Google’s Pixel 9 lineup: 7 features that outshine the Pixel 8 series (And what’s still missing)

Google's annual hardware event delivered a flurry of exciting announcements, with the Pixel 9 series taking centre stage. Following the successful launch of the Pixel 8, expectations were high for its successor.

The Pixel 9 builds upon its predecessor's foundation with a refined design, enhanced performance, and a suite of new AI-driven features. While the Pixel 8 was well-received for its compact form and impressive capabilities, the Pixel 9 aims to elevate the experience further.

While we eagerly await real-world reviews and comparisons of these flagship devices, here are seven key upgrades in the Pixel 9 to consider in the meantime.

The Google Pixel 9 Lineup specs impresses with:

Google Pixel 9

• Screen Size: 6.3 inches
• CPU: Tensor G4
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB
• Rear Camera: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide
• Front Camera: 10.5MP
• Battery Size: 4,700 mAh
• Size: 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches
• Weight: 198g
• Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony
• Starting Price: $799 / ₦1,280,229

Google Pixel 9 Pro

• Screen Size: 6.3 inches
• CPU: Tensor G4
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Rear Camera: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x zoom)
• Front Camera: 42MP
• Battery Size: 4,700 mAh
• Size: 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches
• Weight: 198g
• Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz
• Starting Price: $999 / ₦1,600,687
  

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Screen Size: 6.8 inches
• CPU: Tensor G4
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Rear Camera: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (5x zoom)
• Front Camera: 42MP
• Battery Size: 5,060 mAh
• Size: 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inches
• Weight: 210g
• Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz
• Starting Price: $1099 /₦1,760,916
  

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

• Screen Size: 6.3 inches
• CPU: Tensor G4
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 128GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Rear Camera: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10.5MP telephoto (5x zoom)
• Front Camera: 10MP
• Battery Size: 4,650 mAh
• Size: Folded: 6.1 x 3 x 0.4 inches, Unfolded: 6.1 x 5.9 x 0.2 inches
• Weight: 257g
• Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain
• Starting Price: $1799 / ₦2,882,519
  

Pixel 9 Series: Key Upgrades over the Pixel 8 Lineup

While these upgrades are not part of the Pixel 8 lineup, there's a possibility that some may yet arrive through future updates. Here are the top 7 upgrades to look out for:

Gemini Assistant with Live Conversation 

Google's Gemini Live is redefining how we interact with AI. This new feature offers a more natural and conversational experience compared to traditional assistants.

To access Gemini Live, you'll need a Google One $20/month subscription or a Pixel 9 Pro. It allows for seamless conversations, understanding context even when interrupted, and supports various input methods including text, voice, and images. With a choice of ten voices and the ability to run in the background, Gemini Live aims to be a constant, helpful companion.

While still in its early stages, Gemini Live shows promise in transforming the way we interact with our devices.

New Ultrawide Camera and 8K shoots

The Pixel 9 series introduces a revamped ultrawide camera boasting a 48MP sensor for sharper, less noisy images. Its 123° field of view is perfect for capturing wider shots and improved macro photography. 

Google has also enhanced HDR, Night Sight, and Panorama modes. Fun features like "Add Me" and "Made You Look" add a playful touch, while Pixel Studio’s AI-powered editing tools let you unlock your creativity.

For video enthusiasts, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL offer 8K video recording. However, this feature relies on Google’s servers for processing, offering up to 2x faster results than the Pixel 8 Pro.

A Foldable

Yes, a foldable, but this is not Google’s first time. This year, Google doubled the number of phones in the Pixel family by introducing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold—a book-style foldable that succeeds the Pixel Fold. 

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is super thin with a fluid-friction hinge that reveals an 80% brighter Super Actua Flex display. With a larger screen size and updated aspect ratios, it's ideal for entertainment, supporting Multiview on YouTube TV and optimised gaming experiences. 

The design borrows from the Pixel 9 series but maintains a distinct look, featuring a unique camera module and a right-aligned display cutout for the internal selfie camera. 

The foldable joins the lineup with the standard Pixel 9, the new Pixel 9 Pro, and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available for pre-order today, with sales starting on September 4.

Redesigned Camera Visor and Flat Sides

The Pixel 9 series introduces a notable departure from its predecessors in terms of design. The distinctive camera visor that characterised earlier models has been replaced by a more compact, oval-shaped module. This change aligns the Pixel with the current trend of centred camera setups seen on other flagship phones.

The phone's silhouette has also evolved with flatter sides, reminiscent of recent iPhone models. This shift contributes to a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. The Pixel 9 now boasts Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability and comes in two new colour options: Wintergreen and Peony.

While the new design offers a fresh look, the iconic visor will be missed by some fans. Its distinctive shape was a hallmark of the Pixel series, instantly recognizable to users.

AI Software Updates: Pixel Weather App and Call Notes

With a particular focus on AI, the Pixel 9 launch introduces a revamped weather app that goes beyond basic forecasts. AI-powered features mean you'll get personalised weather updates and helpful insights–-like having a dedicated weather expert right in your pocket. The interface is also stunning.

Call Notes, another standout feature, simplifies call management on the Pixel 9 phones. With just a tap, you can generate a transcript and summary of your conversation. This is a game-changer for those who often find themselves jotting down important details from calls.

These new features, combined with existing strengths like Satellite SOS and Clear Calling, solidify the Pixel's position as a communication powerhouse.

Bigger Screen and 20% Longer Battery Life

The Pixel 9 features a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. Its peak brightness of 2,700 nits is a significant improvement over the Pixel 8, offering better visibility in bright conditions.

Battery life has also seen a boost across the Pixel 9 series. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro promise faster charging with Google's new 45W charger, delivering up to 55% charge in 30 minutes. The larger Pixel 9 Pro XL offers even quicker charging, reaching 70% in the same timeframe.

All three Pixel 9 models target 24 hours of battery life, with an extended Extreme Battery Saver mode for up to 100 hours. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly larger 5,060mAh battery compared to the Pixel 8 Pro's 5,050mAh, but both models aim for similar battery life.

Tensor G4 Chip 

Google has equipped the Pixel 9 series with its latest Tensor G4 chip. This custom-built processor aims to deliver improved performance and efficiency compared to its G3 predecessor. Paired with 12GB of RAM for the Pixel 9 and a generous 16GB for the Pro models, Google has increased memory across the Pixel 9 lineup to support the growing complexity of AI applications.

The Tensor G4 incorporates a refined CPU architecture and a new Exynos modem for enhanced connectivity. The performance boost over the Tensor G3 might be incremental, but the chip is fully optimised for Google's new AI features, such as the Pixel Screenshots tool.

The new phones are designed to ensure smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. 

What’s not in the Pixel 9 flagship series?

It’s not too last-minute for Google to change some of its years-in-the-making hardware to a 2024 standard considering the heavy AI adoption and flagship price range

• The Pixel 9 series launched without Qi2 charging: The Pixel 9 series lacks support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard, a surprising omission given its industry-wide adoption since 2023 and Google’s involvement in its development. Qi2 offers faster speeds and magnetic alignment, similar to Apple's MagSafe, yet the Pixel 9 lineup sticks with the older Qi standard, limiting wireless charging capabilities and accessory compatibility. This places Google among brands like OnePlus, OPPO, vivo, realme, and Nothing, which also launched their latest devices without Qi2.

• The series faces two notable storage-related shortcomings: Slower UFS 3.1 storage and limited base storage options. The Pixel 9 lineup uses UFS 3.1 storage instead of the faster UFS 4.0 found in many competitors, leading to slower app loading times and potential performance impacts over time. Considering Google's promise of seven years of software support, the absence of faster storage could be detrimental in the long run. The base 128GB storage on the Pixel 9 is understandable, but offering only 128GB for the $1,000 Pixel 9 Pro and $1,100 Pro XL is harder to justify, especially when most flagship Android phones now start at 256GB. Though Google offers free storage upgrades during pre-orders, this benefit doesn't apply post-launch. The lack of a 512GB option and slower storage speeds could disappoint users expecting more from a premium device.

• Android 15: Pixel flagships typically launch with the newest Android version, so it's puzzling that the Pixel 9 series ships with Android 14. This decision is surprising given the rapid pace of software updates in the Android ecosystem. When purchasing a premium phone, it’s expected to have the latest features and security enhancements out of the box, not an older OS. Google has, however, confirmed that the Pixel 9 series will receive the Android 15 update later in the year.

Availability and Pricing

The Pixel 9 series is now available for pre-order in select markets, with shipping expected to begin in late August. Google has increased the starting price for the base model to $799, marking a $200 jump from the Pixel 7.

To offset this price hike, Google is offering additional perks for Pixel 9 Pro buyers, including a year of Gemini Advanced access and 2TB of Google One storage.

For those in Africa, international shipping might be the only option for now or you may need to wait for potential announcements regarding broader availability.