In just a few days, the Google Pixel 9 series will be officially unveiled. However, with the wealth of leaks and rumors circulating, there may not be many surprises left for the event. While the new line up seems to closely follow the Pixel 8 series in terms of software version and base storage, there are hints of some improvements in charging speed, processor performance, and design.
Software at Launch
A report suggests that the Pixel 9 series will boot Android 14 instead of Android 15. If accurate, this would mark the first time Google has released a new Pixel line up with an older Android version. Although the phones are likely to receive an update to Android 15 soon after launch, this rumour has raised questions about the 7-year software update policy that Google has promised for its Pixel devices.
Storage and RAM Configurations
The same publication claims that the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL will start with 128GB of storage, mirroring the Pixel 8 series. Here’s a breakdown of the expected storage and RAM options:
- Pixel 9: 128GB and 256GB storage options, 12GB RAM.
- Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, 16GB RAM.
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 256GB and 512GB storage options, with the 256GB model expected to be available in India.
Charging Speed and Battery Life
Google may tout a 24-hour battery life for the Pixel 9 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is rumored to feature a 5,060mAh battery, a slight increase from the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5,050mAh cell. Improved charging speed and better processor performance could also be on the cards, although specific details remain under wraps.
Core Layout and Processor Changes
There are indications that Google has altered the core layout of the Pixel 9 series to make the design run cooler. The new cores are both faster and more efficient than their predecessors. While removing one core would reduce power draw, it would result in virtually no performance improvement. Notably, the main power consumption source of Google Tensor SoCs has always been the modem, not the CPU.
The modem itself is changing for the better. The Tensor G4 is paired with the new Exynos Modem 5400, which brings satellite connectivity support and efficiency improvements — reportedly up to 50% better power consumption than the Exynos Modem 5300 used in the Pixel 8. However, not all Tensor G4 devices will necessarily benefit from this newer modem. Some devices, potentially the Pixel 9a, may still use the older Exynos Modem 5300.
GPU and Performance
The Tensor G4 retains the same Mali-G715 GPU as the Tensor G3, albeit clocked higher at 940 MHz compared to 890 MHz. While performance predictions are challenging without detailed core configuration information, benchmarks will soon provide a clearer picture.
Here’s a comparison of the CPU and GPU specs for the Tensor G3 and Tensor G4:
| Feature | Tensor G3 (zuma) | Tensor G4 (zumapro) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU — Little Cluster | 4x Cortex-A510 @ 1.7GHz | 4x Cortex-A520 @ 1.95GHz |
| CPU — Mid Cluster | 4x Cortex-A715 @ 2.4GHz | 3x Cortex-A720 @ 2.6 GHz |
| CPU — Big Cluster | 1x Cortex-X3 @ 2.9GHz | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.1 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G715 MC7 @ 890MHz | Mali-G715 (unknown core number) @ 940MHz |
Final Thoughts
While the Pixel 9 series may not bring groundbreaking changes, the incremental upgrades in charging speed, battery life, core layout, and modem efficiency are likely to be welcomed by users. As always, it’s wise to take these rumors with a pinch of salt until the official announcement.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the launch date!
