim bezels.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with a 6.8-inch display, compared to the 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9. The series moves towards flatter sides, a design shift from the rounded edges seen in previous Pixel models, echoing the flat-sided design reminiscent of the iPhone 15 series.
The rear of the devices continues the familiar Pixel design with a camera bar, but with some updates. The camera bar on the Pixel 9 series phones protrudes slightly but does not extend edge-to-edge, unlike the Pixel 8 series.
The series also differs in its finish. The Pixel 9 sports a polished back with satin finish metal frame, compared to the silky matt back polished finish metal frame on the Pro models. However, all of them feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back for added durability, plus an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
The Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL measure and weigh, respectively: 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5mm and 198g, 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5mm and 199g, 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm and 221g.
The whole series is available in Porcelain and Obsidian. However, the standard Pixel 9 additionally offers Wintergreen and Peony colours, while the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are available in Hazel and Rose Quartz finishes.
Display
The standard Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display with 20:9 aspect ratio, resolution of 1080 x 2424 at 422 PPI and 60-120Hz refresh rate. The screen offers up to 1800 nits (HDR) and up to 2700 nits (peak brightness).
The Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with 20:9 aspect ratio, resolution of 1280 x 2856 at 495 PPI and 1-120Hz refresh rate. The screen offers up to 2000 nits (HDR) and up to 3000 nits (peak brightness).
The Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with 20:9 aspect ratio, resolution of 1344 x 2992 at 486 PPI and 1-120Hz refresh rate. The screen offers up to 2000 nits (HDR) and up to 3000 nits (peak brightness).
Performance
The entire Pixel 9 series is powered by Google’s Tensor G4, along with the Titan M2 security coprocessor.
The standard Pixel 9 is available with 12GB of RAM and 128- or 256GB of storage. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are available with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.
Cameras
The Pixel 9 series phones all feature a 50Mp Octa PD main camera with ƒ/1.68 aperture and 82° field of view, as well as a 48Mp Quad PD ultrawide camera with autofocus, ƒ/1.7 aperture and 123° field of view.
However, only the primary camera of the entry-level Pixel 9 offers digital zoom up to 8x. This is because the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have an additional 48Mp Quad PD telephoto camera with ƒ/2.8 aperture, 22° field of view, as well as 5x optical zoom and digital zoom up to 30x.
Furthermore, while the standard Pixel 9 only offers a single-zone LDAF (laser detect auto focus) sensor, spectral and flicker sensor, and optical + electronic image stabilisation on wide camera, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL offer multi-zone LDAF and additional stabilisation on telephoto camera.
Battery & charging
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro have a 4700mAh battery. According to Google, they will fast charge up to 55% in about 30 minutes.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL has received a more capacious 5060mAh cell, which is said to offer fast charging up to 70% in about 30 minutes.
All models also feature Qi wireless charging. Google promises 24+ hour battery life with up to 100-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver on all three models.
Software
The Pixel 9 series was launched with Android 14, but it will certainly receive an update to the upcoming Android 15. Google promises seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates.
But almost all of the exciting software developments are AI-related. New Pixel Weather and Pixel Screenshots apps make use of it, while a Pixel Studio app lets you generate almost any image based on prompts.
Elsewhere, a ‘Reimagine’ feature within Google Photos can transform the look and feel of existing photos, by removing objects or adding new ones to transform the scene. And ‘Add Me‘ lets you add the photographer back into group shots.
Then there’s Gemini Live, which essentially replaces the Google Assistant and offers a genuine AI-powered voice assistant experience.
Read our round-ups of the best smartphones and best Android phones to see what they’re up against.
Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor
Artur is a Mobile Writer at Tech Advisor, where he covers a range of smartphone, tablet and smartwatch-related topics. He has been working in the tech industry since 2021, including time spent leading a team focused on mobile news, reviews and product rankings. As an ambassador for the productivity app Notion, he runs training workshops and creates advanced templates to help people stay organised and productive.