This year’s Made by Google hardware event centered around the theme of choice, showcasing new Pixel devices. Google introduced four new smartphones: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. For the first time, users can select between two sizes for the pro-level Pixel smartphones, and the smartwatch also offers two size options.
In addition to hardware, Google presented a range of software updates powered by its Gemini large language models. This year’s event took place earlier than usual, likely to capitalize on the holiday shopping season and to gain visibility ahead of Apple’s annual September event, which featured the launch of the iPhone 16.
Details surrounding Google’s latest hardware were disclosed, alongside in-depth reports on the cameras of the new phones and the health-monitoring features of the Pixel Watch.
The Pixel 9 Series has expanded, giving consumers a choice between a compact Pixel and two larger Pro options, which are 6.3 inches and 6.8 inches. The design has been updated, replacing the traditional camera bar with a new pill-shaped camera module on the back. The front bezels have been flattened as well. Google’s new models boast improved durability, being encased in shatter-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and using a fully recycled aluminum frame. Unlike competitors like the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra, these models do not incorporate titanium.
Here are the key specifications of the Pixel 9 series:
– **Pixel 9**:
– Display: 6.3 inch, 120 Hz, OLED, up to 2,700 nits
– Processor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 12 GB RAM
– Storage: Options of 128 and 256 GB
– Battery: 4,700 mAh
– Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 10.5-MP selfie
– Updates: 7 years
– Price: $799
– **Pixel 9 Pro**:
– Display: 6.3 inch, 120 Hz, LTPO OLED, up to 3,000 nits
– Processor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 16 GB RAM
– Storage: Options ranging from 128 GB to 1 TB
– Battery: 4,700 mAh
– Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie
– Updates: 7 years
– Price: $999
– **Pixel 9 Pro XL**:
– Display: 6.8 inch, 120 Hz, LTPO OLED, up to 3,000 nits
– Processor and RAM: Tensor G4 with 16 GB RAM
– Storage: Options ranging from 128 GB to 1 TB
– Battery: 5,060 mAh
– Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie
– Updates: 7 years
– Price: $1,099
The major difference between the Pro models and the base Pixel 9 lies in the camera technology. All models feature the same 50-MP primary camera and 48-MP ultrawide camera, now capable of Macro Focus for detailed close-up shots. However, the Pixel 9 Pro series includes an enhanced 48-MP telephoto camera with both 5X optical zoom and a new 10X “optical-like” zoom feature, which promises quality results with digital zoom, though this will require testing. The Pro models also benefit from a more advanced autofocus sensor.