Google Pixel 9 is here: same size, Gemini Nano AI and a new camera
Google is launching earlier this year (August instead of October), and there are also some restructurings among the Pixel phones. The standard phone remains, but gets a similarly sized Pro model. The Google Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch OLED display with 120 Hz and an FHD+ resolution. Google has done away with the optical fingerprint sensor and now uses the more reliable ultrasonic sensors instead. In addition, the peak brightness is now significantly higher at 2,700 nits instead of 2,000 nits.
The small increase in the screen diagonal also makes the phone slightly larger than last year’s model, but it is still one of the smaller Android smartphones. Compared to the new Pixel 9 Pro, however, it is exactly the same size at 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm and 198 g.
Externally, the biggest difference to the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the periscope telephoto lens. Instead, the standard model sticks with the classic dual camera setup consisting of wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle. At least these two cameras are identical to the Pro and Pro XL. The main camera is the same as last year – a 50 MP module with a 1/1.31 inch Samsung GNK sensor (1.2 µm pixels) and OIS. The selfie camera has a resolution of 10.5 MP on a Samsung sensor, but in the new generation it also offers autofocus. The ultra-wide-angle module receives a notable upgrade with a 48 MP sensor (1/2.55 inch, 123 degree lens), compared to the 12 MP module (1/2.8 inch) of the 8 series.
Inside, the biggest upgrade is the processing power. The Tensor G4 has a Cortex-X4 main core as well as three A720 and four A520 cores. There is also a more efficient Exynos 5400 modem and the well-known Mali-G715 GPU with a slightly higher clock frequency. In addition, this year even the Google Pixel 9 has 12 GB of RAM under the hood, as much as the Pixel 8 Pro last year. This is mainly due to Gemini Nano – more RAM is the key to on-device AI performance.
There are 7 years of software updates, but the launch is still with the expiring Android version 14. This is most likely because the launch was brought forward. The Google Pixel 9 Pro models and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be among the first to get the update to Android 15 in October.
Google is not so keen on fast charging, but the Pixel 9 is faster than its predecessor. In 30 minutes, the battery now reaches 55% instead of 50%. This is if you use a 45 watt USB PD charger. Battery capacity is slightly higher at 4,700mAh (up from 4,575mAh). The phone is available in four colors at launch: Porcelain, Peony, Wintergreen, and Obsidian. The midframe is made of aluminum, while the front and back are made of Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone is IP68 dust and water resistant.
Google Pixel 9 pricing
The Google Pixel 9 is now available for pre-order in the US and Europe, with India launch details to be announced tomorrow. Prices are €899/$899/£799 for 12/128GB and €999/$999/£899 for 12/256GB. If you pre-order, Google will upgrade your storage for free – the price of the 128GB model gets you the 256GB version. Shipping starts on August 22.
Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 3.
