Pixel 9, 9 Pro & XL Leaks: Why is Google going SMALL in 2024? 🤔

XDA
15 Feb 202408:49

TLDRThe upcoming Google Pixel 9 series is anticipated to feature a significant design overhaul, with a more iPhone-like aesthetic and smaller screen sizes compared to the previous models. The regular Pixel 9 will have a 6.1-inch screen, and the Pixel 9 Pro will sport a 6.5-inch display. This shift towards smaller phones is believed to be influenced by the Japanese market, where Google has become the second most popular phone brand. The Pixel 9 series is also expected to include a periscope telephoto lens, making it a powerful compact device. However, it seems that the Pixel 9 will not feature the originally planned Tensor G4 chip due to production delays, and instead, may use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos 2400, which powers the Galaxy S24 series. The fully customized Tensor chip is now expected to debut in 2025.

Takeaways

  • 📱 Google's Pixel 9 series is anticipated to have a significant design overhaul, with a more iPhone-like aesthetic and a traditional camera protrusion.
  • 📉 The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are expected to have smaller screen sizes compared to their predecessors, with the Pixel 9 featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the 9 Pro a 6.5-inch screen.
  • 🌐 Google may be focusing on smaller phones due to the Japanese market's preference, where Google has become the second most popular phone brand behind Apple.
  • 📸 Both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are likely to have the same camera setup, including a periscope telephoto lens, which could make the 'Pro' designation less significant.
  • 📈 The Pixel 9 could be one of the first compact smartphones with a super zoom periscope telephoto, making it a capable small device.
  • 🔄 Google's Tensor chips, which have had a mixed reception, may not see a new version in the Pixel 9. Instead, a chip based on Samsung's Exynos 2400 is expected.
  • 🤔 The original plan for 2024 included three Pixel 9 models, but it seems that only two devices have code names, with the third possibly being repurposed or abandoned.
  • 🧩 Leaks suggest that the Pixel 9 series will maintain the bay blue color from the Pixel 8 Pro and may continue Google's hardware design language with rounded corners.
  • 📉 The Pixel 9 Pro is expected to have a smaller screen size than the Pixel 8 Pro, indicating a move towards more compact devices across the board.
  • 🔍 An earlier leak from Android Authority suggested that Google's original plan for 2024 included a less frequent release schedule, which might affect how they position different Pixel models.
  • 📅 The Tensor G4 chip, which was planned to be a fully customized chip for Pixel in 2024, might be delayed, and the Pixel 9 series could use a chip in collaboration with Samsung instead.

Q & A

  • What is the significance of the Pixel 9's design overhaul?

    -The Pixel 9's design overhaul is significant because it represents the biggest change since the current Pixel aesthetic was introduced in 2021. It features a camera bar that is more traditional and disconnected from the aluminum of the outer shell, and the overall design is more reminiscent of the iPhone, with wider curves and a more compact form factor.

  • How many models of the Pixel 9 are expected to be released?

    -There could be as many as three models of the Pixel 9 released, which is a departure from previous years where typically two models were released.

  • What is the notable change in size for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro?

    -The regular Pixel 9 will have a 6.1-inch screen, which is smaller by a tenth of an inch compared to the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9 Pro will have a 6.5-inch screen, down from a 6.7-inch panel in the Pixel 8 Pro.

  • Why might Google be favoring smaller phones with the Pixel 9 series?

    -Google might be favoring smaller phones due to the increasing importance of the Japanese market, where consumers have shown a preference for smaller models. According to Counterpoint research, Google became the number two phone brand in Japan in 2023.

  • What is the potential reason for the Pixel 9 Pro's name being redundant?

    -The Pixel 9 Pro's name might be redundant if the only difference between it and the regular Pixel 9 is the size and possibly the battery capacity, as suggested by the leaks.

  • What is the current status of the Tensor chip that powers Google's Pixel phones?

    -The Tensor chip, introduced in 2021, has had a mixed reputation with concerns about heat generation, battery life, and gaming performance. It is reported that Google is planning a fully customized chip for 2024, but due to production deadlines, the Pixel 9 might use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos 2400.

  • What is the potential impact of Google's partnership with TSMC on the Tensor chip?

    -Google's partnership with TSMC could lead to a more competitive and vertically integrated Pixel phone, as Google would be designing more of the chip itself. This could result in improved performance and efficiency.

  • What is the speculated name for the smaller Pro model of the Pixel 9?

    -The smaller Pro model of the Pixel 9 is speculated to be code-named 'Cayman'.

  • What is the significance of the 'Komodo' and 'Cayman' code names in the context of Pixel 9 leaks?

    -The code names 'Komodo' and 'Cayman' are associated with the Pixel 9 Pro Max and the smaller Pro model, respectively. These names suggest that the devices pictured in the most recent render leaks are Cayman and Komodo.

  • What is the potential strategy behind Google's move to offer two sizes of the Pixel phone?

    -Google's strategy to offer two sizes of the Pixel phone could be a return to the original first-gen Pixel strategy, aiming to cater to a wider audience with different preferences for phone sizes.

  • What is the speculated chip for the Pixel Fold 2?

    -The Pixel Fold 2 is speculated to be powered by the Tensor G4 chip, which is expected to be a significant upgrade over the previous generation.

  • What is the expected timeline for the release of the Pixel 9 and the Pixel Fold 2?

    -The Pixel 9 is expected to be released in 2024, while the Pixel Fold 2 might have a later launch date, potentially waiting for the new Tensor G4 chip to be ready.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Pixel 9 Leaks and Design Overhaul

The first paragraph discusses the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, hinting at a significant design change from its predecessors. It mentions the possibility of three different models and a visual revamp that resembles Apple's iPhone design language. The paragraph also covers the potential downsizing of the Pixel 9 models, with the regular Pixel 9 featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the Pixel 9 Pro shrinking to a 6.5-inch display from the previous 6.7 inches. The discussion suggests that these changes could be influenced by the Japanese market's preference for smaller phones, where Google has seen significant sales. Additionally, it touches on the camera setup, which appears to be consistent across both models, and the potential redundancy of the 'Pro' label if the only differentiator is size and possibly battery capacity.

05:02

🔍 Pixel 9 Code Names and Chip Details

The second paragraph delves into the code names for the Pixel 9 models, with 'Komodo' for the Pro Max and 'Cayman' for the smaller Pro model. It speculates that the recent render leaks show Cayman and Komodo, while the standard Pixel 9 might have been repurposed into a Pixel 9A or 10A. The paragraph also addresses the Tensor chip's performance and reputation, contrasting it with Samsung's Exynos and Qualcomm's Snapdragon. According to the information, Google was planning a fully customized Tensor chip for 2024 in collaboration with TSMC, but it might miss production deadlines. As a result, the Pixel 9 could use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos 2400, which is currently in the Galaxy S24 series. The paragraph concludes with speculation about the Tensor G4 chip potentially being used in the Pixel Fold 2, which might launch later in the year.

Mindmap

Keywords

Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 is the upcoming smartphone model from Google, which is the subject of the video. It is part of Google's Pixel line of phones and is expected to have significant design changes and potentially smaller sizes compared to its predecessors. The Pixel 9 is anticipated to include new features and improvements over the previous models, making it a central focus of the video's discussion.

CAD Renders

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Renders are digital illustrations of a product's design, often used to showcase the appearance and features of a device before its official release. In the context of the video, CAD Renders are mentioned as a source of the leaked design information for the Pixel 9, indicating that they are likely legitimate and providing a visual reference for the expected design of the new phone.

iPhone-like design

The term 'iPhone-like design' refers to the aesthetic similarities between the new Pixel 9 and Apple's iPhone devices. The video suggests that the Pixel 9 will have design elements such as wider curves and a camera visor that are reminiscent of recent iPhone models. This comparison is used to highlight the significant visual revamp of the Pixel 9 and its departure from previous Pixel designs.

Size changes

Size changes refer to the reduction in the physical dimensions of the Pixel 9 compared to the Pixel 8. The video mentions that both the regular Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro will have smaller screens, with the regular model featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the Pro model a 6.5-inch screen. These size changes are significant as they indicate a shift in Google's approach to phone design, potentially to cater to consumer preferences for more compact devices.

Japanese market

The Japanese market is highlighted in the video as a key influence on Google's decision to favor smaller phones with the Pixel 9. The video discusses how Google has become the number two phone brand in Japan, where consumers have traditionally preferred smaller devices. This market trend is suggested as a reason for Google's move towards more compact Pixel models, reflecting the importance of the Japanese market to Google's overall sales.

Tensor Processor

The Tensor Processor is Google's custom-designed chip that powers its Pixel smartphones. The video discusses the mixed reputation of the Tensor chips since their introduction and mentions that Google is planning a fully customized version for 2024. However, due to production deadlines, it is suggested that the Pixel 9 may use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos 2400, which is currently used in some Galaxy models. The Tensor Processor is central to the performance and capabilities of Google's Pixel phones.

Pixel Fold 2

The Pixel Fold 2 is an anticipated follow-up to Google's rumored first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold. The video suggests that the Pixel Fold 2 might be released later in the year and could potentially feature the new Tensor G4 chip, which was originally planned for the Pixel 9 but faced production delays. The mention of the Pixel Fold 2 indicates Google's continued exploration into new form factors for its devices.

Exynos 2400

The Exynos 2400 is a chipset developed by Samsung and used in some of its Galaxy smartphones. The video discusses that the Pixel 9 might use a chip based on the Exynos 2400 due to the delay in the production of Google's custom Tensor G4 chip. This chip is significant as it could impact the performance and efficiency of the Pixel 9, and its mention in the video provides insight into the potential hardware specifications of the new device.

Roadmap

The roadmap mentioned in the video refers to Google's internal plan for its Pixel line of phones, which was leaked by Android Authority. The roadmap outlines Google's strategy and product releases through the end of 2025. It is significant because it provides a glimpse into the company's future plans, including the potential for three Pixel 9 models and the development of a new Tensor chip.

Code names

Code names are used within the video to refer to the different models of the Pixel 9 that were originally planned. 'Komodo' and 'Cayman' are mentioned as code names for the Pro Max and the smaller Pro models, respectively. The use of code names is a common practice in the tech industry to keep product details confidential before official announcements. In the context of the video, these code names help to identify the different variants of the Pixel 9 that are under discussion.

Shrink ray

The term 'shrink ray' is used metaphorically in the video to describe the reduction in size of the Pixel 9 models. It suggests that Google is making its new phones smaller, even referring to the larger Pixel 9 Pro as being 'hit by the Google shrink ray,' indicating a decrease in screen size. This term is used to create a vivid image of the size changes and to emphasize the shift towards smaller devices in the Pixel lineup.

Highlights

Google's Pixel 9 series is expected to have a significant design overhaul, moving towards a more 'iPhone-like' aesthetic.

The Pixel 9 will feature a traditional camera protrusion, with a camera bar disconnected from the aluminum outer shell.

The new design includes wider curves on the corners, mirroring changes made in 2023 with the Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 9 series is expected to come in smaller sizes compared to the previous models.

The regular Pixel 9 will have a 6.1-inch screen, and the Pixel 9 Pro will have a 6.5-inch screen.

Google may be returning to its original strategy of offering one phone in two sizes, similar to the first-generation Pixel.

The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are expected to have the same collection of lenses, including a periscope telephoto.

The smaller Pixel 9 could be the most capable small Pixel yet, with advanced camera features.

Google's shift towards smaller phones may be influenced by the Japanese market, where smaller models are favored.

In 2023, Google became the second most popular phone brand in Japan, behind Apple.

The Pixel 9 series may initially have been planned to include three models, similar to Apple's iPhone lineup.

The Pixel 9 Pro Max was originally planned but may have been repurposed into a Pixel 9A or 10A.

Google's Tensor processors have had a mixed reputation, with concerns about heat and battery life.

A fully customized Tensor chip for Pixel was planned for 2024, but production deadlines may have caused a delay.

The Pixel 9 may use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos 2400, which is currently in the Galaxy S24 series.

The Tensor G4 chip, originally planned for the Pixel 9, might instead be used in the upcoming Pixel Fold 2.

The Pixel 9 series is expected to have a new design, smaller sizes, a full set of cameras in the compact model, and chip changes later in the year.