Google Pixel 9 Lineup: Enhanced AI, New Sizes, and Gemini Integration

Google's "Made by Google 2024" event unveiled the highly anticipated Pixel 9 smartphone series, introducing a refreshed lineup with expanded size options, improved camera systems, and a significant shift towards AI integration with Gemini as the default assistant. The new family consists of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Key Features and Models

The Pixel 9 series aims to offer more choice and cater to diverse user preferences, mirroring strategies seen from competitors like Apple.

Pixel 9

Display: 6.3-inch display.
Camera: Dual rear camera setup.
RAM: 12GB.
Storage: 128GB or 256GB.
Battery: 4700 mAh.

Pixel 9 Pro

Display: 6.3-inch display (higher resolution than base Pixel 9).
Camera: Triple rear camera setup, including telephoto lens.
RAM: 16GB.
Storage: Up to 1TB.
Battery: 4700 mAh.

Pixel 9 Pro XL

Display: 6.8-inch display (similar to the previous Pixel 8 Pro).
Camera: Triple rear camera setup, including telephoto lens.
RAM: 16GB.
Storage: Up to 1TB.
Battery: 5060 mAh.

Design and Display Enhancements

The industrial design of the Pixel 9 series receives an overhaul, featuring sharper corners and a more pronounced rear camera bar. The displays are reportedly 35% brighter than their predecessors, reaching a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, and are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The splitting of the Pro models allows users to choose a higher-spec device without necessarily opting for the largest size.

AI Integration: Gemini Takes Center Stage

A major highlight of the Pixel 9 lineup is the deep integration of Gemini AI. It replaces the traditional Google Assistant as the default AI assistant on the devices, a move Google refers to as the "legacy assistant" in the Android context. While users can opt to switch back to the older Google Assistant if preferred, the focus is clearly on Gemini's capabilities. A beta program allows users to assign the Pixel 8a's Power button to trigger Gemini, indicating a more accessible AI experience.

Camera and AI Editing Tools

The camera hardware sees improvements across the board:

Pixel 9: Features a 50-megapixel wide camera with 8x Super Res Zoom and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens.
Pixel 9 Pro & Pro XL: Add a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom. Both Pro models also boast 42-megapixel selfie cameras.

Google continues to enhance its suite of AI-based editing tools:

Add Me: Allows users to insert themselves into photos by merging two images.
Magic Editor: Receives automatic image reframing, crop suggestions, and the ability to expand images.

Performance and Battery Life

All Pixel 9 models are equipped with the new Tensor G4 chip and the Titan M2 security chip.

RAM: 12GB for the Pixel 9, 16GB for the Pro models.
Storage: Options range from 128GB up to 1TB for the Pro models.
Battery: 4700 mAh for the 6.3-inch models and 5060 mAh for the Pro XL. Google claims up to 24 hours of battery life, extendable to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode.

Software and Support

The Pro devices include a year of the Google One AI Premium plan, offering access to Gemini Advanced and Gemini in Google apps like Gmail and Docs, along with 2TB of cloud storage. Crucially, all new Pixel 9 handsets come with seven years of OS and security updates, a significant commitment to long-term device support.

Pricing and Availability

Pixel 9: Starts at $799.
Pixel 9 Pro: Starts at $999.
Pixel 9 Pro XL: Starts at $1,099.

Pre-orders opened on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL are scheduled to ship on August 22, 2024, with the ship date for the Pixel 9 Pro to be announced.

Related Content and Events

The article also promotes the "TechCrunch All Stage" event in Boston on July 15, 2025, offering early bird discounts. It also links to related articles about Google's AI advancements, other tech news, and provides social sharing options. --- Image Credits: Google