Google will launch its new flagship smartphone series, the “Pixel 9,” starting August 22. Three models will be available: “Pixel 9,” “Pixel 9 Pro,” and “Pixel 9 Pro XL.” The series features enhanced AI capabilities like Gemini and improved camera functionality, with the Pixel 9 Pro series being offered in two sizes. The “Pixel 9” and “Pixel 9 Pro” will feature a 6.3-inch display, while the “Pixel 9 Pro XL” will have a 6.7-inch display. Prices will start at 128,900 yen.
Pixel 9 series
Additionally, a new foldable smartphone called “Pixel 9 Fold 2,” a smartwatch “Pixel Watch 3,” and earbuds “Pixel Buds Pro 2” will also be released. This article will focus on the Pixel 9 series.
- 【Prices】
- Google Pixel 9 128GB: 128,900 yen
- Google Pixel 9 256GB: 143,900 yen
- Google Pixel 9 Pro 128GB: 159,900 yen
- Google Pixel 9 Pro 256GB: 174,900 yen
- Google Pixel 9 Pro 512GB: 194,900 yen
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 128GB: 177,900 yen
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 256GB: 192,900 yen
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 512GB: 212,900 yen
New Pixel series. In addition to the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 9 Fold 2, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Watch 3 will be newly released.
Pro Available in Two Sizes, Brighter Display
The flagship models of the Pixel series have been completely refreshed. They are equipped with a new generation “Google Tensor G4 processor” and 16GB of memory, and features the use of AI via “Gemini.” Purchasers of the Pixel 9 Pro/9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have free access to the AI features through the “Google One AI Premium Plan” (2,900 yen/month) for six months (the Pixel 9 is excluded). All models will run on Android 14.
Pixel 9 Pro XL (left) and Pixel 9 Pro (right)
The main difference between the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL is the display size. The Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch display with 1,280×2,856 pixels (495 ppi), while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.7-inch display with 1,344×2,992 pixels (486 ppi), both using LPTO OLED “Super Actua Display” for a bright and immersive viewing experience.
Based on user feedback, they have made it possible to choose a size according to individual preferences even in the top-end Pro series. Both models have an aspect ratio of 20:9 and a frame rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. Brightness is rated at 2,000 nits (with a maximum of 2,700 nits), a 35% increase from previous models.
Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch LPTO OLED “Actua Display” with 1,089×2,424 pixels (422 ppi), and it has a frame rate of 60Hz to 120Hz. Its brightness is 1,800 nits.
Pixel 9
Memory options are 16GB for the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL and 12GB for the Pixel 9. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, with the Pro 9/Pro 9XL available in a 512GB variant. They come with the latest Tensor G4 processor and enhanced AI capabilities. The Tensor G4 is the first processor to run Gemini Nano, which can understand text, images, and audio on a smartphone in a multimodal way.
Color options for the Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL include Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz, while the Pixel 9 comes in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony.
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL is equipped with what is described as “Google’s best-ever” camera system. It features a triple rear camera setup, a 42-megapixel front camera, and a multitude of shooting functions. The Google Pixel 9 Pro includes the capability for super-resolution zoom in videos, and video boost functionality that can elevate the resolution up to 8K.
Camera section of Pixel 9 Pro XL
The rear camera setup includes a 50-megapixel (wide), a 48-megapixel (ultra-wide with macro focus), and a 48-megapixel (5x telephoto lens), supporting max 30x super-resolution zoom and optical zoom at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. The newly added super-resolution zoom feature can also be used in video recording.
Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 features a dual rear camera, with a 50-megapixel (wide) and 48-megapixel (ultra-wide with macro focus), and supports super-resolution zoom up to 8x, with optical zoom at 0.5x, 1x, and 2x. The front camera is a 10.5-megapixel Dual PD selfie camera (with autofocus).
The Pixel series has updated its panoramic shooting feature, allowing for high-quality panoramas even in low-light conditions. At the Made by Google event held on the 13th (US time), a comparison of image quality against the iPhone 15 Pro MAX emphasized the superiority of the Pixel 9 Pro.
Comparison of low-light panorama images between Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro MAX
The “video boost” feature of Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL has also been improved. The processing speed in video night mode has doubled, and with the use of the 48MP 5x telephoto lens, it can handle high-resolution zoom videos of up to 20x with super-resolution zoom. This has been touted as the “smartphone with the best video quality.”
The camera modes include night mode, astrophotography, and portrait mode, along with editing features such as magic eraser and editing magic. The editing magic canAI-assisted edit backgrounds and move subjects with just a few taps. It can also suggest cropping positions and enlarge images to provide a wider view.
A new feature of the Pixel 9 series is “In the Picture Together.” During group photos, there’s a function to take a separate shot of the “photographer” so that after the group photo is taken, they can switch places with the photographer to take another photo, enabling a composite of both images. The “Best Take” function allows users to select the best expressions from multiple photographs taken in burst mode to create an optimal final photo.
“In the Picture Together.” First, take a photo of two people while “leaving the center open.”
The photographer enters the “center” and takes the shot.
Composite Image
The editing tools also assist with post-photo capture work. Editing Magic automatically readjusts framing while also suggesting optimal cropping positions and enlarging selected subjects using “Auto Frame.” Furthermore, if the language is set to English, a new feature called “Imagination” allows users to add scenes such as autumn foliage or green grass.
Auto Frame
The Pixel 9 series utilizes 100% recycled aluminum for its body, incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the cover glass, and features a metal frame design characteristic of the camera section.
Gemini Nano Enabled on Smartphone – A True AI Smartphone
The AI feature “Gemini” is included as well. By long pressing the power button, users can activate Gemini to assist in writing text and planning events. The long press used to be a choice between Google Assistant and Gemini, but with the Pixel 9 series, Gemini will be set as the default.
The Tensor G4 equipped in the Pixel 9 series is the first processor designed to support Gemini Nano, which enables understanding of text, images, and audio on smartphones, enhancing on-device multimodal capabilities.
With Gemini Nano from Tensor G4, the Pixel 9 series enhances multimodal capabilities like photos and voice. For example, if a user takes a photo of ingredients and asks Gemini to “make a recipe using this ingredient,” it can generate a recipe from the photo. If they say, “summarize the flight information for this month’s trip to Okinawa from my Gmail,” it can display the flight schedule, contact details, and supply a link back to the email for further details.
Create a recipe from a picture of ingredients
Gemini can also summarize unread messages or documents from Google services, such as Google Docs.
Extract event information from minutes of Google Docs using Gemini
If the language setting is English, and only available with the “Google One AI Premium Plan,” users can converse with Gemini through their smartphones or Pixel Buds Pro 2 in the “Gemini Live Chat.” They can ask Gemini questions in English to prepare for interviews or brainstorm gift ideas.
Additionally, the “About this image” feature allows users to explore the background and context of images found online by circling the image they want to investigate on the screen. If the image was AI-generated, that information will also be displayed (if the image has appropriate data attached).
The devices are equipped with “Emergency SOS” functionality. In an emergency, pressing the power button five times will alert emergency services and share location information with contacts. In the United States, it also accommodates satellite-based emergency SOS services.
Emergency SOS with satellite-based support in the U.S.
The smartphones include in-display fingerprint and facial recognition features. They support dual SIM (one nano-SIM and eSIM). They are compatible with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.3, NFC, and Google Cast. As with previous Pixel series, they provide seven years of software support. This includes OS upgrades, security updates, and regular new feature updates.
The dimensions and weights are nearly the same for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9, measuring 72×152.8×8.5mm, weighing 199g (9 Pro) and 198g (9). The Pixel 9 Pro XL measures 76.6×162.8×8.5mm, weighing 221g.
Battery capacity and runtime are approximately 4,700mAh for Pixel 9 Pro/Pixel 9 (lasting over 24 hours) and 5,060mAh for Pixel 9 Pro XL (also over 24 hours). Both support Qi wireless charging. The charging port is USB Type-C.
New Pixel 9 series
As a limited-time launch promotion exclusive to the Google Store, they are running a campaign until September 2, where customers can trade in their old smartphones for credits towards the next purchase, allowing them to buy the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, or Pixel 9 Pro XL starting at an effective price of 39,800 yen. Additionally, major carriers such as NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank will also be selling these models.
The Strength of Google with All AI Experiences
The Made by Google event held on the 13th started with a photograph of the recently deceased former YouTube CEO and early Google member, Susan Wojcicki. She not only led the advertising business and YouTube but also was instrumental in starting Google from the garage she lent to Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Although there was no mention beyond the photograph, the announcement centered around AI and hardware highlighted Google’s accumulated technological expertise.
Rick Osterloh, who oversees the platform and devices, referred to “Gemini” as the most significant shift from “Google Assistant.” He explained that with the new hardware, Gemini is evolving into a “personal assistant for life” that includes voice support. Not only the Pixel series but many Android devices and earbuds will also adopt Gemini functionality going forward.
Gemini will be integrated across all layers of Google services. Android is designed with AI in mind from the ground up, while Google apps such as Google Workspace, Google Drive, foundational models, Tensor processors, and cloud infrastructure all incorporate AI at every level. “Only Google can design end-to-end experiences,” they emphasized, making the new Pixel 9 series “the first smartphone designed for the Gemini era.”
New AI features included “Call Notes,” which allow users to view call history as transcribed text later. The “Pixel Screenshot” feature helps organize screenshots and allows users to copy-paste Wi-Fi passwords or extract restaurant information. Alongside numerous AI features, the emphasis on privacy protection through their cloud services and on-device AI was also highlighted.