Google has unveiled its new range of flagship Pixel smartphones, which it says have been built to house its most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tech to rival Apple and Samsung.
The new range includes four devices: the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, and Pro XL — and a new foldable in the form of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These were announced alongside a new smartwatch and wireless earbuds.
The new phones have been loaded with AI — including Google’s Gemini chatbot, an AI image generation app, camera editing tools, and voice call transcripts. They are powered by the tech giant’s Tensor G4 chip.
Google said the chip was designed with DeepMind — the advanced AI arm of the tech giant. This means it can run Google’s most advanced AI models on the devices to help users with tasks and maintain privacy.
These include a new version of the Gemini Live chatbot as the phone’s virtual assistant. It can be prompted with queries, commands, or questions.
The photo editing tools include a feature called Add Me. This enables users to add the designated photographer to group photos simply by taking a second photo with them — with AI combining the two.
In that sense, it’s not far removed from Google’s divisive Best Take feature that lets you change people’s expressions in photos, turning frowns into smiles — and so forth.
The suite of AI tools also includes a new perk called Pixel Screenshots. This uses AI to search a user’s screenshots to find the key piece of previously captured information, without having to scroll back through the entire camera roll.
Despite Google’s claims of watertight privacy, not everyone will be comfortable with an AI scouring their images, transcribing their call,s and meddling with photos of friends and loved ones.
Each Google Pixel 9 series model comes with its specification upgrades.
For the first time, the Pixel 9 Pro is available in two sizes: a 6.3-inch standard model and a 6.8-inch XL version with similar dimensions to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro.
Apart from their screens and battery sizes, both phones pack virtually identical hardware, including three cameras on the back (a 50MP main and 48MP ultrawide lens, plus a 48MP telephoto lens).
The front camera is getting a massive upgrade this year thanks to a 48MP sensor, wider, 103-degree field of view, and 30 per cent more light sensitivity. These features should result in better selfies and group shots.
Both phones will also have an extra 16GB of RAM to help handle all those AI tasks. They can also reportedly charge up to 70 per cent in 30 minutes.
The regular Pixel 9, on the other hand, has two cameras instead of three, including the same 50MP main sensor and a massively upgraded 48MP ultrawide lens (up from 12MP on last year’s model).
Google says the overhaul delivers a 110 per cent improvement in light sensitivity. The selfie snapper is also getting autofocus this time for sharper images and video calls. A 35 per cent brighter screen and a reported 20 per cent longer battery life during use (and 25 per cent more when inactive) complete the enhancements.
Compared with the Pros, it has 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB) for the AI magicry.
Google’s second foldable packs the same 16GB of RAM as the Pixel 9 Pros, but all three cameras are a step down by comparison (48 MP wide, 10.5 MP ultrawide, and 10.8 MP telephoto).
The main visible differences are in the size department: It’s now 5.1 millimetres thick when unfolded, compared with 5.8mm. It’s also taller, measuring 155.2mm in height with a 6.3-inch outer screen — versus a 5.8-inch screen previously.
The company confirmed the Pixel 9 will start at £799, the Pixel 9 Pro at £999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL at £1,099. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will cost from an uber-premium £1,749.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold foldable smartphone
All four phones are available to pre-order from Google and all the major mobile networks. The three flat models will go on sale from August 22 in the UK, while the Pro Fold will arrive on September 4.
Putting AI in “everything”
In a blog post discussing the launch of the new phones, Google said: “We’re infusing AI into everything we do, across every layer of our full tech stack — from data centre infrastructure to the operating system to devices.
“In order for AI to be truly helpful, it should naturally fit into our everyday lives, and the best place to experience that is on your Android device.
“With Gemini deeply integrated into Android, we’re rebuilding the operating system with AI at the core, and redefining what phones can do.”
Google is far from the only smartphone maker going to great lengths to load its latest devices with AI features. Samsung has launched its Galaxy AI features across its 2024 range of smartphones. Apple previewed a range of tools it calls Apple Intelligence earlier in the summer.
It is no surprise Google focused heavily on new AI capabilities given their strategic importance to the company
Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight
The three tech giants are among the big names in the sector looking to establish themselves as the market leader in AI. Their popular smartphone brands are the key outlets for new features and services.
Google and Apple ramp up AI wars
Industry expert Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, said Google’s heavy focus on AI for this launch — and the timing two months earlier than usual — showed the company was keen to get ahead of its rivals.
“It is no surprise Google focused heavily on new AI capabilities given their strategic importance to the company,” he said.
“We expect the ‘Add Me’ group photography feature to be an anchor experience in the Pixel 9’s promotion. This and the slew of other AI-powered experiences are critical to the overall competitiveness of Android smartphones, particularly as Apple Intelligence looms.
“The timing of this event came as a surprise. Google likely felt that with the recent unveiling of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s iPhone launch next month will focus on why it has ‘the best phone for AI’.
“Google’s earlier launch potentially allows it to announce features first and claim leadership in use case development and deployment in this highly strategic area.”