The iPhone-like Pixel 9 Pro: Copying Apple’s homework – the best thing Google’s ever done?،
, and I don't hate it. We see a flat frame, which curves to the edge (exactly as on the
), as well as thin, symmetrical display borders all around.
But more importantly, Google has (once again) managed to shake things up and give its new flagship the necessary character thanks to a redesigned back, which (pop the champagne) is ultimately largely blacked out – as my beloved Pixel 6 Pro. It's pretty obvious that the inspiration for the new camera bar on the back of the Pixel 9 Pro was the Pixel Fold.
Like it or not, Google decided to follow the trend started by Apple and make the Pixel less curvy from almost every angle. Of course this would make the Pixel 9 The series seem more modern (according to the current trend) but also more difficult to hold and use with one hand.
High-end flagship phones like the iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Xiaomi 14 Pro look flat and edgy, making the Pixel 8's design look a bit dated. But certainly not in a bad way. I much prefer the hand feel of my Pixel 8 Pro compared to my iPhone 15 Pro Max, and especially my Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Just like the iPhone, the Pixel 9 Pro in two sizes could be the best surprise Google has in store for us – Samsung should take note
A smaller Pixel 9 Pro will most likely be coming, and that's exciting!
But this is where the first (incredible) surprise arises – at least if it ends up being true.
Yes, the new flat frame will enlarge Pixel 9 Pro (which should be 6.7-6.9 inches) harder to use one-handed, and I'd be totally against that decision if… Google didn't make a smaller Pixel 9 Pro! In a way, it's a shame that a new phone size is enough to make a new phone “exciting”, but I'll take it.
A huge leak of Google's entire roadmap for 2024 and 2025 already hinted at a smaller variant of the Pixel 9 Pro, and the current leak we have also indicates that we should expect a 6.5-inch model to accompany the larger Pixel 9 Pro.
I'm not going to brag about how awesome it is to be able to choose between two sizes of the same phone, because we already know that. It's no coincidence that the market's leading phone maker offers two versions of its premium flagship: the iPhone 15 Pro And iPhone 15 Pro Max.
A 6.5-inch Pixel 9 Pro would fit very nicely between the smaller Pixel 9 and the larger Pixel 9 Pro variant – especially since the flat bezel will make the larger Pixel harder to handle. A smaller Pixel 9 Pro would also compete well with Apple's iPhone 16 Pro, which is expected to have a 6.3-inch screen.
Is it now Samsung's turn to make a smaller Galaxy S25 Ultra?
With an improved design in two sizes, the Pixel 9 Pro seems like the perfect Android flagship: should you skip the Pixel 8 Pro?
Finally, perhaps the most practical Pixel 9-the question I can try to answer is whether you should ignore the Pixel 8 Pro and I wait for it Pixel 9 Pro?
I would say that if you want to have a smaller but equally premium Pixel flagship, I would probably wait for a few more leaks that confirm/deny the existence of the smaller one. Pixel 9 Pro, which (without a doubt) is the Pixel I would choose over any other larger Pixel – whether it's the 8 Pro or the 9 Pro. But that's just me…
That being said, the Pixel 8 Pro (which I've been using for three months) is the most comfortable large flagship phone I've used recently, making it my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra seem impossible to use with one hand. This is thanks to the curved body all around, which is absolutely crucial to the ergonomics of the smartphone. So, in a way, the Pixel 8 Pro could be a great (and your last?) option to get a big screen in a comfortable Pixel body.
Perhaps the most surprising new rumor concerns the Pixel 9 Pro's camera, which could include a variable aperture main snapper. Although nothing revolutionary, this could help the Pixel take better photos in low light and focus better on close-up subjects. That being said, I wouldn't count on this upgrade becoming a reality just yet – at least until we know more.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Samsung-made Exynos, disguised as a Tensor chip, is expected to make a comeback with the Pixel 9 series, which could (potentially) remain the biggest drawback of Google's excellent flagships. Rumor has it that the Pixel 10 could upgrade to a TSMC-made SoC, so waiting for that one (if you already own a recent Pixel) might be the right decision.
