Can you really call them “leaks” if, every year, Google’s Pixel phones end up being leaked all over the web for months before their official release? What volume of pictures, hardware specs, and other details constitutes a leak, rather than a fast-draining colander?
Google’s Pixel 9 series of phones is expected to launch at an event on August 13. Because these phones must be certified by various regulators, including Taiwan’s National Communications Commission, or NCC, there are now photos—so many photos—of all four phones Google is expected to unveil next month. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google’s second attempt at a foldable phone, have been sized, measured, rated for battery life and charging speed, and even taken apart for a look inside .
As suggested by Pixel 9 renders, renders of all three non-folding phones, and prototype photos, the NCC photos confirm that Google’s “Pro” phone in the series is the same size as the standard 9 model, but with three rear cameras. rear. and improved features, possibly suitable for AI. NCC records do not confirm all internal specifications, such as The astonishing 16GB of RAM seen in an earlier Pixel 9 Pro prototype. Google has previously noted that keeping certain generator models to be “RAM resident” requires more RAM.
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro get a 4,558 mAh battery, according to NCC filings, while the 9 Pro XL packs in 4,942 mAh. This represents a very slight bump from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9, and even between the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL (which, remember, are now the “big” phones, even if some people might consider the 6.1-inch screens inches on the not quite “small”) base models. Charging speeds are about the same between the Pixel 8 and 9, as Android Authority notes, though the “big” Pixel phone goes from roughly 27W on the 8 series to almost 33W on the Pixel 9 Pro XL list.
A fold that is flatter, longer
What has changed a lot is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It’s not as flat and square as the original Pixel fold from 2023, being somewhat longer and closer to its direct competitors now. Its cameras are now arranged in a square grid rather than the Pixel’s typical, thick horizontal bar. The selfie camera on the large internal screen is now in the corner. Bezels have been thinned, the crease appears reduced (at least in these prototype photos) and, notably, the new Fold can be fully extended, something the previous model couldn’t do.
The new Fold’s battery is listed as 4,560 mAh, compared to the previous model’s 4,727 mAh. As mentioned in our Pixel Fold review, Google managed to fit in the biggest battery in the category, but the category has an inherent problem with battery life. Actually using that big OLED screen for things that make it fun to use, like watching videos or playing games, drains the battery faster than a tablet-like experience, which may have twice the battery cells packed in.
All four Pixel phones have Thread radio support listed, and all but the base Pixel 9 model have ultra-wideband (UWB) support. There’s also a new, sleek white, 45W Google charger shipped with these phones.
Android Authority has the best rendering of the Pixel 9 series photos made visible by NCC. The devices look like a lock that will debut at the Made by Google event on August 13.