Pixel 9, 9 Pro & XL Leaks: Why is Google going SMALL in 2024? 🤔
TLDRThe upcoming Google Pixel 9 series is rumored to feature a significant design overhaul, adopting a more iPhone-like aesthetic with curved corners and a traditional camera protrusion. The series may include three models, with the regular Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro getting smaller screens compared to their predecessors. This shift towards smaller devices could be influenced by the Japanese market, where Google has seen strong sales for compact models. Additionally, the Pixel 9 may continue to use Samsung's Exynos chip, with a fully customized Tensor chip expected in future models.
Takeaways
- 📱 The Google Pixel 9 is anticipated with significant design changes, drawing comparisons to the iPhone's aesthetics.
- 📈 The Pixel 9 series may see a reduction in size compared to the Pixel 8 series, with a 6.1-inch screen for the standard model and a 6.5-inch screen for the Pro variant.
- 📱 The design overhaul includes a more traditional camera protrusion and wider curved corners, aligning with the software design language.
- 🌏 Google's market success in Japan, where smaller phones are preferred, may have influenced the decision to focus on more compact Pixel models.
- 📊 According to Counterpoint Research, Google became the second-largest phone brand in Japan, with a significant portion of Pixel sales attributed to the Japanese market.
- 📱 The Pixel 9 series is expected to have three models, possibly including a Pixel 9A or 10A, based on earlier leaks and Google's roadmap.
- 🔍 The camera setup for the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro is rumored to be similar, with a periscope telephoto lens included in both models.
- 💡 Google's Tensor processors have had mixed reviews, with plans for a fully customized chip in 2024, but the Pixel 9 might still use a modified version of Samsung's Exynos chip.
- 🔧 The first fully customized Tensor G4 chip is expected to be used in the Pixel fold 2, potentially offering better performance and integration.
- 🚀 Google's partnership with TSMC for chip production suggests a more competitive and vertically integrated Pixel phone in the future.
Q & A
What is the significance of the upcoming Google Pixel 9 in terms of design changes?
-The Google Pixel 9 represents the biggest design overhaul since the current Pixel aesthetic was introduced in 2021. It features a more iPhone-like design with wider curved corners, a traditional camera protrusion, and a visually similar thickness and proportions to Apple's devices. This indicates a shift in Google's hardware design language to align more closely with its software design.
How many models are expected in the Pixel 9 series?
-There could be as many as three models in the Pixel 9 series. This includes the regular Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and potentially a Pixel 9 Pro Max, although the latter may have been repurposed or renamed.
What are the size changes for the Pixel 9 series compared to the Pixel 8 series?
-The regular Pixel 9 will have a 6.1-inch screen, which is 0.1 inches smaller compared to the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9 Pro is expected to have a 6.5-inch display, down from the 6.7-inch panel of the Pixel 8 Pro.
What is the significance of the camera cluster design in the Pixel 9 series?
-The camera cluster on the Pixel 9 series, referred to as 'tarantula', appears to have the same collection of lenses, including a periscope telephoto, in both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. This suggests that the Pro moniker might be less significant this time around if the only difference is the size and possibly the battery capacity.
Why is Google favoring smaller phones with the Pixel 9 series?
-Google's shift towards smaller phones is likely influenced by the Japanese market, where the company has become the number two phone brand behind Apple. Japanese consumers have shown a preference for smaller phones, and Google's strategy reflects this market trend.
What was the original plan for the Pixel 9 series according to the Android Authority leak?
-The original plan for the Pixel 9 series included three devices: a Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Pro, and a Pixel 9 Pro Max. However, the actual release may only include two of these devices, with the Pixel 9 Pro Max potentially being repurposed or renamed.
What is the significance of the Tensor processor in Google's Pixel phones?
-The Tensor processor is Google's custom chip that powers its Pixel phones. Despite mixed reviews, Google has not focused on achieving the highest benchmarking scores but rather on the integration and optimization of the chip with its software ecosystem.
What is the reported change in the relationship between Google and Samsung regarding the Tensor chip?
-Reports suggest that Google will be moving away from the Samsung Exynos chip, which has been used in the Tensor processors, and will start working with TSMC to develop a fully customized chip for the Pixel. However, the Pixel 9 series may still use a chip based on the Exynos 2400 due to missed production deadlines.
What is the potential impact of the new chip on the Pixel 9 series and future Pixel devices?
-The new chip, potentially the Tensor G4, could lead to a more vertically integrated Pixel phone, with Google designing more of the chip itself. This could result in improved performance and efficiency. However, the Pixel 9 series might not see this new chip and will likely use a version of the Exynos 2400, with the new Tensor chip potentially debuting in the Pixel fold 2 or later Pixel devices.
What can we expect from the camera capabilities of the Pixel 9 series?
-The Pixel 9 series is expected to have a full trifecta of cameras in the most compact model, indicating that even the smaller Pixel 9 will have advanced photographic capabilities. This suggests a continued focus on camera technology as a key feature of the Pixel lineup.
What is the significance of the reported partnership between Google and TSMC for the development of a custom chip?
-The partnership with TSMC, a leading chip manufacturer, indicates a significant step towards Google having more control over the hardware of its devices. This could lead to better performance, efficiency, and integration with the Pixel's software ecosystem, potentially making the Pixel phones more competitive in the market.
Outlines
📱 Google Pixel 9 Series: Design Overhaul and Model Variations
The upcoming Google Pixel 9 series is anticipated to feature a significant design revamp, with as many as three models rumored to be released. The redesign takes cues from Apple's iPhone, with wider curved corners and a more traditional camera protrusion. The Pixel 9 is expected to have a smaller form factor compared to its predecessors, with the regular model featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the 9 Pro a 6.5-inch display. This shift towards smaller devices may be influenced by the success of smaller models in markets like Japan, where Google has seen strong sales. Additionally, the Pixel 9 series may continue the trend of offering similar camera setups across models, with the potential for a periscope telephoto lens in both variants.
🔄 Pixel 9 Code Names and Chip Developments
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro Max, code-named Komodo and Cayman respectively, are expected to be part of Google's 2024 lineup. There have been speculations about the existence of a smaller Pro model, which might have been repurposed into a Pixel 9A or a new 10A series. Historically, Google has had various projects that did not make it to market, showcasing the company's iterative design process. In terms of chip technology, the Tensor processors have received mixed reviews since their introduction. Reports suggest that Google is planning to collaborate with TSMC for a fully customized chip, which could potentially be more competitive. However, the Pixel 9 series may still use a modified version of Samsung's Exynos chip, with the new Tensor G4 possibly being introduced in the Pixel fold 2 later in the year.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Pixel 9
💡Design Overhaul
💡CAD Renders
💡iPhone-like Design
💡Screen Size
💡Periscope Telephoto
💡Japanese Market
💡Tensor Processor
💡Exynos
💡Pixel Fold 2
💡Roadmap
Highlights
Upcoming release of Google Pixel 9 with potential three models.
Major visual redesign of Pixel devices, moving towards a more 'iPhone-like' aesthetic.
CAD renders of Pixel 9 suggest a traditional camera protrusion and wider corner curves.
Pixel 9 series might feature size changes, with smaller screens compared to previous models.
Leak suggests the same camera setup for both Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, possibly making the 'Pro' distinction redundant.
Google's strategic focus on the Japanese market, where smaller phones are favored, influencing Pixel's design direction.
Google became the number two phone brand in Japan, surpassing Samsung and Sony.
Earlier leaks from Android Authority reveal Google's Pixel roadmap through 2025.
Plans for a fully customized chip for Pixel in 2024, code-named Redondo.
Tensor G4 chip, originally planned for 2024, might be delayed, leading to continued partnership with Samsung.
The new Tensor chip may debut with the Pixel fold 2, offering a more integrated Pixel experience.
Pixel 9 series could feature a more capable 'mini' model with advanced features like periscope telephoto.
Potential changes in Google's release schedule, possibly moving to less frequent launches.
Google's Tensor processors have had a mixed reputation since their introduction.
The new generation of Exynos chips shows improvement in benchmarks.
The Pixel 9 might not receive the new Tensor G4 chip, instead using a modified version of Exynos 2400.
Google's hardware design seems to be mimicking its software design language with the new Pixel 9.
The Pixel 9 series could mark a shift in Google's strategy, focusing on smaller, more capable devices.