Google launching just one new phone would be a big deal — but they've gone and unveiled four in one go! Revealed at their Made by Google event on 13 August 2024, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold all pack some serious AI smarts to help you get stuff done faster and create amazing content.
We've got everything you need to know about these new flagship Google Pixel 9 series phones. From their durable designs to their dazzling displays and ultra-powerful Google Tensor G4 chips.
Google Pixel 9 specs and features
Before we look more closely at their coolest features, here's a quick view of each Google Pixel 9 phone's specs and how they all stack up against each other:
| Specifications | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Main Display | 6.3" Full HD+ (2424 x 1080p) pOLED, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.32" Quad HD (2856 x 1280p) pOLED, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.75" Quad HD (2992 x 1344p) pOLED, 120Hz refresh rate | 8.017" (2152 x 2027p) pOLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Cover Display | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6.285" (2424 x 1080p) pOLED |
| Dimensions | 152.83 x 71.98 x 8.54 mm | 152.8 x 71.98 x 8.54 mm | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.54 mm | 155.2 x 77.5 x 10.5 mm |
| Weight | 198g | 199g | 221g | 257g |
| Main Camera | 50MP, 48MP | 50MP, 48MP, 48MP | 50MP, 48MP, 48MP | 48MP, 10.8MP, 10.5MP |
| Selfie Camera | 10.5MP | 42MP | 42MP | 10MP (front), 10MP (inner) |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| Sound | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Battery | 4700mAh | 4700mAh | 5060mAh | 4650mAh |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Colours | Obsidian, Wintergreen, Peony, Porcelain | Obsidian, Rose Quartz, Hazel, Porcelain | Obsidian, Rose Quartz, Hazel, Porcelain | Obsidian, Porcelain |
Google Pixel 9 designs
Right away, you can tell these new Google phones mean business. With smooth satin matte glass backs and durable polished metal frames with curved edges, they're sure to feel just as good as they look.
According to Google: "spills and drops are no big deal." That's thanks in part to their impressive IP68 (Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro) and IPX8 (Pixel 9 Pro Fold) water and dust resistance ratings, which keep rain droplets and pesky bits of dirt from getting inside.
They’re built to last software-wise too, with Google promising seven years of OS and security updates to keep your data nice and safe against new threats. And with regular Pixel Drops, these phones will only keep getting smarter over time.
Google Pixel 9 displays
We haven't seen these new Pixel 9s in the flesh yet, but they're bound to be packing loads of punchy detail and vibrant colours with their OLED screen tech. And with rapid 120Hz refresh rates, gameplay in fast-paced action adventures will look super smooth.
As you'd expect, the base Pixel 9 model has the smallest screen at 6.3 inches — although that's plenty for most people. The Pro model's display is practically the same size, with the aptly-named Pixel 9 Pro XL stretching its screen up to 6.75 inches if you want more space to play with.
But the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is king when it comes to screen real estate. Its 6.2-inch cover display's all you need for replying to messages, taking calls, and using everyday apps. Then when it's time for some entertainment, open out the massive 8-inch main screen and take it all in. Watch movies and play games across the whole width of the display, or use two apps side-by-side to multitask like a pro.
Google Pixel 9 colours
There's just the right amount of modern shades to choose from across the new Pixel 9 lineup. Every model is available in Obsidian and Porcelain (which are just fancier names for black and white), with a few more unique colours on offer depending on which phone you pick.
The standard Pixel 9 also comes in minty Wintergreen and Peony — a rich dark pink colour. While the Pixel Pro and its larger counterpart the Pixel 9 Pro XL are available in Hazel (a warm grey) and Rose Quartz, which is like a light bubble-gum pink.
Fans of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will only get a choice of Obsidian or Porcelain. But this fancy foldable is almost 75% screen, so you won’t see much of the colour anyway!
Google Pixel 9 AI
Like a lot of mobile phones we've seen released in the last couple of years, AI is now the star of the show with all these new Pixel 9 devices too. But the latest Google Tensor G4 chip takes everything up a notch, giving them all the power they need to run some really cutting-edge AI features:
Gemini
Pixel 9's built-in AI sidekick will never let you feel stuck or uninspired. It's designed to work just like a real-life personal assistant, so if you ever need help drafting a message, brainstorming ideas, or just simply want a long email summed up so it's easier to understand — ask Gemini. It can even draw pictures for you in seconds!
What's more, Gemini can offer personalised help by accessing relevant information across your Gmail inbox, Google Calendar, and more. Google’s Rick Osterloh also revealed "it can reason across personal information and Google's world knowledge to provide just the right help and insight you need." Wow.
Circle to Search
Love a t-shirt someone's wearing in a video you're watching and want to know where to buy it? No matter what app you're using on a Pixel 9, if you see something on-screen that you want to learn more about — you can just circle it. Then Google will search for it in seconds without switching you out to another app. Smart stuff!
Magic Editor
Taking photos with a Pixel 9's camera is just half of the story when you have the Magic Editor onboard. It can carry out big edits for you in no time with a few taps — from swapping out backgrounds to moving and resizing objects, reframing snaps, and even expanding images to get more of the scene.
Add Me
Selecting someone to take a group photo is always awkward because it means they'll get left out. But a Google Pixel 9 lets the photographer join in every time. Just take one pic with everybody, swap the photographer in on the second snap, and then the phone will merge both photos like magic so everyone's there.
Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro release date
Details of Google's Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Fold phones were unveiled at the Made by Google event on 13 August 2024 — along with the Google Pixel Watch 3 smart watch and Pixel Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds.
You can order all four Google Pixel 9 series phones from Currys right now.
