Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro: All rumors and speculations so far

It’s still early days, but the rumor mill is already churning out tidbits about the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. While we won’t see them officially until later this year, various leaks and insider information provide a glimpse into what the upcoming flagship devices might offer. In this article, we will explore the most prominent rumors and speculations about the Google Pixel 9 series, highlighting the potential features that could make these devices stand out in the already highly competitive smartphone market.

That said, here’s a roundup of everything we’ve heard so far.

Mark your calendars for October 2024. Google has a history of launching their Pixels in October, and there’s no reason to expect that to change. For instance, the Pixel 6, Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 were all announced in October, so there’s reason to believe the Pixel 9 will be released in October this year.

As for the pricing, it remains a mystery. But since the Pixel 8 just got a price hike from the Pixel 7’s $599 price tag, I don’t expect another immediate price hike for its successor. Granted, the Pixel 9 could be priced similarly to the Pixel 8 at $699 for the base model and the Pixel 9 Pro at $999, the same as the Pixel 8 Pro.

The latest leaked renders from @OnLeaks and 91Mobiles showcase a sleek new look that the two Pixel 9 variants have in common. The most noteworthy surprise is the Vanila Pixel 9’s triple camera configuration. This is a significant shift from the earlier models, which included only two back cameras. Notably, this layout is quite similar to the Pro model that leaked earlier. So, this implies that the third lens is most likely a periscope telephoto for increased zoom capabilities. This advancement will allow one to enjoy top-tier camera performance without losing the ease of carrying a phone that conveniently fits into their pocket or purse.

Renowned leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka OnLeaks), via 91Mobiles, has unveiled exclusive renders that showcase not only the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, but also a surprising third model – a standard, non-Pro Pixel 9. This marks the first time Google has offered an ‘XL’ flagship since the Pixel 5.

The leaked renders also show a cutout on the rear side of the standard Pixel 9, which is most probably for a temperature sensor. This feature is currently restricted to the 8 Pro variant; however, the cutout suggests that Google will be extending advanced features to the Vanila model as well. This will, undoubtedly, provide a more unified flagship experience to the tech enthusiasts.

A YouTube video by Technizo Concept called “Meet Google Pixel 9 – First Look” imagines the phone in four colors: black, pink, yellow, and green. Notably, there was also a concept showing a yellow Pixel 9 Pro. While these colors are speculation, considering Apple’s yellow iPhone 15 and Samsung’s yellow Galaxy S24, perhaps Google might offer a similar option.

The display is always a key focus for flagship smartphones, and the Pixel 9 series is likely to impress in this department. The Actua and Super Actua technology used on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro should keep their place on the Pixel 9 series alongside the 120Hz refresh rate to ensure smooth animations and a responsive user experience. Both models are expected to feature vibrant OLED panels with improved brightness and color accuracy, providing an immersive viewing experience.

The Pixel 9 Pro will reportedly have dimensions of 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (12.0 mm in the camera bump area). In contrast, the currently available Pixel 8 Pro’s dimensions are 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm.

One of the biggest buzzes surrounds the Pixel 9 processor. Early whispers suggested Google might ditch the Samsung Exynos base for its Tensor line and forge its own path with a custom-designed, TSMC-built chip codenamed “Redondo.” However, according to The Information, this ambitious undertaking hit a snag, missing internal deadlines and forcing Google to postpone its debut until the Pixel 10 in 2025.

This means the Tensor G4 that’ll power the Pixel 9, codenamed “Zuma Pro,” will still be based on Samsung’s Exynos. But, unlike the 10-core Exynos 2400 processor, rumors suggest the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro might pack a custom-designed octa-core Tensor G4 chip. Leaks also suggest that the chip will utilize both Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FOWLP) and Samsung’s latest 4nm fabrication process. This combination could boost performance and thermal efficiency significantly for the Tensor G4.

While this may not be the revolutionary shift initially hoped for, the Tensor G4 should still ship with useful enhancements and features like the ‘Pixie’ AI assistant — a more advanced and personalized version of Google Assistant that will support complex and multimodal tasks on the Pixel 9 series.

Leaks in the Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 code suggest an intriguing feature called Adaptive Touch might be coming to Pixel 9. Additionally, whispers about the Android 15 hint at a “Powered Off Finder API” – a feature allowing users to track compatible devices, possibly starting with the Pixel 9 series, even when powered down. Finally, Google themselves confirmed on the Made by Google podcast that they’re actively developing exciting new features and upgrades specifically for the Pixel 9.

To add to this, Google appears to be gearing up for the Pixel 9 launch later this year based on these findings by AssembleDebug. He discovered code in the latest Google app beta (version 15.14.34.29) that seems to be specifically designed for setting up Google Assistant on the Pixel 9.

Still on software and features, the Pixel 9 series will arrive powered by Android 15 out of the box. Google is also constantly innovating with its software features, so expect to see some new and exciting additions on the Pixel 9, potentially related to AI integration, Assistant functionalities, and personalization.

From what we’ve heard, the camera module on the Pixel 9 Pro will no longer be edge-to-edge horizontal but have an ‘elongated pill’ design. And as mentioned earlier, the Vanilla Pixel 9 will embrace a triple-camera setup, marking a departure from the usual dual-camera configuration. The Pro model will likely receive targeted upgrades like a wider ultrawide lens or a more potent telephoto zoom. The new 50MP sensor introduced in the Pixel 8 series is likely to continue its reign as the main camera, while the aging ultrawide lens on the base Pixel 8 might finally see an update.

With Google often tinkering with its Pro lineup’s camera systems, the Pixel 9 Pro could surprise us with improvements to either the ultrawide or telephoto lens, or perhaps even both. Since the Pixel 8 family’s selfie camera remained unchanged from the Pixel 7 lineup, it’s possible that we could see a potential upgrade in 2024.

Battery size, storage options, and other details remain under wraps, but we have a glimpse into the future of Pixel charging thanks to the developments around Qi2 wireless charging standard. With a Google hardware engineer leading the design of next-generation wireless charging platforms, there’s a strong chance the Pixel 9 series might embrace this cutting-edge technology.

While the Pixel 9’s journey is still in its early chapters, these tidbits and speculations paint an exciting picture of what could be. From the intriguing chip saga to the potential display and camera advancements, Google’s next flagship promises to keep us on the edge of our seats until its grand unveiling this fall. But it’s important to remember that these are just rumors and speculations. Google hasn’t confirmed anything yet, so we’ll have to wait until October to see what they have in store for us. But one thing’s for sure: the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are shaping up to be exciting devices, and we can’t wait to get our hands on them!

What are you hoping to see in the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro? Let us know in the comments below! Google’s budget-friendly Pixel 8a is around the corner too, and here’s everything we know about it.