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

Google is reportedly gearing up for a significant design overhaul with its Pixel 9 series, which is expected to include three models: the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and potentially a Pixel 9 XL or Max. The new design is said to resemble the iPhone, with wider curved corners and a traditional camera protrusion. Notably, the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are expected to shrink in size, with the regular model featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the Pro variant a 6.5-inch display. This shift towards smaller phones is believed to be influenced by the Japanese market, where Google has become the second most popular phone brand, largely due to the preference for compact devices. The Pixel 9 series is also anticipated to include a periscope telephoto lens, making it a capable small smartphone. However, it's suggested that the new Tensor G4 chip, originally planned for the Pixel 9, may not make the production deadline, leading to a continued partnership with Samsung for the processor. The upcoming Pixel Fold 2 is expected to feature the Tensor G4 chip when it launches later in the year.

Takeaways

• 📱 Google is planning a significant design overhaul for the Pixel 9 series, which is likely to be more iPhone-like in appearance.
• 🔍 The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are expected to have smaller screen sizes compared to their predecessors, with the regular Pixel 9 featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the 9 Pro a 6.5-inch screen.
• 📸 Both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are rumored to have the same camera setup, including a periscope telephoto lens, which could make the 'Pro' designation less significant.
• 🗻 Google's shift towards smaller phones may be influenced by the Japanese market, where smaller models are more popular and Google has become the second most popular phone brand.
• 📈 According to Counterpoint research, Japan accounted for over a third of Pixel's overall sales in Q1-Q3 of 2023, highlighting the importance of this market to Google.
• 📈 Google's original roadmap for 2024 included three Pixel 9 models, but it seems that only two devices, code-named Komodo and Cayman, are moving forward.
• 🔩 The Tensor chip, which powers Google's Pixel phones, has had a mixed reputation. The fully customized Tensor G4 chip planned for 2024 might be delayed, and Google may continue to use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos for the Pixel 9.
• 🔧 Reports suggest that Google is working with TSMC to create a more competitive chip for the Pixel, which could be ready for a future release, possibly the Pixel Fold 2.
• 🔄 The Pixel 9 series will likely feature a new design with a traditional camera protrusion and wider curves, resembling the design language of Google's software.
• 🌐 The importance of the Japanese market to Google's sales is prompting a strategic shift towards smaller, more capable devices.
• 📉 Despite the new design, the Pixel 9 may not feature the latest Tensor G4 chip due to production deadlines, which could be a disappointment for some users.

Q & A

What is the significance of the design overhaul in the upcoming Pixel 9 series?

The design overhaul in the Pixel 9 series marks the biggest change since the current Pixel aesthetic arrived in 2021. It features a more iPhone-like design with wider curved corners and a traditional camera protrusion, indicating a shift towards mimicking the software design language in hardware.

How does the Pixel 9 series' size change compare to previous models?

The Pixel 9 series is getting smaller compared to the previous models. The regular Pixel 9 will have a 6.1-inch screen, down from the 6.2-inch of the Pixel 8, and the 9 Pro will have a 6.5-inch screen, reduced from the 6.7-inch panel of the Pixel 8 Pro.

What could be the reason behind Google's move towards smaller phones?

The shift towards smaller phones might be influenced by the Japanese market, where Google has become the number two phone brand behind Apple. Japanese consumers have shown a preference for smaller phones, which could explain Google's strategy of creating a more capable small Pixel phone.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Upcoming Google Pixel 9: Design Overhaul and Smaller Models

The video discusses the anticipated features and design changes for the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series. It is suggested that there may be three models, with a significant visual redesign that takes cues from the iPhone's style. The Pixel 9 is expected to have a more pronounced camera bar and curves that mirror those of the iPhone, reflecting a shift in Google's hardware design language. The regular Pixel 9 will have a 6.1-inch screen, and the Pixel 9 Pro will feature a 6.5-inch screen, both smaller than their predecessors. This change is speculated to be influenced by the Japanese market's preference for smaller phones, where Google has become the second most popular phone brand. The video also mentions that the Pixel 9 series might not include the rumored Tensor G4 chip due to production delays and could instead use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos 2400, currently found in some versions of the Galaxy S24 series.

05:02

🔍 Pixel 9 Leaks, Code Names, and Chip Details

This paragraph delves into the leaked information about the Pixel 9 series, including the code names 'Komodo' for the Pro Max and 'Cayman' for the smaller Pro model. It is suggested that the non-Pro model might have been repurposed into a Pixel 9A or 10A. The video also discusses the history of Google's Pixel phone projects and how plans can change over time. Regarding the chip, the Tensor processors have had a mixed reception since their introduction. The fully customized Tensor chip planned for 2024, code-named Redondo, has reportedly missed production deadlines. As a result, Google may revert to a partnership with Samsung for the Pixel 9's chip, likely based on the Exynos 2400. However, the Tensor G4 might still be used in the Pixel Fold 2, which is expected to have a later launch date.

Keywords

Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 refers to the upcoming smartphone model from Google, which is the subject of the video. It is expected to have significant design changes and is part of Google's strategy to appeal to a market that favors smaller phones, as indicated by the video's discussion on market trends and consumer preferences.

CAD Renders

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Renders are 3D models or images created using CAD software, often used to visualize and share design concepts. In the context of the video, CAD Renders are mentioned as a source of leaked images for the Pixel 9, suggesting that they are a credible way to preview the phone's design before its official release.

iPhone-like Design

The term 'iPhone-like Design' refers to the aesthetic style that is reminiscent of Apple's iPhone devices. The video discusses how the Pixel 9's design has evolved to include wider curves and a more traditional camera protrusion, which are characteristics that are often associated with Apple's product design.

Japanese Market

The Japanese Market is highlighted in the video as a significant factor influencing Google's design choices for the Pixel 9. The video mentions that Google has become the second most popular phone brand in Japan, and that the preference for smaller phones in Japan is a key reason for the Pixel 9's smaller size.

Tensor Processor

The Tensor Processor is Google's custom-designed chip that powers its Pixel smartphones. The video discusses the mixed reputation of the Tensor chip and the potential for a fully customized version in the future. It also mentions the possibility of Google continuing to use a chip based on Samsung's Exynos due to production deadlines.

Pixel Fold 2

The Pixel Fold 2 is an anticipated device from Google, which is hinted to be in the pipeline. The video suggests that this foldable device might feature the Tensor G4 chip, which would be a significant upgrade from previous models, aligning with Google's strategy to enhance its high-end offerings.

Camera Bar

The Camera Bar is a design element found on Pixel smartphones, which houses the camera lenses. The video notes that the Pixel 9 will still feature a camera bar, but it will be redesigned to be more traditional and less integrated with the phone's body, reflecting a shift in design philosophy.

Screen Size Reduction

Screen Size Reduction refers to the decision to make the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro smaller in terms of screen size compared to their predecessors. The video explains that this change is a strategic move by Google to cater to consumer preferences, particularly in the Japanese market.

Material U Design Language

Material U Design Language is Google's design language for its software and hardware products. The video suggests that the new design of the Pixel 9, with its rounded corners and other elements, is a reflection of Material U, indicating a consistency between Google's software and hardware design philosophies.

Periscope Telephoto

A Periscope Telephoto is a type of camera lens that allows for high magnification without significant loss in image quality. The video mentions that the Pixel 9 could be one of the first small-sized devices to feature such a lens, highlighting Google's aim to provide advanced camera capabilities in a compact form factor.

Code Names

Code Names are used by companies to refer to products in development before their official release. The video discusses the code names 'Komodo' and 'Cayman' for two different models of the Pixel 9, indicating that these are the internal project names used by Google during development.

Highlights

Pixel 9 series is anticipated to have a significant design overhaul, moving towards a more 'iPhone-like' aesthetic.

The camera bar on the Pixel 9 is redesigned to be more traditional, disconnected from the aluminum shell.

The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are expected to have smaller screen sizes compared to their predecessors.

Google may be reverting to its original strategy of offering one phone in two sizes, similar to the first-gen Pixel.

The Pixel 9 Pro might have a redundant 'Pro' moniker if the only difference from the standard Pixel 9 is size and possibly battery capacity.

Google's move towards smaller phones could be influenced by the Japanese market, where smaller models are favored.

In 2023, Google became the second most popular phone brand in Japan, indicating the importance of this market to Google.

An earlier leak suggests that there were originally plans for three Pixel 9 models, but only two were given code names.

The Tensor chip, which powers Google's phones, has had a mixed reputation since its introduction.

Google was planning a fully customized chip for 2024, but it might not meet production deadlines.

The Pixel 9 might use a chip based on the Exynos 2400, which is currently in the Galaxy S24 series.

The upcoming Pixel Fold 2 is expected to feature a later launch date and potentially a matching Tensor G4 chip.

The new design language of the Pixel 9 series includes a sharp-looking phone with the bay blue color making a comeback.

The Pixel 9 could be the most capable small Pixel yet, featuring one of the first super zoom periscope telephotos in its size class.

Google's hardware design seems to be mimicking its software's Material You design language with rounded corners and curves.

The Pixel 9 series is expected to have a full trifecta of cameras even in the most compact model.

The Tensor G4 chip that was planned for the Pixel 9 might be delayed, and the Pixel 9 could instead use a Samsung-based chip.

The actual Tensor G4 chip is expected to power this year's Pixel Fold 2, suggesting a more powerful chip for Google's premium device.

The Pixel 9 series is set to bring more chip changes later in the year, with a significant upgrade for the foldable lineup.