If you’ve been patiently waiting to upgrade your phone, this week could be the perfect time to do so. Google is unveiling its new Pixel 9 range. We know this because the company has opted to release images of the devices to stem the tide of leaks online, setting the announcement date for Tuesday, August 13.
Google has released images of both the Pixel 9 Pro and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, confirming their existence and their imminent full reveal. But leaks and rumors suggest there will be four Pixel phones in total, with the 9 Pro being joined by a larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. If true, this will be the first time Google has offered regular and XL models of a Pixel since the Pixel 4 and 4 XL in 2019.
There will likely be a regular Pixel 9 model as well, the one constant across all Pixels. That phone is the cheapest of the flagship phones, with the Pro and Fold variants offering more cameras, better specs, and of course, higher prices.
Unusually, Google is launching the Pixel 9 phones just ten months after the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were unveiled in October 2023. Express.co.uk has given both phones a positive review, but Google clearly feels it needs to expand the choice for phone buyers by doubling the number of Pixel 9-branded phones on offer this week. There is also speculation that Google is trying to build some buzz before the iPhone 16 comes out, which is rumored to be coming in September.
Google also released the Pixel 8a earlier this year, so starting Tuesday you’ll be able to choose between seven current Pixels.
According to reliable leaker OnLeaks, the Pixel 9 series will ship in similar colors, with dark gray, light gray, cream, and pink models. Two of these could be the obsidian and porcelain colors that Google has been using since the Pixel 7.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are said to have 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch displays, respectively. We like the smaller Pro, especially when Google has made sure not to compromise on specs for a smaller device. For example, Apple chose to give the iPhone 15 Pro Max a better telephoto camera compared to the smaller 15 Pro.
You’ll also notice from the official and leaked images that Google has revamped the look of the cameras again. The Pixel 6, 7, and 8 all had a camera bar that spanned the entire width of the phones, while the Pixel 9 appears to have a rounded camera module.
Pricing rumors are harder to come by, but a leak (via TechRadar) suggests the Pixel 9 Pro will cost $999.99 in the US and the 9 Pro XL will cost $1,199. A $200 increase for the XL seems steep, but that’s what Apple is asking for its 15 Pro Max. We’re hoping the Pixel 9 will sell for the same £699 as the Pixel 8.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to cost significantly more, most likely in the same ballpark as the £1,749 of the original Pixel Fold.
We’ll have all the official Pixel 9 details for you on Tuesday when Google announces everything.
