"Hardware" Four-Pronged Attack, "Software" AI First.

Traditionally, the mobile phone market in September and October sees fierce competition, with brands like Apple and Huawei launching a series of flagship products during this period. Google typically follows suit by unveiling its new generation of Pixel series at its October fall event.

However, this year's scenario is somewhat unusual.

As planned, Google will hold a product launch in the early morning of August 14th, Beijing time, to introduce the Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and wearable devices. Not only is the number of new products increased, but the fall event (October 12, 2023) is also almost two months earlier than last year's.

Regarding the reason for the early event, Google has not provided an official response. However, LeiTech speculates that Google likely aims to preempt the iPhone 16 series and the new Qualcomm flagship, using the Pixel 9 series and Gemini AI to once again solidify Pixel's market position in AI.

Pixel 9 Pro, Image/ Google

In 2023, the Pixel series exceeded sales expectations, ranking among the top five in the US market and third (now second, surpassing Xiaomi) in Japan. AI's role in boosting Pixel sales, both through product experience and marketing, cannot be overlooked, as AI-powered phones have become a significant trend in the industry.

Building on this momentum, Google plans to introduce the Tensor G5, designed entirely in-house and based on TSMC's 3nm process, in its next-generation Pixel in 2025. This will be a significant boost similar to the A-series chips for iPhones.

Can the Pixel 9 series, powered by the Tensor G4, live up to the Pixel name?

Pixel 9 Triple Threat: A Design Closer to iPhone

Leaks are nothing new for the Google Pixel series. Before the Pixel 3 series launch, full details of the new models spread across the internet, and hands-on videos surfaced before the Pixel 4 series.

The Pixel 9 series continues this "tradition," with official leaks and hands-on videos appearing before the event. As shown in the videos and leaked images, the Pixel 9 series adopts a right-angled frame design with uniform narrow bezels, eliminating the distinction between standard and Pro models. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be discussed separately later.

Front view of the Pixel 9 series leaked by a UK retailer, Image/ Google

In terms of size, the Pixel 9 series sees significant changes, including a 6.3-inch Pixel 9 standard model, a 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro, and a 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL. Users interested in Pixel no longer have to choose between size and telephoto capabilities.

Image/ Onleaks

In short, they are all closer to the iPhone design.

However, the back of the Pixel 9 series maintains the unique "Pixel" design style. Unlike the elongated Deco design of the Pixel 8 series, the Pixel 9 adopts a simpler "capsule" design using metal.

Frankly, as a Pixel 8 user, I prefer the design of the Pixel 8.

Regarding specifications, Google appears to have raided Sony Semiconductor's inventory, extensively using the Sony IMX858 sensor in the Pixel 9 series.

In addition to the Sony IMX858 sensor for the ultra-wide-angle lens across the series, the Pixel 9 Pro also uses this sensor for its telephoto and front cameras. For the main camera, the entire Pixel 9 series adopts Samsung's 50MP GNK sensor, released late last year, offering enhanced video recording and HDR capabilities.

Simultaneously, the Pixel 9 series is equipped with Google's latest processor, the Tensor G4.

However, the Tensor G4 is difficult to get excited about. On the one hand, it's based on the Exynos platform and Samsung's 4nm process, a double debuff. On the other hand, the next-generation Tensor G5 will adopt Google's fully in-house design and TSMC's 3nm process.

Fortunately, the Tensor G4 still has its unique features and advantages in image processing, privacy security, and AI, to some extent previewing the design direction of the Tensor G5.

Lastly, the increasing application of large models is forcing mobile phone brands, especially overseas ones, to increase memory. For example, the iPhone 16 series will come standard with 8GB of RAM. Specifically, the Pixel 9 standard model will start with 12GB, while the Pro version jumps to 16GB, catching up with the mainstream level of domestic phones.

A Thinner Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the True Pixel Foldable

Last May, Google unveiled its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, at its I/O developer conference. For the second-generation foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google chose to return to its fall event, nominally integrated into the Pixel 9 series.

In terms of design, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold adopts a similar style to the Pixel series, featuring right-angled frames and a metal Deco design. Furthermore, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold follows the trend of "thinning" foldable phones, at least not as thick as its predecessor.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Image/ Google

According to Android Headlines, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold measures only 10.5mm thick when folded and a mere 5.1mm when unfolded, thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and vivo X Fold3 Pro. The narrowness of the power and volume buttons near the frame side also indicates its thinness.

However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is still quite heavy: about 10% lighter than its predecessor but still weighs 257g, heavier than almost all new-generation foldable phones. This is partly due to its larger size, with a 6.3-inch external display and an 8-inch internal screen, and partly to its rear camera module.

For cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a combination of a wide-angle main camera, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens. The main camera uses a 64MP Sony IMX787 sensor, while the telephoto lens employs a Samsung 3J1 sensor.

Nevertheless, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold still has room for improvement in controlling screen bezels and rear camera modules.

Additionally, the event is expected to introduce the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds and Pixel Watch 3.

Pixel Watch 3, Image/ Google

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will return to the fixed earfin design of the original Pixel Buds and may incorporate the "Tensor A1" chip for enhanced active noise cancellation and other features.

The Pixel Watch 3 is expected to come in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with narrower bezels, a higher screen-to-body ratio, a screen brightness of up to 2000 nits, and a UWB chip.

Leveraging Google's Technological Advantages, Pixel Strengthens Its Position as an "AI Phone"

While giants like Samsung, OPPO, and Honor emphasize AI, Google Pixel was the first mobile phone brand to focus on AI experiences. Since Google proclaimed "AI First" in 2016, Pixel has continuously built product selling points around AI experiences. However, AI back then was primarily driven by deep learning technology, popularized by Google's AlphaGo.

Today, generative AI (and large model technology) has swept the globe, becoming the biggest trend in tech circles, and Pixel has risen with the tide. The Pixel 9 series, of course, will emphasize AI. From leaked promotional materials, the Pixel 9 series will feature Gemini AI, replacing the traditional Google Assistant, as well as new AI-driven functions like "Pixel Screenshots" and "Add Me."

Pixel Screenshots is similar to Microsoft's "Recall" feature on Windows 11, using "snapshots" to record device usage. Users can retrieve key information or moments using natural language.

Image/ Google

Add Me continues Google's AI-driven transformation of mobile photography, adopting a multiple exposure technique for group photos. As demonstrated, Add Me eliminates the need for strangers to help take group photos, achieving a "redo" of the group shot with two shutter presses.

Image/ Google

This need is genuine. LeiTech once faced the embarrassment of missing a person in a group photo during a trip with friends. In some scenarios, maintaining a certain distance is necessary, but strangers may not fulfill the photography needs or have no obligation to help. Abroad, there's even the concern of strangers running off with your phone.

While OPPO, Honor, and Huawei have already mastered AI photography, Google's Add Me feature is relatively minor. Still, it's better than nothing, especially compared to Apple's iPhones.

Final Thoughts

Fairly speaking, this generation of Pixel is quite a dilemma, given that we already know the next-generation Pixel will usher in breakthroughs in chips and core hardware.

However, the Pixel 9 series boasts significant changes in other aspects, including design and hardware upgrades, making its user experience highly anticipated. AI remains a focal point for potential Pixel buyers, both in photography and daily use.

In this light, Google's upcoming product launch in the early morning still seems worth looking forward to. LeiTech will provide live coverage of the event. Stay tuned!

Source: LeiTech