This year’s Made by Google hardware event focuses on choice, showcasing the new Pixel lineup including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. For the first time, consumers can select between two sizes for the Pixel Pro series smartphones, and the Pixel Watch offers two size options as well.
In addition to hardware, Google revealed various software updates, leveraging advancements from its Gemini large language models. Traditionally held in October, this event was moved earlier this year to capitalize on the holiday shopping season and to build momentum before Apple’s September event and the launch of the iPhone 16.
Details on the new hardware include:
The Pixel 9 series expands options by providing size choices with the Pixel 9 Pro available in 6.3 and 6.8 inches. The Pixel 9 phones have seen design tweaks, moving away from the familiar camera bar to a new pill-shaped design, and the display bezels have been minimized. These models boast enhanced durability, with shatter-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a frame made from 100% recycled aluminum.
Here’s a summary of the specifications for 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: 128 and 256 GB options
– Battery: 4,700 mAh
– Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 10.5-MP selfie camera
– 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: 128, 256, 512, 1 TB options
– Battery: 4,700 mAh
– Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie camera
– 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: 128, 256, 512, 1 TB options
– Battery: 5,060 mAh
– Cameras: 50-MP wide, 48-MP ultrawide, 48-MP telephoto (5X), 42-MP selfie camera
– Updates: 7 years
– Price: $1,099
The Pro models differentiate from the standard Pixel 9 mainly through their camera technology. Both tiers include a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, which now features Macro Focus capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro series also includes a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5X optical zoom and an improved autofocus sensor, claiming a new 10X “optical-like” zoom, enhancing digital zoom performance, although first-hand testing is still pending.