Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro: Release date, specs, new features, and other rumors

The Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are set to launch later this year, but the question is, how will they differ from the previous generation?

I don’t know about you, but I want to see Google step it up with a new set of features that will blow competitors away. According to leaks and rumors, however, it appears that the Pixel 9 series will be playing “catch up” with some of the biggest players on the market.

I won’t keep you in suspense for long, so here’s the scuttlebutt we’ve been hearing about the Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro release date

If the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro follows Google’s typical launch pattern, the next-generation devices will have a release date some time in October.

Google typically unveils its new-generation Pixel phones at its Made by Google event in the fall — and we doubt that will change with the Google Pixel 9 series.

For reference, here are the release dates for the previous device launches:

• Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro – Oct. 4, 2023

• Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro – Oct. 6, 2023

• Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro – Oct. 19, 2023

The only time Google did not launch in October was in 2020, the year when the pandemic shook up the tech hardware industry. (Even Apple didn’t launch their iPhone until October that year, even though they typically unveil their new handsets in September.)

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro price

There aren’t any credible rumors on pricing, however, Google already increased the price tags of both devices last year, bumping them by $100.

As such, we doubt that Google will instate yet another price hike for 2024. That being said, the expected price tags for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the following:

• Pixel 9 – $699

• Pixel 9 Pro – $999

Interestingly, however, according to 91Mobiles, Google may consider bringing a third phone into the mix, offering a trio of devices similar to the Galaxy S24 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL will reportedly be the most expensive tier of the Google Pixel 9 lineup.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro — and a Pixel 9 Pro XL?

As mentioned, 91Mobiles claims that Google is launching a Pixel 9 Pro XL in addition to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.

This wouldn’t be the first time the Google introduced an “XL” phone into the mix. The last time we saw an “XL” device was the Pixel 5 series — and we haven’t seen it since.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL will reportedly have the following specs:

Interestingly, if these specs are accurate, Pixel 9 Pro XL will feature a slight reduction from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7-inch display.

You may be wondering, “What does it look like?” Funny story. So popular leaker @Onleaks, also known as Steve H.McFly on X, revealed what they thought was the Pixel 9 Pro on Jan. 24.

Tweet may have been deleted

As it turns out, the Pixel 9 Pro renders are actually the Pixel 9 Pro XL, according to clarification from @Onleaks via 91mobiles.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro design

Unlike the current generation, which has rounded edges, the Pixel 9 series will reportedly have flat edges, similar to the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24 series.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to 91mobiles, here’s what we know about the Pixel 9:

The Pixel 9 Pro, on the other hand, will sport the following:

• 6.1-inch display

• 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm

• Comes in Blue

Interestingly, according to a leak from Rozekted, the Pixel 9 Pro still sports a temperature sensor, a feature Mashable’s Alex Perry found to be quite useless while reviewing the Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro camera

Both phones will sport a hole-punch selfie camera, just like their predecessors.

The Pixel’s distinctive camera visor design is getting a change, too, apparently. Instead of a rectangular-esque visor extending from edge to edge, the new visor will have more of a pill-shaped design.

Tweet may have been deleted

The Pixel 9 will have a dual-camera rear setup. The Pixel 9 Pro, alongside the Pixel 9 Pro XL, will reportedly have a triple-camera setup. At the time of writing, details on the shooters’ specs are sparse.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro specs

According to Rozetked and 91mobiles, you’ll find the next-gen Tensor chip inside the Pixel 9 series, likely the Tensor G4 processor.

Per the former, the Pixel 9 Pro will sport 16GB of RAM, a step up from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 12GB of memory. As more businesses take deeper plunges into the world of AI, this isn’t surprising. While running AI in the background, these devices are going to need all the memory they can get.

Other specs you’ll reportedly find across the Pixel 9 series:

• New Qi2 charging technology, which increases wireless charging up to 15W and offers better alignment (similar to MagSafe)

• New “Adaptive Touch” feature, which lets you adjust the display’s sensitivity based on your surroundings

• Satellite connectivity via a Samsung modem upgrade

The next big Google event is Google I/O, but don’t expect the search-engine tech giant to reveal any of the Pixel 9 devices there.

Instead, keep an eye out for the Google Pixel 8a. As mentioned, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro (and perhaps a Pixel 9 Pro XL) are expected to drop some time in October.