Two months ahead of its usual schedule, Google has revealed its new flagship phones for 2024.
The upgraded regular Pixel 9 and 9 Pro are joined by a brand-new handset in the Pixel 9 Pro XL. And the Pixel Fold ’s successor is now known as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold , meaning it’s also part of the lineup.
As expected, there are plenty of differences between the four devices, especially when it comes to the hardware. But some key upgrades are shared across the quartet, several of which you won’t find on any other smartphones.
Tensor G4
Google’s new flagship chipset makes its debut on the Pixel 9 lineup. Tensor G4 is made using the same 4nm process as its predecessor, but Google is claiming some significant upgrades.
You can supposedly expect 20% faster web browsing and 17% faster app launching compared to the Tensor G3, which powered the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro .
But Tensor’s strength has often been in power efficiency, with Google stating that the G4 improves this for “everyday use cases” such as YouTube and taking photos and videos. Hopefully, it’ll also enable battery life improvements despite no capacity increases on Pixel 9 phones.
And of course, Tensor G4 is the driving force behind Google’s AI features.
Pixel Studio
Pixel Studio is one such AI feature that’s new for the Pixel 9 range.
It acts as a real-time image generator, using generative AI to create an image based on your prompt in only a few seconds. If you aren’t happy with the final result, you can adjust its style or ask it to generate again.
Alternatively, you can use the new features within Magic Editor to reimagine an existing image, whether you want to enhance the colours in a scene or completely change the environment.
Add Me
Picture the scene: you’re out somewhere with a group of friends (perhaps on holiday) and want to take a group photo.
A selfie is probably the easiest option, but it requires someone to awkwardly extend their arm out in front of everyone and hope for the best. You could ask a passer-by to take a photo, but they may not be a talented photographer and you risk your phone being stolen.
Perhaps the safest solution is for one of you to sacrifice yourself as the photographer and make sure everyone else looks their best. Or you could use the Pixel 9’s new Add Me feature.
After taking the photo of everyone else, the photographer swaps places with someone who’s been in the shot. AR will then guide them on where to stand to make the end result look natural.
Once both images have been taken, Add Me will then use AI to fuse them together, supposedly making it look like everyone was there all along.
Pixel Screenshots
One of two brand-new apps launching on the Pixel 9 phones, Pixel Screenshots is exactly what it sounds like – a hub for all your screenshots.
However, it also uses AI to make it easy to find anything from those screenshots. Need to find that specific code to get a discount or access your account? Type your request using natural language and Google will apparently be able to find it.
All screenshots you take will automatically be imported into the app and processed on-device, meaning everything works offline and without reliance on the cloud.
Pixel Weather
It might be less exciting, but Pixel 9 phones are also getting a new native weather app.
As you might expect, it’s known as Pixel Weather, and incorporates AI to deliver summaries of the weather wherever you are.
Made You Look
This last feature is only available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it’s worth a mention here. Made You Look is designed for restless kids who look anywhere but the camera lens when you’re trying to take a photo of them.
With the Fold open, you can display a selection of fun animations on the external screen, which should distract them and keep them looking in the general direction of the camera. In theory, anyway – your mileage may vary with this one!
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
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