Pixel 9: The ultimate Galaxy S24 challenger is looking phenomenal but are you patient enough?،
There could be exactly 5 reasons to wait 8 months for the edgy-looking Pixel 9: a designer camera, AI, and (hopefully) a lower price than the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15.
The periscope zoom camera is rumored to bless the more affordable Pixel 8 – is that even allowed?!
Without doubt the most surprising rumor concerning the Pixel 9 is that Google's flagship model is expected to feature a long-range periscope zoom camera, similar to the Pixel 8 Pro's 5x zoom snapper.
The reason this would be a “big deal” (if it happened) is because none of Samsung, Apple, or Google's flagship phones have ever come with a periscope zoom camera. In fact, the only vanilla flagship (of those made by all three companies) with a zoom camera is the $800 model. Galaxy S24when reloading with 3x optical zoom.
That being said, something tells me to take this leak/rumor with a grain of salt, and that's because specific camera details can often be misinterpreted when recreating renders like the ones we have here.
The Pixel 9 should be super compact – whether that's a good thing is up to you
Just like the Pixel 8THE Pixel 9 It's also said to remain super compact, with a screen measuring 6.1 inches (according to OnLeaks). Again, I would take this information with a grain of salt, as some people measure screen size slightly differently. I won't be surprised if the display on the Pixel 9 is 6.2 or 6.3 inches instead, which would only make it more popular.
It's also worth noting that having both a 6.1-inch screen in a compact body and a periscope zoom camera (which takes up quite a bit of space) IN THE SAME PHONE is something we've never seen previously. This gives me another reason to believe that at least one of the two rumors may turn out to be inaccurate.
All in matte black? The Pixel 9 Pro leaked a render image on the left. Hopefully the same color will be available with the vanilla Pixel 8.
Expect the Pixel 9 to bring even more (and hopefully faster) AI tricks – some shared with the Galaxy S24
I'm making an educated guess here, as this has nothing to do with the leak I've referenced so far, but I bet my shorts are the Pixel 9 will bring even more and better AI features than the Pixel 8 and even the Galaxy S24.
In fact, as I wrote recently (link), many (if not most) of the AI features found in Samsung's new S24 flagships are actually enabled and powered by Google's AI algorithms and Google Cloud. Therefore, it can be assumed that many of the new AI tricks from S24 will carry over to the Pixel 9. In fact, Google says they should come to Pixel 8 Pro anytime now.
I think some of the AI features in phones like the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 are really smart and have game-changing potential – like all the language/translation related AI, for example. My only request to Google is to make the Pixel 9's AI faster, like on the Galaxy S24. Of course, that means Tensor needs to get faster first, and (judging by the Pixel 8) that might be the real challenge.
Leaked renders make the Pixel 9 look bold, badass and beautiful all at once
This one is totally subjective, which is why I don't want to pay too much attention to it, but still – just look at the Pixel 9 returns! The phone in the renders looks both badass and quite pretty. Just me ? We have already seen the Pixel 9 Pro renders in matte black, and I have to say this might be my favorite Pixel look in a while – second only to the Pixel 6 Pro. The iPhone-like frame is not enough to make the Pixel 9 looks like an iPhone, and that's because the back of the phone is quite unique and very… Google. And it's a good thing !
My only request to Google is to make a matte black model of vanilla Pixel 9 – like the iPhone 15, which in my opinion is the most beautiful iPhone15 color among all models (Pro included). THE Pixel 8 comes in black but we have a glossy finish similar to the iPhone 14, which picks up fingerprints and looks badass rather than badass.
From what I see in the leaked renders, the alleged Pixel 9 looks edgy (literally and figuratively) from every angle, and I think I love it! I prefer what I see here a little more than the Galaxy S24 with the bland look and repetitive design of the iPhone 15.
The Google Pixel 9 2024 lineup is getting richer and more complicated: will the more affordable Pixel 9 win or lose?
With three flagship Pixel (9) models for the first time, Google's pricing strategy may go in several different directions.
I left the 5th reason why Pixel 9 It might be worth waiting until the end, as it's the most speculative – since there are now leaks/rumors to talk about here (at least for now). Of course, I am referring to the price of Pixel 9this is what would determine the ultimate value proposition of any phone.
The short story here is that rumor has it that they are becoming “more pro than ever”. Pixel 9 (thanks to the rumored periscope zoom camera) and the new smaller expected Pixel 9 Professional model raises questions about Google pricing in 2024 Pixel 9 range – which has always been what sets the flagship Pixel apart.
With three flagship Pixel (9) models for the first time, Google's pricing strategy may go in several different directions, but is there one that's better than the other alternatives?
How much will the Pixel 9 cost?
The current price gap ($300) between the Pixel 8 And Pixel 8 Pro is quite large, so it would make sense for Google to eventually shrink it. But what is the right way to do it? Here are some different (speculative) options:
- $800 Pixel 9
- $1,000 Pixel 9 Pro (6.5 inches)
- $1,100 Pixel 9 Pro (6.8 inches)
- $800 Pixel 9?
- $900 Pixel 9 Pro (6.5 inches)?
- $1,000 Pixel 9 Pro (6.8 inches)?
Or in the best case…
- $700 Pixel 9 (as much as the Pixel 8)
- $900 Pixel 9 Pro (6.5 inches)
- $1,000 Pixel 9 Pro (6.8 inches)
Given the rumor of a periscope zoom camera (if that's really the case), it would make perfect sense for the Pixel 9's price to jump to $800. Although that seems right next to Apple and Samsung's $800 iPhone15/iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 (which do not have a periscope zoom camera), this would be a bittersweet situation.
Remember, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 started at $600, and even if the Pixel 8's $700 was still below the competition, $800 would push Google into Apple/Samsung territory, and that's when- where the power of the brand becomes crucial. And it goes without saying: Apple and Samsung have a lot more.
Comment: Can $800 Pixel 9 question Apple and Samsung brand loyalty, or should Google stick to the $700 price tag? Don't forget the Pixel 9 would be in competition with the Galaxy S24 And iPhone16 (not the iPhone15).
