Google has just expanded its Pixel lineup with the Pixel 9 series, and this year, it’s bigger and bolder than ever. With one standard model, the Pixel 9, and three Pro variants—the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—Google is making sure there’s a Pixel for everyone, whether you’re a foldable fan or just looking for the best AI-driven smartphone experience.

Design and Display

The design language of the Pixel 9 series is fresh, modern, and unmistakably Pixel. The front of the Pixel 9 has a more angular, iPhone-esque look with flat sides, a departure from the curved edges of its predecessors. But turn it around, and it’s all Pixel, thanks to the distinctive camera bar, now an elongated oval that slightly protrudes from the back.

Google Pixel 9 (image credits to GSMArena)
Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL Design (image credits to GSMArena)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Pixel 9 sports a 6.3-inch screen, perfectly balancing size and usability, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL stretches to 6.8 inches, offering a more expansive viewing experience. The new Pixel 9 Pro finds its niche in between, similar in size to the Pixel 9 but packing many of the Pro features. For those who love the flexibility of a foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with a significantly larger 8-inch inner screen, boasting a peak brightness of up to 2,700 nits, making it perfect for outdoor use.

Performance and AI Power

All models in the Pixel 9 series are powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 processors, designed to handle the most demanding AI features seamlessly. RAM is plentiful across the board, with the Pixel 9 offering 12GB and the Pro models stepping up to 16GB. This extra RAM is crucial for running the updated Gemini Nano AI model, which brings multimodality—analyzing images, speech, and text in one swoop.

New AI features are abundant, with a particular focus on photography. Magic Editor, now with a “reimagine” option, lets you transform images using text prompts, offering creative freedom like never before. The Add Me feature is another standout, allowing you to add someone to a group photo seamlessly—a clever use of AI that’s bound to make group shots more inclusive. On top of that, the Pixel 9 series is the first Android lineup in the US to include Satellite SOS, a vital emergency feature that connects you to help even when you’re off the grid.

Camera Upgrades

Camera enthusiasts will appreciate that the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL retain the 50-megapixel f/1.7 main sensor but with improved ultrawide cameras. The selfie camera on the Pro models has been upgraded to a 42-megapixel sensor with autofocus, while the standard Pixel 9 now comes with a 10.5-megapixel front camera that also gains autofocus for the first time.

For videographers, the Pro models introduce Video Boost, an off-device AI-powered processing tool that can upscale footage to 8K, ensuring your videos are as crisp and detailed as your photos. The Fold’s camera specs are slightly less impressive but still a significant step up from last year, with matching 48-megapixel selfie cameras on both the inner and outer screens.

Global Expansion

Google has also broadened the reach of the Pixel 9 series, making it the most widely available Pixel yet. With the inclusion of eight new countries, including Estonia, Malaysia, and Slovakia, the Pixel 9 series is now accessible in 32 nations. This expansion underscores Google’s commitment to bringing its innovative smartphones to a global audience, ensuring more people can experience the Pixel’s unique blend of hardware and AI-driven features.

Pricing and Availability

The Pixel 9 is priced at $799, a $100 increase from its predecessor, while the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL start at $999 and $1,099, respectively. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with its expansive inner screen and versatile design, commands a higher price of $1,799. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL will be available from August 22nd, with the 9 Pro and 9 Pro Fold following in September.

Final Thoughts

Image credits to GSMArena

The Google Pixel 9 series is more than just a smartphone; it’s a glimpse into the future of mobile technology. With advanced AI capabilities, an improved design, and expanded global availability, the Pixel 9 series is set to redefine what we expect from our phones. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, an AI aficionado, or someone who just wants a reliable, cutting-edge device, the Pixel 9 series has something for you.

Check our reviews on each model:

  • Google Pixel 9 here
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro here
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL here
  • Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold here

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