Google is ahead of the game and unveils its new smartphones. The Mountain View giant has raised the curtain on the new models in its line Pixel 9 smartphone during the Made by Google event. This early presentation, which took place two months before the traditional October launch, marks a clear attempt by Google to position yourself ahead of competitors, especially compared to Apple's upcoming iPhones, due in September.
The focus of the event was mainly on new generation of Pixel, which includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL models, with a special mention for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which however will not be available in Italy.
The new Pixel 9 integrate advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, thanks to the Tensor G4 processor, developed in collaboration with DeepMind. This chip is optimized to handle complex, multimodal AI models, including text, images and audio. As a result, Google has increased the Pixel 9's RAM to 12GB for the base model and 16GB for the Pro and Pro XL models to support local processing. Only some operations, such as image generation, will be managed in the cloud through Google's services, thus avoiding the use of third parties and reaffirming its internal management capacity, a clear comparison with Apple and ChatGPT's strategy.
More artificial intelligence
The new Pixel 9 offers several innovative features based on artificial intelligence. One of the most anticipated new features is Gemini Live, which will allow you to interact with Google's AI in a similar way to a video call, for conversations on various topics. Currently, this feature is only available in English and for users with a Gemini Advanced subscription, but will soon be extended to other languages and iOS.
Another interesting feature is Add me, which allows you to insert the person taking a photo into the shot itself. This feature uses artificial intelligence to process and integrate the photographer into the photo, useful for groups that want to have all members in the images without the need for an external photographer.
In addition, the 'Weather app has been completely revamped, thanks to AI, and now provides personalized weather reports for a detailed overview of the expected weather. In the end, Call Notes is a feature that offers a complete summary and transcription of phone calls of at least 30 seconds, making it easy to record important details without having to take notes manually. However, this feature is not yet available in Italian.
Google Pixel 9: technical specifications
Il Google Pixel 9, the basic model, offers a 6,3-inch Actua OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels and a maximum brightness of 1800 nits. Protection is guaranteed by Gorilla Victus 2 glass, and the updated design includes a matte glass back and shiny metal sides. It is equipped with the Tensor G4 processor, 12 GB of RAM and a 50 MP main camera, flanked by a 48 MP ultrawide one. New AI-powered features include “Add Me” for editing photos and Gemini Live for more natural AI interactions. The Pixel 9 is available in 128GB and 256GB versions and in four colors: obsidian black, clay grey, matcha green and peony pink.
Il Google Pixel 9 Pro it stands out for 16 GB of RAM, a Super Actua display with 495 PPI density and an enhanced photographic sector, with a 48 MP telephoto lens and an optical zoom of up to 10x, as well as a 30x high definition zoom. Includes a free annual subscription to Google One AI Premium and storage options up to 1TB. The colors available are Obsidian Black, Creta Grey, Green Gray and Quartz Pink.
Il Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6,8-inch Super Actua display with 1344 x 2992 pixel resolution and 486 PPI density. It has a larger 5060mAh battery and fast charging that reaches 70% in 30 minutes. Like the Pro, it is available in four memory sizes and in the same colors.
Google Pixel 9: prices
The new Google Pixel 9 smartphones confirm the 7 years of promised software updates and have a higher price compared to 2023 models. Prices are as follows:
- Google Pixel 9: 899 €
- Google Pixel 9 Pro: 1099 €
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: 1199 €
The Pixel 9 Pro, although it has the same price as last year, offers less than the previous model, while the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, despite costing 100 euros more than their predecessors, offer significant improvements in terms of size, RAM, battery and features.
All the models are already on presale on Google Store, Amazon, MediaWorld and Unieuro, and will be available for sale from 22 August. In addition to smartphones, Google also announced the Pixel Watch 3 (from 399 and 499 euros) and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earphones (from 249 euros), which will be available at the end of summer or early autumn.
