Pixel 9 Pro release date, price, specs, and must-know features
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Intro
Welcome to our information hub about everything related to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google’s high-end flagship phones for 2024. Here you will find an overview of the specs, new features, including links to Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL comparisons with other phones.
Before you go on, it is important to note that the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are only different in terms of size. That means only the display and battery-related specs are different between the two models.
Before you go on, it is important to note that the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are only different in terms of size. That means only the display and battery-related specs are different between the two models.
Speaking of displays, the new Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL come with some upgrades to those areas. Both phones have significantly higher peak brightness levels than before. Their bezels are also thinner and uniform now. Embedded in the displays of the Pixel 9 Pro models is a new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
As for the batteries, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has almost exactly the same battery capacity as last year's Pixel 8 Pro at 5060 mAh. The smaller, new Pixel 9 Pro comes with a 4700 mAh battery.
Charging is slightly quicker on the Pixel 9 Pro XL compared to the Pixel 8 Pro from last year, but not by much.
As for the camera system, the triple camera array at the back is unchanged in terms of hardware, but you get a new 42 MP selfie camera at the front that is much more sensitive to light.
Of course, inside all Pixel 9 models is the new Tensor G4 chipset, which is quicker, though not by much. It's true benefit lies in its higher power efficiency compared to the Tensor G3.
Google has increased the RAM on the Pixel Pro models drastically this year to facilitate the new on-device AI capabilities of the phone.
Speaking of AI, there is a new Add Me feature that lets users combine two group photos into one. On top of that, Google has added 8K video upscaling and an Emergency Satellite SOS feature.
Lastly, you cannot miss the brand new design that the Pixel 9 series come with, which has them in a more blocky shape with flat sides and curved corners. Google claims this has made the new Pixel Pro models twice as durable. The camera module has also been redesigned and it no longer spans across the whole width of the phone's back panel.
How is the Pixel 9 Pro different from the Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google's largest flagship phone for this year and it has the same size as the Pixel 8 Pro.
The only difference there is between the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the size and everything it affects. Because of that, the Pixel 9 Pro has a smaller battery and display.
Jump to section:
Pixel 9 Pro Release Date
The Pixel 9 Pro was announced by Google on August 13, 2024, during the Made by Google event. Pre-orders begin today, on August 13, the same day as the announcement. Pixel 9 sales start on August 22.
We've included a table showing the launch dates of recent Pixel models below.
We've included a table showing the launch dates of recent Pixel models below.
| Device lineup | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | August 13, 2024 | August 22, 2024 |
| Pixel 9 Pro | August 13, 2024 | Sometime in September |
| Pixel 8 Pro | October 4, 2023 | October 12, 2023 |
| Pixel 7 Pro | October 6, 2022 | October 13, 2022 |
Pixel 9 Pro Price
Keep in mind that it is in fact the Pixel 9 Pro XL that is the successor to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro. That means the price has gone higher, as the Pro XL starts at $1099 for the 128GB storage variant. The Pixel 9 Pro, which is the new smaller Pro model, is the same price as last year’s Pixel Pro, which is $999 for the 128GB version.
Here is a table with all of the Prices for the different storage options:
Here is a table with all of the Prices for the different storage options:
| Phone model | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | $1099.99 | $1159.99 | $1279.99 | $1499.99 |
| Pixel 9 Pro | $999.99 | $1059.99 | $1179.99 | $1399.99 |
| Pixel 8 Pro | $999.99 | $1059.99 | $1179.99 | $1399.99 |
| Pixel 7 Pro | $899.99 | $999.99 | $1099.99 | N/A |
Pixel 9 Pro Camera
The Pixel 9 Pro comes with a massive upgrade for its selfie camera, which is now 42MP compared to the previous generation’s 12MP front snapper. Google claims that this new selfie camera has 30% better light sensitivity.
Pixel 9 Pro camera specs:
While the new Pixel 9 Pro models can’t record natively 8K video footage, Google has improved the Video Boost feature that enhances video quality to be able to upscale 4K footage to 8K resolution. For that you do need an internet connection though, as the feature utilizes the company’s cloud infrastructure.
Pixel 9 Pro camera specs:
- 50 MP Octa PD wide camera, ƒ/1.68 aperture, 82° field of view, 1/1.31" image sensor size, Super Res Zoom up to 8x, Optical + electronic image stabilization on wide
- 48 MP Quad PD ultrawide camera with autofocus, ƒ/1.7 aperture, 123° field of view, 1/2.55" image sensor size
- 48 MP Quad PD telephoto camera, ƒ/2.8 aperture, 22° field of view, 5x optical zoom, Super Res Zoom up to 30x, 1/2.55" image sensor size
- 42 MP Dual PD selfie camera with autofocus, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 103° ultrawide field of view
While the new Pixel 9 Pro models can’t record natively 8K video footage, Google has improved the Video Boost feature that enhances video quality to be able to upscale 4K footage to 8K resolution. For that you do need an internet connection though, as the feature utilizes the company’s cloud infrastructure.
| Phone | Camera specs |
|---|---|
| Pixel 9 Pro/XL | Wide: 50 MP, f/1.68 Ultra-wide: 48 MP, f/1.7 Telephoto: 48 MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom Front: 42 MP |
| Pixel 8 Pro | Wide: 50 MP, f/1.7 Ultra-wide: 48 MP, f/2.0 Telephoto: 48 MP, f/2.8, 5X optical zoom Front: 10.5 MP, f/2.2 |
Pixel 9 Pro Storage
As we said earlier, all specs besides those related to size are the same between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, which also means you can get both in all four storage options. Those include:
All Pixel 9 Pro variants have the same fast UFS 3.1 storage and 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is the fastest on the market right now.
- 128 GB
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1 TB
All Pixel 9 Pro variants have the same fast UFS 3.1 storage and 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is the fastest on the market right now.
Pixel 9 Pro Design
Here is where we start to see the differences between the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. The smaller model measures at 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm while the larger one at 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm. Of course, the XL also weighs more, with 221 g vs 199 g on the smaller Pixel 9 Pro.
Apart from the size and weight though, both phones share the same design characteristics. They come with a refreshed look that resembles a lot Apple's iPhone 15 series thanks to the more blocky shape with flat sides and curved corners.
The iconic camera bar that makes Pixel phones stand out no longer touches the frame of the phone. Instead, it is in the shape of a bubble, centered at the top of the back panel.
Pixel 9 Pro colors:
Apart from the size and weight though, both phones share the same design characteristics. They come with a refreshed look that resembles a lot Apple's iPhone 15 series thanks to the more blocky shape with flat sides and curved corners.
The iconic camera bar that makes Pixel phones stand out no longer touches the frame of the phone. Instead, it is in the shape of a bubble, centered at the top of the back panel.
Pixel 9 Pro colors:
- Obsidian
- Porcelain
- Hazel
- Rose Quartz
Pixel 9 Pro Display
The Pixel 9 Pro comes with thinner bezels than its predecessor, which are now also completely uniform. Its display also has higher peak brightness, 3000 nits compared to the 2400 nits of last year’s model, which was already among the best you can get.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s display is the same size as the standard model, which is 6.3 inches. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a 6.8-inch display. Both have a 20:9 aspect ratio and a variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz. The protection has also remained the same, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 shielding the display.
The resolution of the new Pixel 9 Pro is 1280 x 2856 pixels, while the one on the Pixel 9 Pro XL is 1344 x 2992. That said, they shouldn’t look too different from each other.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s display is the same size as the standard model, which is 6.3 inches. The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with a 6.8-inch display. Both have a 20:9 aspect ratio and a variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz. The protection has also remained the same, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 shielding the display.
Embedded in the displays is the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that is 50% faster. Ultrasonic biometric sensors are significantly more accurate and quick compared to the optical ones Google used in its previous phones.
Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL display
- Pixel 9 Pro: 6.3-inch
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: 6.8-inch
Pixel 9 Pro Battery
The Pixel 9 Pro battery is has a 4700 mAh capacity, which is the same capacity of the regular Pixel 9. The Pixel 9 Pro has a larger 5060 mAh battery.
Google claims both phones are able to go for longer than 24 hours and even up to 100 hours if you use the Extreme battery Saver feature. Stay tuned to see what numbers we get during our dedicated PhoneArena Battery Life tests and how they compare to the predecessors.
Google has not stated exact charging speeds, but it appears charging is faster this year. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is said to go up to 70% in about 30 minutes worth of charging time if you use Google’s new 45W fast charger.
For context, the Pixel 8 Pro charged 1-50% for that amount of time, but Google had made that measurement with its 30W adapter instead. We will see what the changes are during our charging tests.
Google claims both phones are able to go for longer than 24 hours and even up to 100 hours if you use the Extreme battery Saver feature. Stay tuned to see what numbers we get during our dedicated PhoneArena Battery Life tests and how they compare to the predecessors.
Google has not stated exact charging speeds, but it appears charging is faster this year. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is said to go up to 70% in about 30 minutes worth of charging time if you use Google’s new 45W fast charger.
For context, the Pixel 8 Pro charged 1-50% for that amount of time, but Google had made that measurement with its 30W adapter instead. We will see what the changes are during our charging tests.
- Pixel 9 Pro: 4,700 mAh
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: 5,060 mAh
Pixel 9 Pro Features and Software
The Pixel 9 Pro comes with Android 15 straight out of the box. Users will get 7 years of Android updates, security patches, and Google’s Pixel Drop updates (with unique Pixel-specific features).
The Pixel 9 Pro is packed with new AI power. Its upgraded Gemini Nano chip now understands more than just text. It can process speech, images, and sound, making it incredibly versatile. Thanks to the phone's powerful hardware, many AI tasks can be handled directly on your device, without relying on the cloud. This means faster response times and enhanced privacy.
There’s also a new "Add Me" AI camera feature. It works a bit like a magic trick and lets you effortlessly combine multiple group photos into one, ensuring everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.
The Pixel 9 Pro is packed with new AI power. Its upgraded Gemini Nano chip now understands more than just text. It can process speech, images, and sound, making it incredibly versatile. Thanks to the phone's powerful hardware, many AI tasks can be handled directly on your device, without relying on the cloud. This means faster response times and enhanced privacy.
Pixel 9 Pro Hardware
The Pixel 9 Pro is equipped with Google's Tensor G4 chipset and 16GB of RAM. While the Tensor G4 represents an upgrade over its predecessor, the Tensor G3, the exact performance gains remain to be quantified through our independent benchmark tests.
Google's official claims of 20% faster web browsing and 17% faster app launches provide a preliminary indication of performance enhancements but may not comprehensively reflect the chipset's capabilities.
The inclusion of 16GB of RAM is commendable, although it is important to note that a portion of this memory is dedicated to on-device AI functionalities. As a result, the amount of RAM available for non-AI applications may be lower.
Google's official claims of 20% faster web browsing and 17% faster app launches provide a preliminary indication of performance enhancements but may not comprehensively reflect the chipset's capabilities.
Both Pro models also include a new vapor chamber that allows for better thermal managing, enabling them to work at their highest performance for longer periods of time.
Pixel 9 Pro Comparisons
- Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9: If you're asking yourself how all variants of the Pixel 9 line are stacking up one against another, this early comparison is your go-to spot!
- Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 8 Pro: What about the Pixel 9 Pro XL compared to the Pixel 8 Pro? You'll be able to find that out here.
- Pixel 9 Pro vs Galaxy S25: If you're thinking about migrating from a Galaxy phone to a Pixel flagship, then this early commentary about the Pixel 9 Pro and the Galax S25 is a must-read.
- Pixel 9 Pro vs Galaxy S24: So you want to upgrade, but to a Pixel 9 Pro from a Galaxy phone? Check out how the S24 measures up against the Pixel 9 Pro!
- Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: What can you expect out of the upcoming titanic battle between the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy S24 Ultra? Read here to find out!
- Pixel 9 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: At a point, one must ask: how is Apple's upcoming flagship comparing against Google's prime-Android candidate. And we've already given you our thoughts on that here!
- Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Can the Pixel 9 Pro XL topple the iPhone 16 Pro Max? We've theorized all about that in this preliminary comparison article!
- Pixel 9 Pro XL vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Is the iPhone Pro Max of yesteryear already a better phone than Pixel's upcoming flagship? Check this article to find out!
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Pixel 7 Pro: What do two years of evolution look like and how has the new Pixel changed in that amount of time?
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: A friendly but heated rivalry. How will Google's new ultimate Pixel compare to Samsung's future one?
Pixel 9 Pro XL Review
Our review of the Pixel 9 Pro XL is already out:
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Review: The premium AI flagship — A premium flagship that is cheaper than the iPhone Pro Max or Galaxy Ultra and filled to the brim with creative and fun AI features.
Should you wait for the Pixel 9 Pro?
Frankly, the smaller Pixel 9 Pro is the more exciting model this year, as it is a first for Google’s Pixel phone lineup. Google has made the choice to keep its two Pixel Pro models as similar as possible, meaning you don’t sacrifice too much if you want to go for the smaller size.
If you have been waiting for a smaller Pixel Pro model and if the time has come for you to upgrade your phone, then the Pixel 9 Pro might be worth the wait.
If you have been waiting for a smaller Pixel Pro model and if the time has come for you to upgrade your phone, then the Pixel 9 Pro might be worth the wait.
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