Pixel 8 was crowned as the best smartphone of 2023 this year at MWC, offering impressive features like a 120Hz display, a 50MP camera, and extended software support. While the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro still reign supreme as some of the best Android phones, it’s never too early to peek ahead at what Google has cooking up next. That’s why rumours and speculation around the new gen Pixel device are all around, and thanks to leaks, we already have a good idea of what to expect. From adaptive display to changes in design, let’s take a detailed look at everything we know so far about the Pixel 9.
advertisement
Design and Display: Leaked renders suggest that for the Pixel 9 Pro, Google has decided to embrace the flat-edge trend, similar to recent iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones. The signature camera bar will remain, drawing inspiration from the Pixel Fold. While the leaked dimensions hint at a smaller display for the Pro model, industry insider Ross Young suggests all Pixel 9 phones will have larger screens than their predecessors.
Some leaks also reveal that the Pixel 9 will come with a telephoto lens, potentially mirroring the Pro’s feature set. This aligns with a December 2022 leak that hinted at a smaller “Pro” model and a standard Pixel 9 with flagship-level specs.
Additionally, reports suggest that Google plans to introduce ‘Adaptive Touch’ technology with the Pixel 9 series. This feature aims to automatically adjust the screen sensitivity based on the user’s environment and activities, enhancing the overall user experience. The discovery of hints within the code of the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 update by technology expert Mishaal Rahman further supports this claim. Although not yet functional on existing Pixel models, snippets from the code suggest that Adaptive Touch will dynamically adapt to various factors such as surroundings, activities, and the presence of a screen protector once activated. This innovation reflects Google’s commitment to enhancing user interaction and overall device performance with its upcoming Pixel lineup.
Processor: For the brains of the operation, the Pixel 9 will likely sport Google’s in-house new Tensor G4 chip, an upgrade to the current G3. While some rumours initially suggested that Google might fully make a new custom chip, new reports suggest that the makeover plans are pushed back to 2025 with the Pixel 10. However, the Pixel 9 might also be among the first phones to support the upcoming Qi2 wireless charging standard, featuring MagSafe-like functionality.
Software: For the smooth sale, just like every year, Google is expected to introduce its new Android OS. And this year it will be the successor of Android 14, i.e., Android 15. The Pixel 9 series is expected to be the first to launch with the newest iteration of Google’s mobile operating system. Although specific features of the new OS remain under wraps, expect Google to showcase its best here.
AI Features: The Pixel 8 series is currently getting a load of AI improvements and features, and Google is expected to top up its new gen Pixels with more. Whispers suggest Google is planning to introduce a new “Pixie” assistant powered by Google’s Gemini AI chip. This assistant might operate offline on the device itself, potentially offering functionalities beyond the current Google Assistant. However, RAM limitations might restrict this feature to the Pixel 9 with more than 8GB of RAM. Just like the Pixel 8 series, the Pixel 9 lineup is likely to receive software updates for seven years, ensuring a long lifespan.
Cameras : Pixel phones are said to be the best for their cameras. And for Pixel 9, Google is rumoured to focus on amping up the mobile photography game. According to leaks, the most significant camera upgrade could be the inclusion of a telephoto lens on the standard Pixel 9, potentially matching the Pro model for the first time. Google will likely focus heavily on AI-powered software processing to elevate camera performance, continuing its trend of prioritising software over raw hardware upgrades.
Pixel 8 Launch Date and Expected Price
Now, as for the launch date, traditionally, Google unveils its new Pixel phones in the first week of October. This year too, we can expect the official launch during the same timeline, around early October, followed by store availability a week later.
As for the price, following the Pixel 8 series’ price hike, expect the Pixel 9 to start at around $700 and the Pro version at $1,000. However, the potential increase in Pixel 8a pricing might influence the Pixel 9’s cost as well.
However, it is important to note that the information is all based on leaks and rumours, and nothing has been officially confirmed by Google. We will have to wait for the official release to see what the real Pixel looks like. However, until the launch date, we might get more sneak peeks or a fair idea of what Google is cooking.
