Google’s Pixel 9 series is likely to feature a substantial camera upgrade, though some areas will remain the same. This information comes from Android Authority after speaking to an insider source at the company. According to the leak, the primary wide-angle lens on three of the models will be the 50MP Samsung GNK, which is identical to the one found on the Pixel 8 series.
That’s the only holdover from the previous-generation rear cameras, as everything else is different. Google is ditching the Sony IMEX386 lens and instead adding the 50MP Sony IMX858 to the ultra-wide camera on all three devices. Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL will also house the IMX858 lens on their telephoto and selfie cameras.
The standard Pixel 9 will have the 10.5MP Samsung 3J1 lens as its front-facing camera. Some may be disappointed to learn that the Pixel 9 will still have the same selfie camera as the Pixel 8 Pro. On the internet, you can find several posts from people complaining about the poor quality of photos taken with the front-facing lens. Common criticisms include blurry images and very harsh color contrast.
Sony's IMEX858 seems to be a pretty good upgrade as, according to the report, it “should do [the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL] much more versatile and useful in low light conditions.”
Foldable Updates
The leak reveals the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera array. Compared to the original Pixel Fold, there aren’t many changes. The main camera is still a cropped Sony IMX787 lens, and the telephoto option is still the Samsung 3J1. Everything else is different, though. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s ultrawide camera houses a Samsung 3LU lens, and both selfie shooters have the Samsung 3K1.
Android Authority notes that this camera system is a general downgrade compared to the previous foldable. Assuming the leak is true, this is an odd change. Why backtrack?
The publication has a theory on the matter: “The new foldable Pixel is… almost 2mm thinner than the original.” As a result, “Google may have been forced to make” compromises to create a thinner smartphone. And those compromises, unfortunately, affect the cameras.
Software changes
There was some news on the software update front. Google is working on giving the Pixel Camera app the ability to shoot 8K video at 30 FPS. Don't get too excited, though, as Android Authority claims its source couldn't confirm whether any Pixel 9 devices can actually support the feature or even “if it will be available at launch.”
@pixo_unpacking ♬ оригінальний звук – pixo_unpacking
TikTok channel pixo_unpacking managed to get their hands on a prototype of the Pixel 9 Pro XL and gave their audience a quick look at the device’s camera. They revealed that it has a maximum digital zoom of 30x, similar to previous models. Additionally, the camera app’s UI may not change in the next generation.
At first glance, it looks the same. You can see visible sliders for brightness, contrast, and saturation, as well as an overlay in the viewfinder, among other things.
Be sure to take this leaked information with a grain of salt. Things can always change. Either way, we'll know for sure relatively soon, as Google is holding its next Pixel event on August 13.
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