Google unveils Pixel 9 series of smartphones
With AI and enhanced features
Google has launched its latest smartphone lineup: the Pixel 9 series. The new range, which includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is powered by the latest Google Tensor G4 chip, promising significant advancements in performance, camera technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Sleek design and enhanced durability
The Pixel 9 phones debut a refreshed design highlighting an evolution of Google’s signature camera bar, enhancing aesthetics and ergonomics. With a sleek, sculpted look and premium materials, including a silky matte glass back and polished metal sides, the Pixel 9 series is stylish and boasts double the durability of its predecessor, the Pixel 8.
For the first time, the Pro model comes in two sizes: the Pixel 9 Pro with a 6.3-inch display and the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch display. Both models feature Google’s brightest Super Actua displays and a new 42 MP front camera designed to deliver sharper, brighter selfies even in low light conditions.
Pixel 9: A significant upgrade
The standard Pixel 9 model brings several notable upgrades, including a 35% brighter 6.3-inch Actua display and a significant boost in camera resolution. The Pixel 9’s ultrawide lens has increased from 12MP to 48MP, and the front camera now includes autofocus. Additionally, the Pixel 9 offers approximately 20% longer battery life during active use than the Pixel 8.
AI-powered performance
The new Tensor G4 chip, co-developed with Google DeepMind, is at the heart of the Pixel 9 series. This custom silicon is designed to enhance everyday tasks such as app loading and web browsing and is optimised to run Google’s most advanced AI models. Notably, Tensor G4 will support Gemini Nano with Multimodality, enabling the devices to understand text, images, and audio more effectively.
The Pixel 9 series also boasts upgraded memory, with 12GB of RAM in the Pixel 9 and 16GB in the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, ensuring smooth performance across various applications.
Gemini Live and Pixel Studio innovations
One of the standout features of the new Pixel 9 series is Gemini Live, an advanced AI interaction tool available to Gemini Advanced subscribers. This feature enables a more intuitive, conversational interaction with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, making planning events, solving problems, and brainstorming ideas easier.
In addition, Pixel Studio introduces a groundbreaking image generation tool that allows users to create and edit images directly on their phones. Powered by the Tensor G4 chip and Google’s Imagen 3 model, Pixel Studio offers a creative canvas for users to bring their ideas to life.
Enhanced features and new tools
The Pixel 9 series also introduces Pixel Screenshots, an app designed to help users efficiently organise and search their screenshots. For weather enthusiasts, the Pixel Weather app, enhanced by Gemini Nano, provides custom AI-generated weather reports.
Camera improvements are significant, with enhanced features such as Add Me for group photos and a superior low-light Panorama mode. The Pro models offer advanced video capabilities, including high-resolution zoom videos and faster Night Sight processing.
More explicit calls and satellite SOS
The new Pixel 9 phones include Clear Calling technology for improved audio quality, and a Call Notes feature that provides a summary and transcript of phone calls. The Pixel 9 series is the first to include Satellite SOS, allowing users to contact emergency services via satellite, even without cellular service.
Availability and pricing
The Pixel 9 series is now available for pre-order, with the Pixel 9 starting at $799, the Pixel 9 Pro at $999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at $1099. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available in stores and online starting August 22, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will hit shelves on September 4, 2024, in the United States, with other markets to follow.
Featured image The Google Pro model comes in two different sizes: Pixel 9 Pro (6.3”) and Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.8”). Credit: Google
