A Google Pixel 8 pro phone is displayed during a product launch event for the Google Pixel 8, and ... [+]
This story was updated on March 29th. Update below.
Google is planning to launch three different Pixel 9 phones later this year, according to a new leak.
In a surprise shakeup of its launch strategy, Google will add a third “XL” Pixel 9 to its range, tipster OnLeaks (via 91 Mobiles) claims. In January, OnLeaks published the first details of Google’s upcoming phone, which revealed two smaller devices in comparison to the current Pixel 8.
That leak also claimed that the base Pixel 9 would come with three camera sensors, instead of the two that the Pixel 8 is equipped with. At the time, I assumed that Google was making the basic Pixel 9 more like the Pro unit.
According to OnLeaks, that isn’t the case. The two previously leaked devices are both Pixel 9 Pro units. The leaked 6.5-inch Pixel 9 Pro is the brand new “XL” unit.
Today’s leak reveals the identity of the base Pixel 9, which does indeed come with just two camera sensors and a 6.03-inch display. The renders also show that the Pixel 9 will come with rounder edges, a flat display and a redesigned camera bump. It’s hard not to see the clear similarities to Apple’s iPhone, in both looks and product strategy—the inclusion of a third model cements that likeness.
Google has dabbled with the XL moniker before, using it for larger Pixels in previous years before retiring it in 2020 with the launch of the Pixel 5, which only came in one size. Check out my video review below. Despite the XL name, the top Pixel 9 model measures slightly shorter than the current Pixel 8 Pro (6.5-inches versus 6.7-inches).
I suspect Google adding a second Pro unit, and shrinking the size of the entire line up, is for people who struggle with bigger phones but still want the Pro’s camera hardware. The Pixel 9’s middle Pro unit (6.1 inches) measures in smaller than the current base Pixel 8 (6.2-inches). Whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL appeases the people who prefer that phablet experience.
If this leak is accurate it represents a major shakeup of Google’s smartphone plans. The company has chopped and changed its strategy several times over the years, recently revamping the range with its in-house Tensor chipset.
But the Search company has always stuck to releasing one or two versions of its flagship smartphones, even during the carefree Nexus days. That could mean we’ll see five five different Pixel phones releasing this year; the Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold 2 and the Pixel 9 range.
Update March 29th. The other new Google Pixel phone, the Pixel 8a, appears to be on the way after the company stopped selling the Pixel 6a on its website. Spotted by Android Authority, the old URL for the Pixel 6a will now redirect to the 7a’s landing page instead.
Of course, the phone is still available to buy at other stores, like Amazon, but taking the device down from the site is a clear indication that Google is making space for the 8a, which will likely launch at Google I/O in May.
Despite no longer selling the Pixel 6a, Google has added some new AI functionality to the budget handset. Circle to Search, the new feature that lets users search images by drawing on them, is coming to the Pixel 6a.
It originally launched with the Pixel 8 and it has been a key part of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 marketing material. Samsung also recently updated some of its phones released in 2023 with a range of new AI features that were previously exclusive to the Galaxy S24, including Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist and generative image editing. Depending on their hardware, we may see more older devices from Google and Samsung get new AI tricks down the line.
