Google Pixel 9 Fresh Pixel 9 reports paint a disappointing picture
Google Pixel 9 Expected to Arrive with Android 14 and an Underwhelming Chipset As we approach the Google Pixel 9’s launch on August 13, recent leaks have dampened our excitement a bit.
Google Pixel 9 Typically, a new mainline Pixel phone debuts with the latest version of Android. However, this year might be different. According to Android Headlines, the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold could all launch with Android 14 instead of the anticipated Android 15.
The reasons behind this potential discrepancy are unclear. It might be linked to Google’s decision to release its new Pixel lineup earlier than usual. It’s puzzling why Google wouldn’t wait for Android 15, which is expected to be released in September.
That said, this leak could be inaccurate. Even if it’s correct, it’s likely the Pixel 9 series will receive an update to Android 15 soon after launch. Despite these devices being slated for seven years of updates, the timing of their release might mean they miss out on one final Android update that they would have received had they launched a bit later with Android 15 pre-installed.
From old software to a weak chipset
The Pixel 9 series may have more than just a delay in Android 15 to contend with. According to Android Authority, the Tensor G4 chipset expected in these phones represents the smallest upgrade in the series’ history. The new chipset is anticipated to offer only a modest power boost, though it could potentially be more efficient in terms of battery usage.
Google Pixel 9 The minor nature of this upgrade might stem from Google’s original plans. The company had intended to develop a new chipset independently of Samsung, which manufactures the Tensor chips. However, with that plan not coming to fruition in time, Google had to quickly craft an incremental update to the Tensor G3. Interestingly, if the Tensor G4 is as minimal an upgrade as reported, any exclusive features or new AI capabilities intended for the Pixel 9 might also be compatible with the Pixel 8, so we could see these features trickle down to the previous generation.
Additionally, there’s more potential disappointment for the Pixel 9 lineup. All three expected non-foldable models—the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL—are rumored to start with just 128GB of storage, which may feel inadequate for a premium device. The Pixel 9 will also be available in a 256GB variant, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL will offer storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. For the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, storage will reportedly be available in 256GB and 512GB, mirroring the original Pixel Fold.
In terms of RAM, the Pixel 9 is expected to come with 12GB, while the Pro models will feature 16GB, representing a 4GB increase across the board. Charging speeds might see a slight improvement as well, with Google potentially offering a 45W charger, up from the 30W charger available for the Pixel 8 series. However, actual charging speeds may still hover around 33W.
Lastly, Android Police has reported that the Pixel 9’s rumored 8K video recording capability will rely on the phone’s Video Boost feature to upscale recordings to 8K rather than natively capturing in that resolution. This means the feature might not be as groundbreaking as initially hoped.
As always, these reports should be taken with caution. We’ll provide more confirmed details following the official unveiling of the Pixel 9 series on August 13.