Google unveiled four new phones this week—three rigid and one foldable. Half of the new models will arrive next week, the other half in early September, but all are up for pre-order with a free storage upgrade as a reason to jump on board early. What do you think?
Pricing details for the US, Canada and Europe are here , with the India launch a day later – details here . While the entry-level Pixel 9 has lost its flagship status, it’s more expensive than its predecessor ($800/€900 vs. $700/€800). The Pro costs the same, but the Pro XL is the proper successor to the Pixel 8 Pro and is also priced higher ($1,100/€1,200 vs. $1,000/€1,100).
Let’s start with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google has slightly increased the screen size to 6.8” and switched to an ultrasonic FPGA sensor. The rear cameras are mostly the same, but they can now record 8K video (30fps). The front-facing camera has received a significant upgrade to a 42MP sensor and an ultra-wide-angle lens with autofocus. Charging speeds have been improved, now reaching 70% in 30 minutes (up from 50%). Satellite SOS is now supported, too.
The Pro XL is pricey, but you can spread the cost over the 7 years the phone will be supported. For the most part, there aren’t any specs that feel like they’ll age too quickly – with the possible exception of the Tensor G4 chipset, but that’s something we’ll have to test. Adding 16GB of RAM was a good move, as rival Samsung still only offers a maximum of 12GB.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL launches on August 22. Are you considering pre-ordering it?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is about a month away, with a September 9 release date. It’s nearly identical to the XL except for the size – with a 6.3” display, it’s slightly larger than the Pixel 8 and larger than the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 Pro. Still, as far as Android phones go, this one is one of the smallest (at least among the major brands).
While it’s not as small as some might have liked, at least there’s finally a Pixel phone with a 5x telephoto lens that’s smaller than the 6.7″. In addition, the little Pro gets a good ultra-wide camera (not a 12MP unit like the Pixel 8), the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2, as well as UWB and a thermometer (things that were exclusive to the 8 Pro), and even satellite SOS.
Google has finally built a small(ish) flagship – do you think it’s a good choice for you?
The regular Google Pixel 9 is the same size as the 9 Pro, but the differences are deeper. There’s no telephoto lens, of course, and there’s also no new 42MP selfie camera (the 10.5MP module with an AF ultra-wide-angle lens isn’t bad). There’s also no 8K video recording, although we don’t think many will miss it.
More importantly, the phone has 12GB of RAM — less than the Pro, but more than the Pixel 8 and 8a. The display is also 1080 x 2424px instead of 1280 x 2856px, and it’s not an LTPO panel like the 9 Pro. There’s no UWB or thermometer, but you do get satellite SOS and Wi-Fi 7 with 6GHz support (neither Apple nor Samsung offer that).
Like the Pro XL, the Google Pixel 9 will launch on August 22. Are you thinking about buying it?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at the same $1,800 as its predecessor. However, it’s thinner and lighter (10.5mm, 257g vs. 12.1mm, 283g), while also sporting a larger 8.0-inch internal display (up from 7.6-inch) and a 6.3-inch external display (up from 5.8-inch). It’s thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold6 (12.1mm), though not as lightweight (239g), and only has water resistance (IPX8). Its folded width of 77.1mm is more bearable than the old model’s 79.5mm, though still a bit too wide for some.
Computing power has increased significantly – the original Fold launched with the Tensor G2 (12GB of RAM), this one has the G4 (16GB). Also, the original Fold had a short software support window (3 OS updates, 5 years of patches), the new model has a full 7 years.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is set to launch on September 9 – would you buy it?
Finally, one more survey to clear up any doubts: If you’re going to buy a Pixel 9 phone, which one are you going to choose?
