Tomorrow is a big day for Google as it launches the new Pixel products. The company is set to unveil its Pixel 9 series, along with the latest Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds. The keynote will start at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST / 10:30 PM IST. As usual, we’ve summarized all the leaks and rumors from the past months to get you up to speed.
Pixel 9 Series
Pixel device leaks have been plentiful over the last few months, and we have most of the key details about the new devices, including their specs and regional pricing. Here’s what to expect from tomorrow’s Made by Google Keynote 2024:
Google is set to streamline its Pixel smartphone lineup, much like Apple has been doing for years. The Pixel 9 will serve as the entry-level model, similar to the base iPhone. It will feature a 6.3-inch (non-LTPO) OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and slightly thicker bezels compared to its Pro versions.
The Pixel 9 will feature an aluminum frame and an updated camera visor that no longer blends into the side frame like the Pixel 8 series. As the more affordable option, it will come in eye-catching colors like Porcelain (white), Rose, Green, and Obsidian (black).
The Pixel 9 Pro aims to bring Pro features, like triple cameras, to a smaller size, targeting users who were hesitant to go Pro before. It will have a 6.3-inch OLED (LTPO this time) with slimmer bezels than the standard Pixel 9, and a new shiny frame, possibly made of stainless steel or titanium. The Pixel 9 Pro XL will be the true successor to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro, featuring a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen. Both the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL will be available in Porcelain, Rose, Hazel (green), and Obsidian colors.
Cameras are always a highlight for Pixel devices, and this year’s Pro models are stepping up with 50MP main cameras featuring a Samsung GNK 1/1.31-inch sensor and OIS, a 48MP 5x telephoto lens using a Sony IMX858 sensor (1/2.51″), and a 48MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 9 is expected to feature the same 50MP main and 48MP ultrawide cameras. There’s also a rumor that Google will finally introduce 8K video recording this year.
The Pro models will also get upgraded 50MP front-facing cameras (Samsung 3J1), while the non-Pro model will stick with the 10.5MP sensor from last year’s Pixel 8 series.
All four new Pixels are expected to feature Google’s 4nm Tensor G4 chipset, which includes an eight-core configuration: 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.1GHz, 3x Cortex-A720 @ 2.6GHz, and 4x Cortex-A520 cores @ 1.95GHz. Early benchmarks suggest this upgrade is one of the more minor changes in the short history of Tensor chipsets, but we can still expect improved power efficiency and heat management.
Pixel 9 will reportedly offer up to 12GB RAM while the Pros will be configurable with up to 16GB RAM. The new phones are also rumored to offer two-way satellite communication via the Exynos 5400 modem.
The batteries powering the new phones are also expected to carry larger capacities with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro featuring 4,600 mAh cells while the 9 Pro XL should bump up to 5,060 mAh. Google is also expected to bring faster charging support this time around with up to 35W on the Pro 9 XL.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold: taller, slimmer, updated hardware.
Google is set to update its first folding phone with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This model is expected to feature a major redesign, boasting a taller and slimmer body. Rumors suggest it will measure 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm when folded and 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm when unfolded. Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to open completely flat. It’s also said to weigh 257 grams, which is still heavier than its key competitors but a welcome reduction of 26 grams from the original Pixel Fold.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s displays are getting significant upgrades. The cover screen will be 6.24 inches, while the main display will be an 8-inch OLED. Both screens will feature a 120Hz refresh rate and can reach up to 2,700 nits peak brightness. The aspect ratios have been updated too, with the cover display being taller and narrower and the folding screen having a more square-like shape.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s rear cameras will include a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. There will also be two 10MP selfie cameras, one for each display. The device will be powered by the new Tensor G4 chip and come with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
One area that won’t see an upgrade is the battery. Google is rumored to stick with a 4,650 mAh battery, which is 171mAh less than the first-gen Pixel Fold. Hopefully, the new and improved Tensor G4 chip will offset the smaller capacity.
New AI features – because why not add more?
A Google keynote wouldn’t be complete without some new AI features. The new Pixels are expected to introduce Pixel Screenshots, using Gemini to pull information from your screenshots and initiate searches directly. We’re also anticipating new Gemini interactions that allow you to ask for help from any screen on your device.
One of the most exciting new features coming to the Pixel Camera app is “Add Me,” which lets you add people to photos even if they weren’t in the original shot. Additionally, Google is rumored to be updating Magic Editor, allowing you to replace photo backgrounds with simple text prompts.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 with wing tips
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to keep the same stem-less design as their predecessors but will reintroduce wing tips for a better fit. They are anticipated to come in Charcoal, Porcelain, Aloe, and Hot Pink. The case will be slightly larger, possibly to accommodate a bigger 650mAh battery.
We haven’t seen many other specs yet, but we’re hoping for improved sound quality and better active noise cancellation.
Pixel Watch 3 in two sizes
For the first time, the Pixel Watch 3 is expected to come in more than one size, including a 45mm version alongside the 41mm model. Both will look almost identical to the Pixel Watch 2 with round AMOLED displays but will feature larger screens thanks to slimmer bezels. The new watches will also offer 2,000 nits peak brightness and 60Hz refresh rates, a significant upgrade from the Pixel Watch 2’s 30Hz display.
The internal hardware will largely remain the same, with the Snapdragon Wear 5100 and Cortex M33 co-processor from last year’s Pixel Watch 2. These will be paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 is expected to have a 310mAh battery, while the 45mm version might get a 420mAh cell.
