Leo season’s a big time for Gemini, apparently. Google debuted its latest Pixel 9 smartphones and its Made By Google event on August 13, and they’re all infused with enhanced versions of Google’s Gemini AI.
The Pixel 9 line has four members: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As you could probably guess, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a whole other beast. But if you’re not in the market for a phone that can casually unfold into a tablet, you’ll be choosing between the regular Pixel 9 or one of the Pro versions.
First, let’s start with pricing: The Pixel 9 starts at $799 with shipping starting on August 22. The 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 with shipping also starting on Sept. 4, and the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1,099 with shipping starting on August 22. Both Pro models offer four storage options between 128 GB and 1 TB while the non-Pro only comes in 128 GB and 256 GB.
You can preorder any of them now at Google (groundbreaking), Best Buy, and Amazon, with all three retailers offering between $100 and $200 in gift cards with your purchase — even without trading in. Specific phone carriers like Verizon and AT&T also have Pixel preorders available, though they don’t have the sweet gift card situation.
All three phones come in four colors, though Google has reserved the Wintergreen shade and Barbie-esque Peony shade just for the Pixel 9. Note that the price hike between the Pro and Pro XL only has to do with physical screen size. For the first time, Google has made the Pro version available in two different sizes without sacrificing any tech specs for the smaller version.
Speaking of tech specs, all Pixel 9 phones wield Google’s new Tensor G4 chip that should make internet browsing, app launching, and photo and video shooting speeds nearly 20% faster than they’d be on a Pixel 8. Google also says that the Pixel 9 line is twice as durable as the previous generation, though the chic new design definitely isn’t screaming rugged.
Also built into this refreshed design is a completely refreshed AI experience. Even if you’re not one to have AI write an email for you, Gemini will still come in clutch. Whip up a group photo that everyone likes with the Best Take feature, add yourself to a group picture that you took, pull meeting or party details from that Gmail invitation you just can’t find, or find out what’s wrong with your dying plant without franticly describing it into the search bar.
Mashable Deals
Aside from AI, camera quality and screen quality are probably the two biggest wins across all Pixel 9s. The base tier Pixel 9’s display gets 35% brighter than its predecessor, which will be necessary for eyeing all the details captured in its new 48 MP ultrawide lens. The Pros get even brighter (including in direct sunlight) and rock Google’s best camera system yet, which includes a 42 MP front camera, Super Res Zoom compatibility with video, and improved Night Sight.
When it comes to the new phones, going “Pro” also unlocks a Google One AI Premium Plan with one free year of Gemini Advanced. With this, you’ll get 2TB of storage and access to the most interactive Gemini features.