Google unveiled a range of new devices headlined by the Pixel 9 series of four phones, plus two new watches and a pair of earbuds. To have such a big launch in the summer is unusual for Google, though some of these products won’t be coming to market until closer to the fall anyway.
In total, there are seven new products: Four Pixel 9 phones, two Pixel Watch models and a new set of Pixel Buds Pro 2. I got a chance to see all of them at Google’s preview event in Toronto and gain some first impressions.
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL
This marks the first time the Pixel Pro series will come in two different sizes. The Pixel 9 Pro will come with a 6.3-inch OLED display, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL will have a 6.8-inch OLED panel. Both are brighter and will come with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection along with an oleophobic coating to ward off fingerprints. Apart from their respective screen and battery sizes, they otherwise share the same specs and features.
Starting at 16GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, there will be variants of 256GB, 512GB and 1TB as well. They will also share the same cameras, with a 50-megapixel primary, plus 48-megapixel ultra-wide and telephoto cameras and 42-megapixel front-facing camera.
They also share the same redesign, where Google has tweaked some things to change up the look a little. The rear camera bar is now more cut out protruding from the back rather than a full bar across the whole device. You have a matte glass finish in the back, which feels about the same as before, only Google opts for a glossy finish along the edges. The rounded corners return, as do wireless charging support (for Qi2) and fast charging via USB-C (with a 45W charger).
You can pre-order the Pixel 9 Pro XL today, and it will be released as early as August 22nd. The Pixel 9 Pro will come later in the fall. These two phones will come in obsidian black, porcelain white, hazel and rose quartz.
Pixel 9 Fold Pro
Google is finally bringing its foldable smartphone to Canada, and this sequel already seems to be an improvement. A newer, tougher stainless steel hinge, plus larger screens for both the outside cover and inside fold-out make for a compelling mix. The device has a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display in when folded, and then an 8-inch Super Actua Flex OLED when you unfold it. It’s a pretty strong hinge and the two halves are flush when you fold them in.
The device lets you run two apps simultaneously for real multitasking flexibility, though it’s not clear how many Android apps aren’t yet fully optimized for the unique 8-inch display. Both screens have 120Hz refresh rates, HDR support and peak brightness. It will come with 16GB of RAM and start at 256GB of storage. It is available in obsidian black and porcelain white, with no current plans to expand to a third colour.
You can pre-order the Pixel 9 Fold Pro today, and it will become available starting September 4th.
Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 is the successor to the Pixel 8 and still stands as the more entry-level of the group. It cuts a few things out to lower the price point, which explains why it doesn’t have a telephoto lens or all the bells and whistles of the Pro models. Some upgrades from last year appear in other ways, like how 12GB of RAM is now standard, along with a better battery and more durable screen. It follows the same design principles of the Pro models, however, so it looks every bit like them from the back, save for the missing lens and different colour options.
Not much changed on the camera side, with the rear array mirroring the Pixel 8. The ultra-wide camera is different, now a 48-megapixel with 123-degree field of view. The 10.5-megapixel front camera also appears to be a holdover from the Pixel 8.
The Pixel 9 will be available starting August 22nd, but you can already pre-order it now.
Gemini and Generative AI
Google will bring in new AI features applicable to all four phones. Some are specific to editing photos whereas others are focused on various other use cases. On the camera side, a new feature called Add Me will allow those snapping a group photo to actually join the group as well. The way it works is like this: you take a photo of the group, and then switch places with someone in the photo to enter the frame yourself where they can snap another photo with you in it. Google will then merge the two images together to get you all in.
Magic Editor will also expand with more generative AI tools. It will let you reframe a photo by giving you options on how you can crop it. You can either crop in or it can generate additional imagery to match the photo in case you want to centre the subjects without cropping in. Another new one is Reimagine, where you can add or tinker with a photo by typing in what you want to see or remove from it. For instance, if you took a photo of a vista and wanted to make the trees greener or add clouds to the sky, you can just tell it to do so.
Other past Pixel phones may get some of these new Magic Editor features, except it’s likely some won’t make it over because they’re powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 processor. Look for more on these features once I dive deeper into them.
Pixel Watch 3
Finally, the Pixel Watch will come in two sizes. The Pixel Watch 3 will come in the traditional 41mm size of its predecessors, along with an all-new 45mm variant. Those with bigger wrists waiting for this can rejoice, as it puts Google’s smartwatch more in line with key competitors like Samsung, Apple, Garmin and OnePlus in terms of options.
Google addressed the larger bezels of the Watch 2 and cut them down by 16% for more screen area. That translates to 10% more screen on the 41mm watch and 40% more on the 45mm. While the watches otherwise look like their predecessors, this tweak makes both look and feel bigger. The Actua display is 2x brighter than the Pixel Watch 2 maxing out at 2,000 nits, including an adaptive refresh rate of 1-60Hz. The always-on display can drop down to just one nit and still be visible in most conditions.
The Pixel Watch 3 will introduce new features to track running progress, plus integrating media playback controls. Fitbit remains the watch’s primary fitness tracker, only now Google brings in AI-driven tools to help you better understand the data. This also includes a new take on cardio load, along with a more substantive readiness score. All of this amounts to a Morning Brief summary of your latest health and fitness data.
Both Pixel Watch 3 sizes will be available in matte black aluminum with an obsidian band and polished silver aluminum with a porcelain band. The 45mm will offer an exclusive option in matte hazel aluminum with a hazel band, and the 41mm will have two other choices: champagne gold aluminum with a hazel band and polished silver aluminum with a rose quartz band.
You can pre-order both Pixel Watch 3 sizes today, and they will be available starting September 10th.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The most obvious thing you’ll notice with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are just how much smaller they are. Google made them 27% smaller than the previous pair. If previous Pixel Buds didn’t fit right, there’s a good chance these will. They’re so lightweight that you almost have to be careful not to let one slip through your fingers.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also hold the distinction of being the first earbuds to run on Google’s Tensor A1 chip. This is a big part of the company’s AI-driven focus in its consumer devices. New features are set to come with this drive, but for now, the earbuds will be smart enough to recognize when you’re talking and turn on Transparency to hear around you. Google claims the earbuds’ active noise cancellation will be twice as good at blocking out background noise.
You can pre-order the Pixel Buds Pro 2 today, and they will come out September 26th.
Pre-order yours today at Best Buy Canada
Ready to upgrade? You can pre-order the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Pixel 9 Fold Pro, the Pixel 9, the Pixel Watch 3, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 online today at Best Buy Canada. The Pixel 9 Pro will be available later in the fall.
