Google Pixel 9 Launch Recap: Specs, New Features, Design & AI…

Release Date and Pricing

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The Pixel 9 series is now available, launched on August 13, 2024. The lineup starts with the Pixel 9 at $799, making it the most affordable option.

The Pixel 9 Pro is priced at $999, offering a balance of performance and pro-level features. The top-tier Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,549, targeting power users who want the best in terms of display size, battery life, and overall specs.

While these prices reflect the advanced features and AI capabilities, they’re in line with what you’d expect from flagship devices today.

Design Evolution

Leaked renders suggested significant design changes for the Pixel 9 series. Notable modifications include a redesigned camera visor that no longer spans the entire width of the device, instead featuring rounded edges that curve around the camera lenses.

Additionally, the renders indicated a shift to flat sides, aligning with current industry trends.

And you know what? They were bang on the money: the Pixel 9 series included every single one of these new design tweaks.

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The most noticeable change is the redesigned camera visor, which now curves around the lenses rather than spanning the entire width of the device.

The flat sides give the phones a sleek, modern look, aligning them with current design trends. While some fans of the original visor might miss its distinctive style, this new design feels both refined and practical.

Personally, I really liked the visor-style camera module. It has a certain gravitas and it is immediately obvious that you’re looking at a Pixel phone when you see it. That kind of design calling card is hard to do, so I’ll be rather sad to see the back of it.

Expanding The Lineup – A Pixel 9 XL Model is Coming?

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For the first time since 2019, Google has introduced an “XL” model with the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

This phone is designed for users who want a larger display and the best possible performance.

The 6.8-inch screen, paired with the Tensor G4 chip and up to 1TB of storage, positions the Pro XL as a direct competitor to Apple’s Pro Max and Samsung’s Ultra models. It’s the ultimate Pixel experience, but sadly it also comes with a price tag to match.

Hardware Specifications

The Pixel 9 series is expected to feature the Tensor G4 chip, based on Samsung’s Exynos 2400 platform. While not a fully custom Google design, early indications suggest improved performance over its predecessor.

Google has consistently extracted more and more performance from its Tensor platform over the course of the last few years, making it not only smart and useful but also pretty darn potent – the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 are punchy in the performance department, so no complaints there.

All three models in the Pixel 9 series are powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, there’s no tweaked versions of the CPU, as you get with iPhones, which means all the models benefit from the new performance bumps, not just the Pro options.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL stand out with up to 16GB of RAM and the option for 1TB of storage, making them ideal for users who need extra power and space.

The Pro XL, in particular, benefits from a larger battery and faster charging, making it a powerhouse in terms of both performance and endurance.

Software and AI Advancements

Breaking tradition in a rather spectacular fashion, Google will launch its Pixel 9 phones on Android 14 – last year’s version. Usually, new Pixel phones mean new versions of Android but because Google launched them early, users will have to wait for Android 15 which is due out later on this year – likely around September/October. 

The main event with these new models, however, is their new AI smarts and abilities.

A standout addition is Gemini Live, a conversational AI that allows for natural, free-flowing interactions right from your phone. Additionally, Pixel Studio offers an on-device image generator that’s perfect for creatives. The Pixel Screenshots app and an AI-enhanced Pixel Weather app further showcase how deeply integrated AI is in the Pixel 9 experience.

These AI capabilities are driven by the Tensor G4 chip, which was co-designed with Google DeepMind. This makes the Pixel 9 series one of the most AI-focused smartphones on the market, capable of understanding and processing text, images, and audio in ways that feel incredibly intuitive and responsive.

Satellite Connectivity Just Like iPhone

The Pixel 9 series also introduces satellite connectivity via the Samsung 5400 modem (just like Apple did with iPhone), a feature that allows for emergency communications even when you’re off the grid.

This is a significant addition, especially for users who find themselves in areas with limited cellular coverage, putting the Pixel 9 on par with other high-end devices like Apple’s latest Pro and Pro Max models.