The Google Pixel 9 series is poised to make waves in the smartphone market, with rumors swirling around not just the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, but also about the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL and the highly anticipated foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While Google remains tight-lipped about its upcoming devices, a flurry of leaks and certifications have provided intriguing hints about what we can expect. From design and display size to potential features and pricing, let’s dive into the world of these upcoming Pixel devices and explore what makes them so intriguing.
A Glimpse into the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Certifications and Leaks
The Radio Equipment List (REL) certification in Canada has reportedly confirmed the names of both the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Alongside this, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification website has seemingly revealed the existence of the entire Pixel 9 series, suggesting the imminent launch of these devices.
While these certifications don’t divulge specific technical specifications, they provide valuable confirmation of the devices’ existence and suggest that their unveiling is closer than ever. Notably, the FCC listings hint at the Pixel 9 series’ connectivity options, likely including Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth, NFC, UWB, and 5G.
Adding to the excitement, hands-on videos of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL have surfaced online, offering a sneak peek into their design aesthetic. These videos, first spotted on TikTok by YTECHB, showcase a side-by-side comparison of the Pixel 9 Pro XL with its smaller sibling, the Pixel 9, as well as a comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
From the videos, we glean that the Pixel 9 Pro XL will undoubtedly be a larger phone than the standard Pixel 9. The leaked videos also reveal that the Pixel 9 Pro XL will have three rear camera sensors alongside an LED flash and a temperature sensor. In contrast, the standard Pixel 9 appears to have two camera units and an LED flash. The videos also show both phones with the power and volume buttons located on the right edge, while the SIM tray, USB Type-C port, and speaker grille are positioned on the bottom.
The comparison between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra suggests that while the former may have a larger display, it appears slightly smaller in size with more rounded edges than the boxy design of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Diving Deeper into Potential Features: Unveiling the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Beyond the design, recent leaks offer intriguing hints about the features that could define these Pixel devices.
- Tensor G4 Chipset: The Pixel 9 series is expected to be powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chipset. This custom-designed processor is anticipated to deliver significant gains in performance, AI capabilities, and power efficiency compared to its predecessors.
- Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint Sensors: Previous reports suggested that the Pixel 9 series could incorporate ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors, offering faster and more secure unlocking.
- Android 15 Out of the Box: The Pixel 9 series is likely to ship with the latest version of Android, Android 15, providing users with the latest features and security updates.
- Enhanced Camera System: With a focus on photography, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are expected to come equipped with a revamped camera system. The rumors of a temperature sensor on the Pixel 9 Pro XL hint at potential features like advanced food photography and accurate body temperature measurements.
Price Expectations: Balancing Innovation with Affordability
The rumored pricing for the Pixel 9 series has sparked considerable interest. It’s reported that the base Pixel 9 could start at EUR 899 (roughly Rs. 81,000), while the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could be priced at EUR 1,199 (roughly Rs. 1,09,000) and EUR 1,899 (roughly Rs. 1,72,000) respectively.
These price points suggest that Google is aiming to position the Pixel 9 series as a premium offering while possibly keeping the base Pixel 9 relatively affordable compared to its competitors. As always, the final pricing and availability will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
A Look Ahead: What to Expect at the Google Event
With the launch event slated for August 13, anticipation is running high. The event is expected to mark the launch of the entire Pixel 9 series, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold taking center stage alongside the standard Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
Beyond the hardware, Google is likely to unveil the latest features and updates for its Pixel devices. Google Assistant’s capabilities, camera software, and a host of other software enhancements are expected to be showcased.
It is particularly intriguing to see how Google plans to differentiate the Pixel 9 Pro XL from the standard Pixel 9 Pro. The larger display size and potential inclusion of a temperature sensor raise questions about whether Google will prioritize a multimedia-centric experience or focus on health and wellness features. The highly anticipated Pixel 9 Pro Fold will undoubtedly be a focal point, with speculation around its design, features, and how it will compete with other foldable smartphones.
Conclusion: A Pixel-Perfect Future?
The Google Pixel 9 series is shaping up to be a significant launch for Google. As the leaks and certifications continue to roll in, the excitement for these devices is steadily growing.
The combination of rumored features like Tensor G4 chipsets, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors, and Android 15 out of the box, combined with Google’s strong track record in software and camera technology, positions the Pixel 9 series as a strong contender in the premium smartphone market.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold hold the potential to disrupt the respective markets. The Pixel 9 Pro XL could appeal to those seeking a larger screen experience, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could redefine the foldable phone landscape. Ultimately, the Google event in August will be the ultimate decider, showcasing the true capabilities of these devices and revealing if they can truly live up to the high expectations that have been established.
