Made by Google event on August 13: What to expect from Pixel 9 series
Google’s “Made by Google” launch event on August 13 is set to showcase the latest hardware products, with the Pixel 9 series smartphones being the main attraction. The event is expected to reveal a variety of innovations, especially in the design and features of the Pixel 9 series.
Google Pixel 9 Series: Anticipated Highlights
Models
Google has provided a sneak peek of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, confirming that a foldable device will be included in the lineup. Alongside the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, there are reports indicating the introduction of a third model, the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This new model is anticipated to have a larger display than the Pro model, closely matching the size of the base Pixel 9.
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Design
The Pixel 9 series is expected to undergo a major design transformation. The Pixel 9 Pro will feature a flat frame design, moving away from the curved edges seen in earlier models. It will also have a floating island-style camera module, detached from the frame, differing from the camera visor design of the Pixel 8 series. The standard Pixel 9 and the expected Pixel 9 Pro XL are likely to adopt a similar design.
Camera
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have an isolated square-shaped camera island on the top left side, moving away from the traditional camera bar design of previous Pixel devices. It will also sport a flat frame design like the Pixel 9 Pro.
Camera Enhancements
The Pixel 9 series is anticipated to bring significant camera upgrades. The standard Pixel 9 is likely to include a new Sony IMX858 ultra-wide-angle camera sensor with a larger aperture, replacing the current Sony IMX386. Additionally, the Pixel 9 is expected to feature autofocus for the front-facing camera.
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and the expected Pixel 9 Pro XL are likely to incorporate the new Sony IMX858 sensor for the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras. The Pro models may also include a 50MP IMX858 sensor for the front-facing camera, representing a notable upgrade.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to be equipped with a 64MP IMX787 sensor, borrowed from the Pixel 8a, as its primary camera.
Display
Following the use of Samsung’s “Actua” display in the Pixel 8 series, Google is expected to continue using Samsung’s OLED panels for the Pixel 9 series. Reports indicate that the Pixel 9 series will use the same OLED panel that Samsung is producing for Apple’s next-generation iPhone series. The enhanced Samsung “M14” OLED panel is expected to be brighter than the current generation display.
According to a report by Android Authority, the standard Pixel 9 smartphone will reach 1,800 nits of peak HDR brightness, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL panels will achieve up to 2,050 nits. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is anticipated to have a taller display, with the inner foldable panel reaching up to 1,600 nits and the outer cover display up to 1,800 nits of peak HDR brightness.
AI Features
The Pixel 9 series is set to introduce several new AI features, including an “Add Me” feature, which is expected to be an enhanced version of the “Best Take” feature. A new “Studio” app, an all-in-one AI image generator and editor, is also anticipated. The most notable feature will likely be the “Pixel Screenshots” feature, which is expected to work similarly to Microsoft’s Recall feature for the Copilot+ PC platform. Unlike Recall, which captures everything on the user’s screen to create a searchable timeline, Pixel Screenshots will include only the screenshots taken by the user and authorized for use by the feature.
Additional Enhancements
The Pixel 9 series smartphones are expected to include several other improvements. These include an enhanced in-display fingerprint sensor, with Google likely switching from a capacitive fingerprint scanner to an ultrasonic sensor, improving speed and reliability. Other enhancements include a new modem for better network reception and satellite connectivity, introduced with the Android 15 operating system.
