Google Unveils Pixel 9 Series: Introducing the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold

On August 13, Google officially unveiled its latest Android smartphones—the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—at the Made by Google event. This announcement comes less than a year after the debut of the Pixel 8 series in October.

While Google offers a range of devices including tablets, laptops, and smartwatches, its Pixel brand is best known for its smartphones running stock Android. Previous models like the Pixel 8 Pro, widely regarded as one of the best Android smartphones of 2024, have been lauded for their robust software support, premium build quality, and exceptional cameras. For its next-generation Pixel phones, Google is focusing heavily on delivering more advanced AI features.

Pixel 9 Series Features and Pricing

The upcoming Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will all be powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 chip, designed to enhance everyday tasks like app launching and web browsing. According to Google’s VP of Product Management, Brian Rakowski, the Tensor G4, featuring faster cores than its predecessor, the Tensor G3, is the company’s most efficient chip to date, optimized to run Google’s most advanced AI models.

Here are the key details:

• Models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
• Prices: $799 (Pixel 9), $999 (Pixel 9 Pro), $1,099 (Pixel 9 Pro XL), $1,799 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold)
• Release Dates: August 22 (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL) and September 4 (Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold)

Buyers of any Pixel 9 series device will have access to new features like Pixel Studio and Pixel Screenshot. Additionally, those who purchase the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to the Gemini Advanced service, which includes Gemini Live—Google’s new AI experience that rivals Apple’s Siri and Samsung’s Bixby. According to Google’s support page, the regular Gemini voice assistant is available on older Android devices like the budget-friendly Google Pixel 7a, provided they meet the app’s requirements.

New Additions to the Pixel Lineup

In 2024, Google expanded its Pixel lineup with two new variants: the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Aside from differences in screen size, battery capacity, and wireless charging speed, the Pixel 9 Pro XL shares the same specifications and features as the slightly smaller Pixel 9 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, on the other hand, is the successor to last year’s Google Pixel Fold, which remains one of the top folding phones on the market.

Pre-orders for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are now open, with prices starting at $799, $999, $1,099, and $1,799, respectively. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available in stores starting August 22, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be released on September 4. Google has promised seven years of OS and security updates for all Pixel 9 models.