The next generation of smartphones from Google is expected in autumn 2024, but it will bring some significant changes to the currently available Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. According to current rumors, not only the external design of the devices will change, but also the series itself. Instead of only releasing two high-end models as before, which differ primarily in size, Google is supposed to release the next generation of the Pixel 9 in three different screen dimensions.
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The rumor portal 91mobiles from India reports that Google will also bring a Pixel 9 Pro XL onto the market in addition to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. However, the XL model will not be larger than any Pixel phone released to date. In fact, the next Pixel generation is even expected to be more compact because some users don't want (or can't) put a 6.7-inch smartphone like the Pixel 8 Pro in their pocket.
Three pixel sizes
While the eighth Pixel series is currently available in screen sizes of 6.2 and 6.7 inches, the Pixel 9 will only come with a 6.03-inch display. The Pixel 9 Pro is therefore 6.1 inches tall and the Pixel 9 Pro XL should measure 6.5 inches. In doing so, Google would counteract the current trend of ever larger smartphones with every generation change, but at the same time continue on its own path, because the Pixel 8 is already smaller at 6.2 inches than its immediate predecessors. Pixel 7 is 6.3 inches and Pixel 6 is even 6.4 inches.
Google hasn't used the XL suffix since 2019, most recently with the Pixel 4 XL. The Pixel 5 was the sole fifth-generation model in 2020 before Google turned to the current naming scheme with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. At the same time, the sixth generation introduced the self-developed tensor chip and the now distinctive camera bar on the back.
Design changes and camera differentiation
According to the report, with the ninth Pixel generation, Google is not only expanding its model range, which is closer to Apple and its naming with the iPhone 15, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, but is also supposedly following Apple in terms of design, according to the renders that have appeared -images. These show a flat screen that is no longer rounded on the sides, but has clearly rounded corners. The surrounding metal frame is also strongly reminiscent of current iPhones – or even the Samsung Galaxy S24.
So far, Google has relied on a differentiation between Pixel and Pixel Pro when it comes to cameras, and that is likely to stay that way. However, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are said to have the same camera module, which has three lenses. The smaller Pixel 9, on the other hand, should only be equipped with a dual camera system.
It will take around six months for the ninth generation of Pixels to be introduced; Google usually presents its new smartphones in the fall. Before that, the Pixel 8A and Pixel Fold 2 are expected, the mid-range model in the current series and the second generation of Google's folding phone. These could be announced at the annual Google I/O, which traditionally takes place in May.
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