Google is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated Pixel 9 series at its upcoming "Made by Google" hardware event on August 13th. Leaks and rumors have been swirling around these devices for months, offering glimpses of what to expect from the vanilla Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and even a rumored Pixel 9 Pro XL. Now, new alleged renders of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL have emerged, providing more tantalizing insights into their design aesthetic. These leaks suggest a departure from the familiar Pixel 8 series design, with flattened sides, rounded corners, and a unique oval camera island. Let’s dive deeper into these leaks, examine the design differences, and explore what else we can anticipate from the Pixel 9 series.
Unmasking the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL: A Closer Look at the Leaks
The latest leaks, shared by tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore on X (formerly Twitter), reveal alleged renders of both the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, offering a sneak peek at their design language. These renders showcase a sleek and modern aesthetic with flattened sides and rounded corners, giving them a more contemporary feel compared to the previous generation.
The Vanilla Pixel 9: A Pink Delight
The Pixel 9 render showcases a new pink color option, previously hinted at in leaks. This vibrant shade adds a splash of personality to the device, potentially appealing to users seeking a more playful and distinctive look.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL: A Nod to Tradition
Conversely, the Pixel 9 Pro XL render depicts the device in the classic porcelain color that Google has often employed for its flagship Pixel phones. This choice ensures a familiar and elegant look for those who prefer a more understated and refined aesthetic.
A New Camera Island: Breaking the Mold
One significant design change that stands out in the Pixel 9 series is the oval-shaped camera island, positioned in the middle of the back panel. This departure from the rectangular camera bar found on the Pixel 8 series is a notable shift in design philosophy.
The oval island gives the Pixel 9 series a more minimalist and streamlined appearance, creating a clean and uncluttered look. It also allows for a more compact camera setup, potentially minimizing the overall size of the device.
Refined Rear Panel: A Blend of Gloss and Matte
Both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL showcase a rear panel design that combines glossy and matte finishes. The back panel itself boasts a glossy finish, creating a reflective and eye-catching look. In contrast, the camera bar features a matte finish, providing a subtle contrast and preventing fingerprint smudges.
More Than Just Design: What Else Can We Expect?
While the design is intriguing, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s what we can expect from the Pixel 9 series based on previous leaks and rumors:
Operating System: Android 15 Onboard
The Pixel 9 series is expected to ship with the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system, Android 15. This ensures a smooth and seamless user experience with access to the latest features and functionalities.
Powering the Performance: Tensor G4 SoC
Under the hood, the Pixel 9 series will be powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset. This custom-designed processor is expected to deliver significant performance improvements over the Tensor G2 chip found in the Pixel 8 series, enabling smoother multitasking, enhanced gaming capabilities, and improved AI processing.
Memory and RAM: Plenty of Power to Spare
The Pixel 9 series is rumored to offer generous RAM configurations, with some reports suggesting up to 16GB of RAM. This ensures ample processing power to handle demanding tasks and keep apps running smoothly.
A Stunning Display: AMOLED with High Refresh Rates
The Pixel 9 series is expected to feature AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors, excellent contrast ratios, and deep blacks. The vanilla Pixel 9 is predicted to have a 6.24-inch display, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL could boast a larger 6.73-inch display. Both devices are likely to support high refresh rates, potentially reaching 120Hz, for a super smooth scrolling experience and responsive gameplay.
Connectivity: Enhanced with Exynos 5400 Modem
The Pixel 9 series is slated to receive a much-needed upgrade in the connectivity department, featuring the Exynos 5400 modem. This integration could lead to improved cellular reception, faster data speeds, and enhanced overall connectivity performance.
Camera Prowess: Pushing the Boundaries of Mobile Photography
One of the primary selling points of Pixel phones has been their exceptional camera capabilities. The Pixel 9 series is expected to continue this trend, with upgraded camera sensors and enhanced computational photography features. Google is rumored to be incorporating features like super-resolution imaging and advanced night mode to capture stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
Pricing and Release Date: The Big Reveal
While the design and specs paint a promising picture, the most crucial aspects are pricing and release date. Google’s "Made by Google" event on August 13th will likely shed light on these critical details.
The Pixel 9 series is expected to start at a price point similar to its predecessors, but concrete pricing information will be revealed on launch day. As for the release date, it’s likely that the Pixel 9 phones will be available for purchase shortly after the launch event, potentially within a couple of weeks.
