Google Unveils Pixel 9 Phones, Gemini AI and Foldable Tech Take Center Stage
Google has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone intelligence with the release of its highly anticipated Pixel 9 series. The new lineup, which includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, boasts cutting-edge hardware and design enhancements. While the integration of Google's advanced Gemini AI distinguishes these devices, Google has also updated its foldable phone with a new design, larger screens, and a slimmer profile.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out with its new and practical design, featuring a 6.3-inch external display and an expansive 8-inch internal flexible display when unfolded, a significant evolution from its predecessor. The new model boasts a larger external displays, and also sheds some weight, coming in at 257g compared to the original's 283g, making it more pocket-friendly. Performance sees the biggest boost with the upgrade from the Tensor G2 chip to the newer Tensor G4, accompanied by an increase in RAM from 12GB to 16GB. Camera capabilities have been enhanced, with the main sensor jumping from 48MP to 50MP, and the device now offers an impressive 20x Super Res Zoom. Despite a slight decrease in battery capacity from 4821 mAh to 4650 mAh, the adoption of LTPO OLED screens and the newer chip will allow a 24 hours of battery life under normal usage and can extend up to an impressive 72 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode.
Google Gemini
Google has taken a significant leap forward in mobile AI assistance with the latest iteration of Gemini, now deeply integrated into the Pixel devices. One of the standout features is "Gemini Live," a conversational experience that allows users to have free-flowing, natural dialogues with the AI in 10 different voices. This feature enables users to brainstorm ideas, practice for important conversations, or explore complex topics hands-free, even when the phone is locked or the app is running in the background. The AI assistant also integrates more deeply with Google's suite of apps, including Keep, Tasks, and YouTube Music, streamlining tasks like creating shopping lists or generating playlists based on vague prompts. Google plans to incorporate faster models like Gemini 1.5 Flash to improve response speed and quality, and also promises deeper integrations with Google Home, Phone, and Messages in the coming months.
Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro & Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 series features slight differences between models. The base Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch 60-120Hz OLED display, dual rear cameras, and 8x zoom, whereas the Pro and Pro XL models have LTPO OLED screens with 1-120Hz refresh rates, triple rear cameras with a telephoto lens, and 30x zoom capability. The Pro models also have a higher resolution 42MP front camera, more RAM and storage options, 8K video recording, and optional features such as an Ultra-Wideband chip and Pro camera controls. The Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with a larger 6.8-inch display and a 5060mAh battery, as opposed to the other models' 4700mAh. While all phones use the Google Tensor G4 chipset, the Pro and Pro XL models have more advanced features and capabilities, while the base Pixel 9 is a more compact and cheaper option.
Pixel Buds 2
Google has also announced the Pixel Buds 2 and Pixel Watch 3, which expand the company's wearable device ecosystem. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have a redesigned form factor that is 27% smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and they promise to be the most comfortable earbuds yet, thanks to a design informed by 45 million ear scan data points. One notable feature is the Tensor A1, Google's first Tensor chip in an earbud, which allows for advanced audio processing and AI capabilities. This chip powers improvements such as Silent Seal™ 2.0, which cancels up to twice as much noise as before, and Conversation Detection, which uses AI to pause music and switch to Transparency mode when speaking. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm, with improved health tracking features such as a new skin temperature sensor and an electrical sensor that measures skin conductance. Both devices emphasise sustainability by using recycled materials in their construction and packaging.
Pricing and Availability
Google's new Pixel devices are set to hit the Singapore market, with pre-orders starting today for most models. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL, priced from S$1,199 and S$1,739 respectively, will begin shipping on August 22nd. The Pixel 9 Pro, will start at S$1,459, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, comes with a starting price of S$2,399. Both will be available from September. As for the wearable devices, the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 is set to retail at S$345 and the Pixel Watch 3 starts at S$529, with its larger sibling, the Pixel Watch 3 XL, starting at S$599. Most of the devices are expected to be available from September, with pre-orders for some models starting as early as August 14th on the Google Store and select retailers.