Pixel 9, 9 Pro & XL Leaks: Why is Google going SMALL in 2024? 🤔

XDA
15 Feb 202408:49

TLDRThe upcoming Google Pixel 9 series is set to introduce a significant design overhaul, with a more iPhone-like appearance and potentially three models. The regular Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are expected to have smaller screens compared to their predecessors, and there's speculation that the Pixel 9 could be the most capable smaller Pixel yet. Market trends, particularly in Japan, may have influenced this shift towards smaller devices. The Pixel 9 series may continue to use Samsung's Exynos chips instead of the initially planned fully customized Tensor G4 chip, which might be introduced later in the year with the Pixel Fold 2.

Takeaways

  • 📱 The Google Pixel 9 is expected to bring a significant design overhaul, moving towards a more iPhone-like aesthetic.
  • 📱️ The upcoming Pixel 9 series may include as many as three models, differing in size and possibly battery capacity.
  • 📱 The regular Pixel 9 will feature a 6.1-inch screen, while the Pixel 9 Pro will have a 6.5-inch display, both smaller than their predecessors.
  • 📱️ The design of the Pixel 9 will see a traditional camera protrusion, with a camera bar that is disconnected from the aluminum outer shell.
  • 📱 Google's hardware design seems to be aligning more closely with its software design language, focusing on sharp lines and rounded corners.
  • 📱️ The Pixel 9 series might continue the trend of offering a more capable smaller phone, which is increasingly favored in markets like Japan.
  • 📱️ Google's earlier roadmap suggested three Pixel 9 models for 2024, but the latest leaks indicate only two devices, possibly the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
  • 📱️ The Tensor processor, which has had a mixed reputation, may not see a new custom design in the Pixel 9, instead relying on an Exynos chip similar to the one used in the Galaxy S24 series.
  • 📱️ The fully customized Tensor G4 chip, originally planned for 2024, might be introduced in a later model, potentially the Pixel Fold 2.
  • 📱️ The Pixel 9 series is expected to maintain a high-quality camera setup, including a periscope telephoto lens, across all models.

Q & A

  • What is the significance of the upcoming Google Pixel 9 in terms of design changes?

    -The Google Pixel 9 signifies the biggest design overhaul since the current Pixel aesthetic arrived in 2021. It features a more iPhone-like design with wider curved corners, a traditional camera protrusion, and a visually similar thickness and proportions to Apple's devices. This change reflects Google's hardware design mimicking its software language and indicates a shift towards a more capable small phone market.

  • How many models are expected in the Pixel 9 series?

    -There could be as many as three models in the Pixel 9 series this time.

  • What is the notable change in the camera design of the Pixel 9?

    -The camera design of the Pixel 9 now features a camera bar fashioned in a style that is disconnected from the aluminum of the outer shell, making it more of a traditional camera protrusion.

  • What is the expected change in screen sizes for the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro compared to their predecessors?

    -The regular Pixel 9 will have a 6.1-inch screen, which is smaller by a tenth of an inch compared to the Pixel 8. The 9 Pro will have a 6.5-inch screen, down from the 6.7-inch panel in the 8 Pro.

  • What is the significance of the reported shift in Google's strategy to make one phone in two sizes?

    -The strategy of making one phone in two sizes is a return to the original first-gen Pixel strategy. It also reflects the market demand, especially in Japan, where smaller phones are favored and Google has seen significant sales.

  • What was Google's position in the Japanese phone market in 2023?

    -In 2023, Google became the number two phone brand in Japan, behind Apple but ahead of Samsung and Sony. Japan made up more than a third of the Pixel brand's overall sales, indicating the importance of the Japanese market to Google.

  • What was the original plan for the Pixel 9 series according to the leaked Google roadmap?

    -The original plan for the Pixel 9 series included three phones: a Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro Max. However, only two devices were given code names: the Pro Max (Komodo) and the smaller Pro (Cayman).

  • What is the reported change in the chip used for the Pixel 9 series?

    -The Pixel 9 series is expected to use a chip based on the Exynos 2400, which is currently powering the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus in Europe and some other regions. This is due to the original plan for a fully customized Tensor G4 chip missing production deadlines.

  • What is the significance of the Tensor G4 chip for Google's Pixel line?

    -The Tensor G4 chip was planned to be the first fully customized chip for Pixel, with Google working alongside TSMC to design more of the chip itself. This would have made the Pixel phone more vertically integrated and competitive. However, the chip is reportedly delayed, and the Pixel 9 series may use a modified Exynos chip instead.

  • What is the potential impact of the delayed Tensor G4 chip on the Pixel 9 series?

    -The delay of the Tensor G4 chip may mean that the Pixel 9 series will not receive the new chip and will instead use a modified Exynos chip. However, the actual Tensor G4 chip could potentially power the Pixel fold 2, offering a more significant upgrade for the foldable model.

  • What can we expect from Google's Pixel lineup in the future based on the script?

    -Based on the script, we can expect a new design with smaller sizes across the board, a full trifecta of cameras in the most compact model, and more chip changes coming later in the year with a serious upgrade for the fold and an even better Tensor hopefully following in 2025.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Google Pixel 9 Series: Design Overhaul and Market Strategy

The first paragraph discusses the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, highlighting the significant design changes and potential market strategy behind the new models. It mentions the possibility of three different models, a visual revamp drawing inspiration from Apple's iPhone, and changes in size that could be perceived as a downgrade. The paragraph also touches on the source of the leaks, the CAD renders, and the credibility of the information based on the track record of the leakers. The design refresh is characterized by more curved corners and a camera bar reminiscent of the Pixel Fold, suggesting a consistency between Google's hardware and software design languages. The paragraph further discusses the potential reasons for Google's shift towards smaller phones, citing the Japanese market's preference for compact devices and Google's success there, which accounted for over a third of Pixel's overall sales in the earlier quarter of 2023.

05:02

🔍 Pixel 9 Leaks and Future Roadmap

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of the leaked information regarding the Pixel 9 series, including the code names of the models and potential changes in Google's release strategy. It mentions the 'Komodo' and 'Cayman' code names for the Pro and smaller Pro models, respectively, and speculates on the fate of the non-Pro model, which may have been repurposed or abandoned. The paragraph also references an older leak from Android Authority that outlines Google's Pixel roadmap through 2025, noting that while plans can change, the information has been accurate so far. The discussion then shifts to the Tensor processors used in Google's phones, their performance reputation, and the collaboration between Google and Samsung. The paragraph reveals that Google was planning a fully customized chip for the Pixel in 2024, in partnership with TSMC, which would have made the Pixel phone more vertically integrated. However, it reports that the original deadline for this chip, code-named 'Redondo,' was missed, and Google may fall back on a partnership with Samsung for the Pixel 9's chipset. The paragraph concludes with anticipation for the Pixel fold 2 and the potential for a more powerful Tensor chip in the future.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 is the upcoming smartphone model from Google, which is expected to bring significant design changes and improvements over its predecessors. It is anticipated to have a more iPhone-like appearance with curved corners and a traditional camera protrusion. The term is central to the video's theme as it discusses the leaks, features, and potential market strategy related to the Pixel 9 series.

💡Design Overhaul

A design overhaul refers to a significant change or transformation in the visual and physical aspects of a product. In the context of the video, it describes the major redesign of the Google Pixel 9 series, which includes a camera bar reminiscent of the Pixel Fold and a shift towards a more 'iPhone-like' aesthetic with wider curved corners and a traditional camera protrusion.

💡iPhone-like

The term 'iPhone-like' is used to describe the design elements or features of a product that resemble or are inspired by Apple's iPhone. In the video, it is used to highlight the Pixel 9's new design, which has adopted wider corner curves and a camera layout similar to that of iPhones, indicating a move towards a more mainstream and familiar aesthetic for smartphone users.

💡Screen Size

Screen size refers to the dimensions of the display on a device, typically measured diagonally in inches. In the context of the video, it is used to discuss the changes in the physical dimensions of the Pixel 9 series, with the regular Pixel 9 having a smaller screen size compared to its predecessor, and the 9 Pro also seeing a reduction in screen size.

💡Camera Cluster

A camera cluster refers to the arrangement of multiple camera lenses and sensors on a smartphone's body, usually found on the rear. In the video, the camera cluster is discussed in relation to the Pixel 9 series, which is rumored to have a similar camera setup to the previous models, including a periscope telephoto lens.

💡Japanese Market

The Japanese market refers to the consumer base and economic environment for products and services in Japan. In the video, it is highlighted as an important market for Google, where the company has seen significant success with its Pixel line of smartphones. The preference for smaller phones in Japan is suggested as a reason for Google's move towards smaller devices in the Pixel 9 series.

💡Tensor Processor

The Tensor Processor is Google's custom-designed chip that powers its Pixel smartphones, introduced to enhance the device's AI and machine learning capabilities. In the video, the Tensor processor's performance and reputation are discussed, along with the potential for a fully customized chip in future Pixel devices.

💡Roadmap

A roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines a company's future goals and the steps to achieve them. In the context of the video, it refers to Google's internal plan for its Pixel smartphone line through to the end of 2025. The roadmap is significant as it provides insight into the company's product release strategy and potential changes in the lineup.

💡Exynos

Exynos is a series of System on Chips (SoCs) designed by Samsung Electronics, used in various smartphones and other devices. In the video, Exynos is referenced as the basis for Google's Tensor processors, with the implication that the relationship between Google and Samsung may be changing, as Google is reportedly planning to develop a fully customized chip for its Pixel devices.

💡Pixel Fold 2

The Pixel Fold 2 is the rumored sequel to Google's first foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as a potential device that may utilize the new Tensor G4 chip, indicating an upgrade in the foldable segment of Google's smartphone lineup.

💡Vertical Integration

Vertical integration refers to the process of a company taking control of its supply chain by either owning or partnering with the companies that provide its inputs or distribute its products. In the video, it is mentioned in the context of Google's plan to design more of the chip itself for future Pixel devices, which would increase the company's control over the product's hardware and potentially improve its performance and differentiation in the market.

Highlights

Upcoming release of Google Pixel 9 with significant design changes.

Potential launch of three Pixel 9 models, indicating a larger range than previous releases.

Major visual redesign inspired by the iPhone's aesthetic.

The Pixel 9 will feature a more traditional camera protrusion.

Reduction in screen size for the regular Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro compared to their predecessors.

Google possibly returning to a strategy of offering two sizes of a single phone model.

Japanese market's preference for smaller phones influencing Google's design choices.

Google becoming the number two phone brand in Japan, surpassing Samsung and Sony.

Leak from Android Authority revealing Google's Pixel roadmap through 2025.

Original plans for three Pixel 9 models with specific code names for the Pro and Pro Max versions.

The possibility of a Pixel 9A or 10A emerging from the repurposed smaller non-Pro Pixel 9.

Google's Tensor processors facing mixed reviews and comparisons with Snapdragon chips.

Reports of Google working with TSMC for a fully customized chip for future Pixel devices.

The Pixel 9 might not receive the new Tensor G4 chip due to missed production deadlines.

The Pixel Fold 2 might be the first device to feature the new Tensor G4 chip.

A full trifecta of cameras expected in the most compact Pixel 9 model.

Google's hardware design seemingly mimicking its software with sharp corners and a focus on material U design language.

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