New Google Pixel 9 // Features, Pricing and Details

Google is set to announce the new Pixel 9 series at its "Made by Google" event on August 13, 2024, in Mountain View, California. This announcement will introduce several new products in the Pixel lineup, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Alongside these phones, Google is also expected to unveil the Pixel Watch 3.

New Features Compared to Pixel 8 Series

1. Display:

- Pixel 8: Featured a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

- Pixel 9: Will introduce the "Actua" and "Super Actua" displays with adaptive refresh rates and higher brightness levels. The Pro models will retain the large, high-resolution displays but add even better brightness and color accuracy.
 

2. Processor:

- Pixel 8: Powered by the Google Tensor G3.

- Pixel 9: Upgraded to the Tensor G4, which features a conventional eight-core arrangement using the Cortex-A520, A720, and a large Cortex-X4. This setup is clocked higher than the G3, offering an 11% increase in performance. This minor upgrade is intentional as Google works towards a partnership with TSMC for the Tensor G5.

3. Camera:

- Pixel 8: Equipped with a 50MP main camera and 12MP ultrawide camera.

- Pixel 9: Enhanced with a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera (up from 12MP), and improved telephoto capabilities for the Pro models. Front cameras will also see an upgrade to 42MP for better selfies and video calls.
 

4. RAM and Storage:

- Pixel 8: Offered 8GB RAM for the base model.

- Pixel 9: The base model will start with 12GB RAM, while the Pro models will boast 16GB RAM. Storage capacities for the non-folding models start at 128GB, with options up to 1TB for the Pro models. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will start at 256GB, with no 1TB variant available.

5. Charging:

- Pixel 8: Supported 30W wired charging.

- Pixel 9: Expected to support faster charging speeds with the introduction of a new 45W USB-C fast charger, and introduce Qi2 wireless charging, providing faster and more efficient wireless charging options.

Good and Bad News

The new Tensor G4 processor, while an improvement over the G3, is considered a minor upgrade with an 11% increase in performance. This is seen as a strategic move by Google as it plans for a more significant upgrade with the Tensor G5 in collaboration with TSMC.

Is It Worth It?

The Pixel 9 series promises significant upgrades over the Pixel 8, especially in display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities. The Tensor G4 chip is expected to bring better performance and efficiency, and the camera improvements will likely appeal to photography enthusiasts. Additionally, faster charging and more RAM make the Pixel 9 a compelling choice for users looking for high performance and convenience.

Pricing

The starting price for the Pixel 9 is expected to be around $699, with higher-end models such as the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL likely to cost more. The foldable model, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, could be the most expensive in the lineup, possibly starting at around $1,799.

In summary, if you're in the market for a new smartphone and value cutting-edge technology and top-notch camera performance, the Pixel 9 series appears to be a worthwhile investment. The improvements over the Pixel 8 series are notable, particularly in areas of display, camera, and processing power, making it a strong contender in the 2024 smartphone market.