Summary of the rumor of the “Pixel 9” series with a design similar to the iPhone. Will there be an “XL” model? – CNET Japan

Last week, Google added the Pixel 8a to its Pixel smartphone lineup. This product will join the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have strong performance, long support periods and innovative AI features, but they won't be released until October 2023. People are already looking at the Pixel 9 series, which is expected to be released in 2024.

So far, there are only scattered rumors regarding the Pixel 9 series, but in this article we have summarized the information that seems to be of particular interest.

Will it be released in fall 2024?

Google usually releases a new Pixel phone in October. The Pixel 8 series and “Pixel 7” series were also released around this time. So far, there are no rumors indicating that the timing of product launches will change significantly, so it is likely that the Pixel 9 series will arrive before the end of the year.

The Pixel 8 series will be released in October 2023
Credit: Andrew Lankson/CNET

Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, will be held in May, the month before October. There is a possibility that the Pixel 9 will be announced at Google I/O.

Will the Pixel 9 consist of 3 models?

Android Authority at the end of 2022I told youSince the leak, there have been persistent rumors that the Pixel 9 will feature three models instead of the traditional two. Specifically, in addition to the standard Pixel 9 model, two variants will be available in the high-end “Pro” series: a large model and a small model.

The smaller Pro model will be similar in size to the standard model, but may come with a higher-performance camera that was previously only available on larger models. On the other hand, the larger Pro model (tentatively named 'Pixel 9 Pro XL') has the same high-end specs but comes with a larger screen.

This configuration is close to Apple's strategy. In addition to the standard iPhone model, Apple offers a Pro model with an improved camera in two sizes, often in three-model configurations.

iPhone style design?

Speaking of iPhones, there are rumors that the Pixel 9 series will have a design reminiscent of the “iPhone 15” series. Obtained by prominent leaker OnLeaks, MySmartPricepublishedRenderings show that the Pixel 9 Pro XL has flat metal sides and a back panel reminiscent of the latest iPhones.

The leaked images show that the camera strip on the back is completely different from the previous one. On previous Pixel devices, the solid camera bar was arranged in a single line that ran the entire width of the device and wrapped around the sides. However, based on the published renders, it appears that the new camera strip will be oval-shaped and centered at the top of the device.

The image shown is believed to be of the Pixel 9 Pro XL
Provided by: MySmartPrice/@OnLeaks

There's no specific information about the screen size yet, but the standard model is expected to be around 6.1 inches, and the smaller Pro model is expected to be around the same size. The larger Pro model is expected to have the same 6.8-inch display as the current Pixel 8 Pro.

There are no major changes in camera performance.

The full specifications of the camera haven't been revealed yet, and there's currently not much for photographers, myself included, to get excited about. However, based on rumors about the size of the Pixel 9 series, it seems likely that the smaller Pro model will also feature a triple-lens camera system that includes a telephoto zoom. Currently, only the telephoto camera is installed on the large Pixel 8 Pro.

This is good news for those who want a high-performance but compact smartphone. It remains to be seen if Google will follow Apple's lead and make features exclusive to the larger Pro models (for example, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 5x optical zoom feature that isn't installed on the smaller iPhone 15 Pro).

New tensor processor

It is almost certain that Google will announce a new generation of original processors, and the name will likely be “Tensor G4.” Tensor isn't a particularly powerful chip, but Google says it's optimized for on-device AI. This feature will be inherited to the next generation Tensor.

Does it have Android 15?

Pixel devices are also a showcase for the latest features of Google's mobile operating system 'Android', so the Pixel 9 series will likely be equipped with the latest 'Android 15'. Android 15 is expected to be officially announced at Google I/O in May, but early developer previews include settings for improved privacy features and camera control.

　According to Android AuthorityThere is also a possibility that satellite calling functionality will be included as a new feature. This is a countermeasure against the iPhone, which has an emergency SOS function that uses satellite communications.

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The Pixel 8 ran Android 14
Credit: Andrew Lankson/CNET

Jobs related to AI generation are also expected to be enhanced. I'd like to see at least seven years of software support, similar to the Pixel 8. If that happens, you can continue using the Pixel 9 series with confidence until 2031.