There are so many devices and so much AI. The pair now travels in parallel when it comes to Google because, with the launch of the Pixel 9, Big G wanted to reaffirm how generative artificial intelligence is in the present and even more in its future. With rivals that continue to run (Open AI) and competitors that have presented relevant innovations (Apple Intelligence), it is mandatory for Google to prove that it is still ahead of the game. This is why Mountain View has chosen the unusual date of mid-August for the launch of its new devices, anticipating the usual October event to arrive before the new iPhones, bearing in mind that Apple’s AI functions will be absent in Europe for now. The area of interest in Google smartphones is growing fast.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The first difference from the past is the four available smartphones: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. For now, the latter will be available only in France and Germany. The Fold was the most eagerly awaited model because it differs from the models that have appeared so far. External 6.3-inch OLED screen, which when open goes up to 8 inches, triple rear camera with 48 MP main, 10.5 MP ultra-wide-angle and 10.8 MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. 4700 mAh battery with 45-watt charging (power supply to be purchased separately), 16GB RAM and 256/512GB storage. The processor is the Tensor G4, which is the same one that is fitted in all new smartphones.
Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 is the smallest but the best value for money. It has the same display and battery as the Pro (6.3 inches and 4700 mAh), dual rear cameras identical to its big brother (50 MP ultra-wide-angle and 48 MP ultra-wide-angle with macro functionality) and a 10.5 MP front camera with autofocus.
The two Pros add the 48 MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom and a better lens on the front (42 MP). Display and battery differ between the models: Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch panel and a 5,060 mAh battery.
How GenAI changes the smartphone (and us)
More than the hardware, the software characterises the new Pixel, in two words, the GenAI functions. In order to make the most of them, Google designed the processor together with DeepMind, the division focused on AI development because to support Gemini’s handling of text, images and audio, significant computing power is needed. It is no coincidence that Google increased the RAM to 12 GB (Pixel 9) and 16 GB (Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL). The most relevant addition in this respect is Gemini Live, which retires Google Assistant and, according to Big G, will allow for more natural integration and smooth conversations with the intelligent assistant, whether via phone or while wearing the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 (unveiled together with Pixel Watch 3).
Many AI features are added to what we have already seen on the Pixel 8 Pro, elevating its successor to the most advanced smartphone at the Gen-AI level. From Pixel Studio to Screenshots, the phone will henceforth also be a useful image generator for shaping our ideas and putting the gallery in order by fishing out the archived images when needed. There are, however, two more interesting functions. The first is Add Me, which will make it possible to add the person who takes the picture to the picture. Traditionally destined to remain outside the shot, with a few clicks, he will now appear alongside the subjects immortalised.
The second is Call Notes, which provides a summary and full transcript of the call a few seconds after hanging up. A breakthrough for every scheduled conversation with doctors, mechanics, professors and all the other occasions when the mind is challenged by too much information it has to decipher and keep alive. On the privacy side, the interlocutor will be alerted the moment the user activates the feature. Exclusive to the US at the moment is Satellite SOS, which allows emergency services to be called via satellite, sharing the location, even if there is no network coverage.
Prices
Available from 22 August, Pixel 9 is sold in Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, and Obsidian colours starting at €899. Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL can be purchased in Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, and Obsidian colours at €1,099 and €1,199, respectively. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is available in Porcelain and Obsidian colours for €1,899.
