Google Pixel 9 Launched with New Camera and Even More AI Features

Google is shaking up its traditional release schedule this year, opting for an August launch instead of the usual October unveiling. This shift is accompanied by a restructuring of the Pixel lineup.

While the standard model remains, it has been repositioned in the hierarchy due to the introduction of a new Pro variant with comparable dimensions.

Design and Display

The Google Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch OLED display, maintaining the 1080p resolution and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. In a notable upgrade, Google has replaced the optical fingerprint sensor with a more dependable ultrasonic version which improves response time and accuracy.

The screen’s peak brightness has received a substantial boost, now reaching an impressive 2,700 nits, a marked improvement from the previous 2,000 nits. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

Internals and Software

Pixel 9 brings significant internal upgrades, particularly in processing power. The new Tensor G4 chip features a revised core configuration, comprising one prime Cortex-X4 core, three A720 cores, and four A520 cores. This eight-core setup, down from last year’s nine, is complemented by a more efficient Exynos 5400 modem. The Mali-G715 GPU remains largely unchanged, save for a slight increase in clock speed.

A notable improvement is the RAM upgrade. The standard Pixel 9 now boasts 12 GB of RAM, matching last year’s Pixel 8 Pro and surpassing the 8GB in the previous vanilla model. This boost in memory aligns the base model more closely with its premium counterpart.

Google maintains its commitment to long-term support, promising seven years of software updates, including both OS and security patches. Interestingly, the Pixel 9 series breaks from tradition by launching with Android 14, the outgoing version of the operating system. Android 15 will be ready to launch later this year and the Pixels will be the first to get it as always.

Cameras

Even though the Pixel 9 does not have the periscope camera from the Pro models, it still keeps the same camera hardware for the rest of the units. The phone maintains continuity in its main camera setup, retaining the 50MP module from its predecessor. This camera utilizes the 1/1.31″ Samsung GNK sensor with 1.2µm pixels and features an optical image stabilization (OIS) enabled lens.

The front-facing camera, nestled in a punch-hole design, sees a subtle enhancement. While it keeps the 10.5MP Samsung sensor, it now boasts an autofocus lens, promising improved selfie quality. The most significant camera upgrade is found in the ultra-wide module. The Pixel 9 now sports a 48MP sensor with a 1/2.55″ size and a 123° lens, a substantial improvement over the previous generation’s 12MP 1/2.8″ module.

Battery and Pricing

Google has made modest improvements to the Pixel 9’s charging capabilities, despite its historically conservative approach to fast charging. According to official figures, the new model can now reach 55% battery capacity in 30 minutes when using a 45W USB-PD charger, a slight increase from the 50% claimed for its predecessor.

Complementing this charging upgrade is a marginal increase in battery capacity, with the Pixel 9 featuring a 4,700 mAh battery, up from the 4,575 mAh in the previous model.

At launch, the Pixel 9 will be available in a quartet of color options, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Buyers can choose from Porcelain, Peony, Wintergreen, and Obsidian, which offer a range of subtle to more vibrant aesthetics. The Pixel 9 has a starting price of $800.

Google Pixel 9 Specifications

Chipset	Google Tensor G4
CPU	Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU	Mali-G715 MC7
OS	Android 14
Supported Networks	2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G
Display	6.3″ OLED, 1080 x 2424 pixels, 120Hz, 2700 nits peak
RAM	12 GB
Storage	128 GB, 256 GB
Card Slot	no
Main Camera	50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, single-zone Laser AF, OIS 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55″, dual pixel PDAF
Front Camera	10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1″, 1.22µm, PDAF
Colors	Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony
Fingerprint sensor	Under-display (ultrasonic)
Battery	4,700 mAh, 27W wired charging, 15W wireless charging
Price	$800