Ahead of its August 13 event, Google decided to give eager fans a sneak peek at the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro, and the information that was revealed is intriguing. The tech giant is playing coy and only showing a close-up image of the smartphone, but it reveals quite a bit.
It has the series' signature horizontal camera system, but instead of extending from one edge to the other, the lenses are located on an island separate from the edges of the device. It also protrudes quite prominently from the main body.
If you look inside, you'll see three camera lenses placed side-by-side alongside an LED flash bulb and what appears to be a temperature sensor. The Pixel 8 Pro has the same component, so it looks like it's staying put.
A phone designed for the Gemini era. It can do a lot of things, including easily making your old phone work again. Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: pic.twitter.com/I3EEXOkq3IJuly 18, 2024
Updated design
Google’s teaser also shows how flat the Pixel 9 Pro will be. The back of the Pixel 8 Pro has corners that curve inward toward the metal frame. But on the upcoming device, the back doesn’t curve inward, instead stopping where it meets the polished frame. It also looks like the back of the Pixel 9 Pro has a matte coating, while older models have a glossier finish.
About a week ago, as of the time of this post, prototypes of the Pixel 9 series were leaked online via TikTok channel PixoPhone. They posted a video comparing the base model of the Pixel 9 to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The latter was shown to have a matte finish with shiny metal edges, just like the Pixel 9 Pro.
It looks like the two Pro models will share similar design features. While we don't know what the standard Pixel 9 will look like, PixoPhone's leak claims it will have the opposite look: a glossy back with a matte frame.
Mixed reception
Initial reactions to the unveiling are mixed. Many users of the X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) are excited to see the new model and what it will bring at launch. However, some online comments are less receptive, with some noting that they don't like the camera's large protrusion and worrying that it could get caught on people's clothing when pulling it out of a pants pocket.
Another common criticism we saw was the inclusion of Gemini in the trailer. Users on the Google Pixel subreddit are still skeptical of Gemini as a service, with one person going so far as to say it was “useless.” Others are concerned that all of the AI-powered features won’t be available outside of the United States.
Google has been slow to roll out its AI technology to different regions around the world. The UK and EU received Gemini on Android in June, four months after its launch in the US.
The next Pixel event will begin in less than a month, on August 13, 2024. You can sign up for alerts on Google’s digital storefront, which will let you know when the device is available for purchase. And don’t miss our coverage of the event.
While you wait, check out TechRadar's list of the best Pixel phones for 2024.
You may also like
