In preparation for their August 13th event, Google has decided to give excited fans a sneak peek of the upcoming Pixel 9 Proand the information revealed is intriguing. The tech giant is being coy, only showing a close-up shot of the smartphone, but it does reveal quite a bit.
It features the signature horizontal camera array that the series is known for, but instead of stretching from end to end, the lenses sit on an island separated from the edges of the device, and it protrudes quite prominently from the main body.
Looking inside, you’ll see three camera lenses sitting side by side, along with an LED flash and what appears to be a temperature sensor. The Pixel 8 Pro has the same component, so it appears it’s stuck.
A phone built for the Gemini era. It can do a lot, even drop your old phone with ease. Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/PUmAUi4YBe pic.twitter.com/I3EEXOkq3IJuly 18, 2024
Updated design
Google’s teaser also reveals just how flat the Pixel 9 Pro will look. The Pixel 8 Pro’s back has corners that curve into the metal frame. But on the upcoming device, the back doesn’t roll over; it stops where it meets the polished frame. It also appears that the Pixel 9 Pro’s back will have a matte coating, while older models have a glossier finish.
About a week ago, as of the time of this publication, prototypes for the Pixel 9 series were leaked online by TikTok channel PixoPhone. They posted a video comparing the base model of the Pixel 9 to the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The latter appeared to have a matte finish with shiny metal edges, just like the Pixel 9 Pro.
It appears that the two Pro models will share similar design cues. While we don’t know what the standard Pixel 9 will look like, the PixoPhone leak claims it will look the other way around: a glossy back with a matte frame.
Mixed reception
Initial reactions to the reveal have been mixed. Many users on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) are excited to see the new model and what it will bring at launch. Some reactions online have been less receptive, however, with some noting that they aren’t fans of the large camera bump and worry that it could get caught on someone’s clothing when they pull it out of a pocket.
Another common criticism we saw was the inclusion of Gemini in the trailer. Users on the Google Pixel subreddit are still skeptical about Gemini as a service, with one person even going so far as to call it “worthless.” Others worry that all of the AI-powered features won’t be available outside of the United States.
Google has been slow to roll out its AI technology in global regions, with the UK and EU recently receiving Gemini on Android in Junefour months after its US launch.
The next Pixel event starts in less than a month, on August 13, 2024. You can sign up to receive notifications at Google’s digital showcaseso you know when the device is available for purchase. And stay up to date with our coverage of the event.
While you wait, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best Pixel phones for 2024.