Every year in the second half, Google unveils its flagship Pixel series, which, though relatively unknown in the domestic market, still garners significant attention in the international arena. Recently, Google officially announced that it will launch the new Pixel 9 series on August 13, approximately two months earlier than usual.

Firstly, based on previously leaked information, the Pixel 9 series comprises 4 models: in addition to the standard Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL, there's also news about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a foldable device.

The Pixel 9 succeeds the Pixel 8, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL takes over from the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro is similar in specifications to the XL but with the size of the Pixel 9, and the Pixel Fold 2 is a foldable phone.

The Pixel 9 boasts a 6.24-inch screen, the Pixel 9 Pro a 6.34-inch screen, and the Pixel 9 XL a 6.73-inch screen.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL feature three 50MP cameras on the back, while the Pixel 9 has a primary and an ultra-wide-angle camera. Furthermore, all three Pixel 9 models are equipped with the Tensor G4 SoC.

According to benchmark scores, the Google Pixel 9's performance in Geekbench 6 is somewhat underwhelming for a flagship device. With a Tensor G4 chip, it achieved 1653 for single-core and 3313 for multi-core, compared to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8+ Gen1, which scored over 1700 for single-core and over 4000 for multi-core on some devices back in May 2022.

Previously, Rozetked reported AnTuTu benchmark scores for the three new Pixel 9 models, with the Pixel 9 scoring 1,071,616, also falling short of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen1's over 1.1 million. The Tensor G4 adopts a 1+3+4 core architecture, including a Cortex-X4 performance core at up to 3.1GHz, three Cortex-A720 cores at up to 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A520 energy-efficient cores at up to 1.95GHz. While these scores may not represent the final performance of the Pixel 9, they are unimpressive among Android devices, let alone compared to Apple's iPhones.

Moreover, the official render of the Pixel 9 Pro confirms a rounded design and the continuation of Google's signature camera module reminiscent of a riot shield. This module houses three camera sensors, an LED flash, and a temperature sensor. The Pixel 9 series will offer five color options: Ceramic White, Mojito, Obsidian Black, and two shades of Pink.

It's worth noting that while "pink is a favorite of macho men," Google usually doesn't offer such a color for its Pixel phones. This contrast makes pink an intriguing choice for the Pixel 9, especially compared to the more conventional black, white, and blue.

The pink version of the Google Pixel 9 stands out with its flat body lines and iconic horizontal camera module, particularly its prominent camera bump. Some foreign media have commented that this year's Pixel phones look different, almost like iPhone knockoffs... but at least they don't look the same as last year's models.

Analysts speculate that Google's decision to introduce a pink Pixel model this year is likely aimed at attracting female users. In recent years, Google has offered blue and green Pixel phones, such as the Bay (coastal blue) and Mint (mint green) versions of the Pixel 8/8 Pro, and a bright green Pixel 8a.

Earlier leaks about the three slab models' designs were accurate, and their battery capacities have been confirmed:

Pixel 9 Pro XL: Rated at 4942 mAh

Pixel 9 Pro: Rated at 4558mAh, typical value of 4700mAh

Pixel 9: Rated at 4558mAh, typical value of 4700mAh

Test reports also reveal the charging speeds of the four models:

Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 20.25W

Pixel 9 Pro XL: 32.67W

Pixel 9 Pro: 25.20W

Pixel 9: 24.12W

Additionally, a new 45W Google charger has been certified.

Furthermore, according to foreign media, the upcoming Pixel 9 series boasts significant hardware innovations.

Google will overhaul the sensor lineup for the Pixel phones this year. For the Pixel 9, Google replaces the older IMX858 ultra-wide-angle sensor with the Sony IMX386, which has a larger sensor size (1/2.51" compared to 1/2.8"), significantly improving low-light performance.

While the main camera (Samsung GNK) and selfie camera (Samsung 3J1) remain unchanged, the Pixel 9 introduces a new feature: autofocus for the front camera, similar to last year's Pixel 8 Pro. This means clearer, more stable selfies in more situations. In contrast, the fixed-focus selfie camera on the Pixel 8 is sufficient but prone to blurriness.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share the same camera system. This year, Google places high hopes on the Sony IMX858, which handles almost all lenses except the main camera, including the front camera. While the new sensor offers modest upgrades for the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, it makes the Pixel 9 Pro's selfie camera stand out, surpassing most dedicated selfie sensors in size.

Both Pro models retain last year's infrared thermometer, the Melexis MLX90632. Google's persistence with this controversial feature is intriguing, given its limited applications and many people question its value.

Notably, the Pixel 9 series will integrate Gemini AI, offering users an AI experience unique to Google. Previously, Google led the trend of computational photography in the mobile industry through the Tensor SoC. With Apple's Apple Intelligence setting the bar, it's exciting to see how Google will seamlessly integrate AI with the Android system.

Strictly speaking, the AI features on the Pixel series are not native to Android but rather part of a system app suite called "Google AI," which was already available on the Pixel 8. In fact, Google might be the farthest-reaching mobile company in AI, offering various AI functions from cloud to edge.

The exposed Pixel 9 AI features are primarily categorized into three: Add Me, Screenshots, and Studio. While the names might not immediately reveal their functions, you might find similarly named buttons on older system versions.

Google's version emphasizes privacy: it doesn't automatically capture everything the user is doing but only applies to manually taken screenshots. When a screenshot is taken, the app adds metadata like app name and web links, which are then processed locally by AI. This version allows users to search screenshot content and ask the virtual assistant related questions.

Additionally, Android 15's final beta (Android 15 Beta 4) has officially launched, and eligible devices will receive the update promptly.

These devices include the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a.

Notably, developers have discovered that Android 15 Beta 4 supports satellite communication and offers Pixel users two years of free satellite communication services.

In emergencies, users can transmit their name, email, phone number, location, and emergency contact information via satellite to facilitate rescue.

This means the upcoming Pixel 9 series will support satellite communication, and this system will debut on the Pixel 9 series.

Currently, satellite communication is becoming a new competitive frontier for mobile phone manufacturers. Following Apple and Huawei, vivo, OPPO, Honor, Xiaomi, and now Google's Pixel 9 series have all joined this race.

Moreover, Google has finally decided to adopt ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for the Pixel 9 series. Specifically, it uses Qualcomm's 3D Sonic Gen 2 (QFS4008), identical to the one used in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While the overall unlocking experience and speed depend on more than just hardware, ultrasonic sensors are inherently superior to optical sensors.

The new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor will be used in all Pixel 9 models except the foldable Pixel Fold, which will continue to use the fingerprint recognition solution integrated into the power button.

The introduction of ultrasonic fingerprint sensors is a significant improvement for the Google Pixel series. Firstly, ultrasonic sensors scan faster, recognizing users' fingerprints in less time, enhancing unlocking efficiency. Secondly, they perform more stably in various environments, including wet or dirty hands, undoubtedly enhancing the device's practicality and user experience.

Regarding pricing, leaked information indicates that the Pixel 9 standard edition starts at 899 euros (approximately 7100 yuan, 128GB), while the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at 1199 euros (approximately 9500 yuan), with the top-end 1TB version priced at 1689 euros (approximately 13360 yuan).

Here's a summary of the key details by Mingmei Infinite:

Pixel 9

Available in Ceramic White, Mojito, Cosmos, and Obsidian Black, with a 100-euro (12.5%) price increase from the Pixel 8's 799 euros.

Pixel 9 Pro

Available in Ceramic White, Pink, Beige, and Obsidian Black, with no change in starting price.

Pixel 9 Pro XL

Primarily available in Obsidian Black, Beige, and Ceramic White, with the 256GB version also offering Pink, and the 1TB version exclusive to Obsidian Black.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Available in Obsidian Black and Ceramic White.

Finally, Google has confirmed that the Pixel 9 series will be unveiled on August 13 (1 AM Beijing time, August 14), months earlier than its usual release schedule. Typically, Google unveils new Pixel models in October. Foreign media speculate that the early launch is Google's attempt to challenge the iPhone.