Google has officially introduced its latest lineup of smartphones, the Pixel 9 series, featuring the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. These devices, along with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are powered by the new Google Tensor G4 chip, designed to deliver an enhanced user experience through advanced AI capabilities and powerful hardware.

Sleek Design and Superior Camera Performance

The Pixel 9 series comes with a sleek, sculpted design that feels comfortable in hand. The iconic camera bar has been evolved, putting the camera system front and center, and the phones now feature a silky matte glass back with polished metal sides, offering a distinctly premium feel. The Pixel 9 devices are also twice as durable as their predecessor, the Pixel 8.

For the first time, Google’s Pro models are available in two sizes: the Pixel 9 Pro with a 6.3-inch display and the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch display. Both models boast Super Actua displays, which are Google’s best and brightest yet, and feature a new 42 MP front camera designed to capture sharper and brighter selfies, even in low light.

The standard Pixel 9 also sees significant upgrades, with a 6.3-inch Actua display that is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8 and has been rated the best in its class. The camera system includes a 48 MP ultrawide lens, a major improvement from the Pixel 8’s 12 MP lens, and a front camera with autofocus for even sharper selfies. Additionally, the Pixel 9 offers approximately 20% longer battery life during active use compared to its predecessor.

AI-Powered by Google Tensor G4

At the heart of the Pixel 9 series is the Google Tensor G4 chip, designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind to optimize the most advanced AI models. This chip supports features like Gemini Nano with Multimodality, allowing the phone to understand and process text, images, and audio simultaneously.

The Tensor G4 also enhances everyday tasks by making apps open faster and improving web browsing efficiency. All Pixel 9 models come with upgraded memory – 12GB of RAM for the Pixel 9 and 16GB for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL – ensuring smooth performance across all tasks.

Gemini Live and New Creative Tools

Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold owners will enjoy a year of Gemini Advanced, which includes access to Gemini Live – a new feature that allows users to interact with Google’s AI in a more natural and conversational way. Whether planning an event or brainstorming ideas, Gemini Live offers intuitive, real-time assistance.

Pixel 9 phones also introduce Pixel Studio, a groundbreaking image generator that combines Tensor G4’s on-device diffusion model with Google’s Imagen 3 text-to-image model in the cloud. This tool allows users to create detailed images directly on their phones, offering a new level of creativity.

Enhanced Camera Features and Call Improvements

The Pixel 9 series includes a host of new camera features aimed at enhancing both photography and videography. Notably, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL support Video Boost, which processes Night Sight videos twice as fast and allows for high-resolution zoom videos up to 20x with Super Res Zoom Video.

For calls, the Pixel 9 series introduces Clear Calling for improved audio quality and a new Call Notes feature, which provides a private summary and full transcript of phone calls shortly after they end, enhancing convenience and privacy.

Satellite SOS for Emergencies

In a significant first, the Pixel 9 devices are the only Android phones to include Google’s new Satellite SOS feature, which allows users to contact emergency responders via satellite even without cellular service. This feature will initially be available in the U.S., with no extra cost for the first two years.

Availability and Pricing

Pre-orders for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are now open, with prices starting at SGD1,199 AND SGD1,459, respectively. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available in stores from 22 August, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will hit shelves on 4 September in the U.S., with availability in other markets to follow in the coming weeks.