Google Pixel 9 series set for comprehensive camera improvements

Great photography is definitely one of the biggest selling points of the Google Pixel. However, for a while Google relied on camera software to carry its phones, while the hardware often lagged behind the competition. For example, the Sony IMX363 sensor, first introduced in the Pixel 3 in 2018, was replaced only in 2023! Fortunately, this has changed recently; Google has been focusing on hardware more and more in its latest smartphones.

After fairly minor changes to the Pixel 7 series, Google made significant improvements to the Pixel 8, and its upcoming Pixel 9 range is set to bring even more significant improvements. Thanks to a source inside Google, we can preview the new camera hardware changes coming to the upcoming Pixels.

Google is making changes to almost every sensor on its Pixel phones this year. Starting with the regular Pixel 9, Google is replacing the old ultra-wide Sony IMX386 with a brand new Sony IMX858. The old sensor was quite archaic and small (1/2.8”), so moving to the much newer and larger (1/2.51”) IMX858 should make it much more versatile and useful in low light conditions.

While the main sensor (Samsung GNK) and front camera (Samsung 3J1) remain the same, Google is making another important change. The Pixel 9 will finally include an autofocus-enabled front-facing camera like last year’s Pixel 8 Pro, making it nicer to use and sharper in a wider range of scenarios . The Pixel 8 had a fixed-focus selfie camera, which, while usually good, is definitely more likely to result in blurry photos.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL will get the exact same camera setup. Google has bet big on the Sony IMX858 (the same sensor used as the ultrawide in the Pixel 9) this year. All sensors except the primary use this particular model, including the front camera. While the new sensor should be a relatively modest improvement over the existing ultra-wide and telephoto cameras, it should make the Pixel 9 Pro’s front-facing camera an absolute beast compared to most other devices. It’s designed primarily for rear cameras and is larger than most dedicated selfie camera sensors.

Both Pro Pixels carry the same infrared thermometer as last year – Melexis MLX90632. It’s interesting to see Google keep such a controversial feature; its use is very limited and many consider it a waste of money.

I’ve compiled the Pixels’ (non-folding) camera specs in the table below:

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also set for some changes this year. The ultra-wide camera is now a Samsung 3LU (1/3.2”) instead of the old Sony IMX386 (1/2.8”). Both old selfie cameras (Sony IMX355, 1/2.8” and Samsung 3J1, 1/3”) have been changed to Samsung 3K1 (1/3.94”).

This may seem strange, but I have a theory to explain these apparent decreases: the new foldable Pixel is actually almost 2mm thinner than the original Pixel Fold, and Google may have had to make some compromises to reach the new thin package. Hopefully the new sensors won’t affect camera quality too much.

We’ve compiled the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera specs below:

8K is finally coming to Pixels

Last year’s Pixel 8 series introduced the Tensor G3 processor. Among its improvements was support for 8K video encoding at 30 frames per second. Not only that, but the phone’s Samsung GNK sensor also supports the resolution. So far, Google has decided not to use the feature.

That may change: the next version of the Pixel Camera app will support 8K recording (7680×4320) video at 30 frames per second. Unfortunately, our source couldn’t confirm which of the Pixel 9 devices will support the feature and if it will be available at launch, but at least it’s in development. We managed to get the icon that will be used in the app to indicate 8K recording.

What do you think of the camera hardware changes in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro Fold? Tell us in the comments.