Google Pixel 9 Series Leaks

There have been plenty of Google Pixel 9 series leaks in recent weeks, giving us a great idea of what to expect from the new phones when they launch on August 13. But will they be some of the best-ever Android smartphones?

From camera upgrades and display specs to AI features and real-world images, we’ve rounded up the biggest Pixel 9 series leaks in one place, just in case you’ve missed anything.

New Google AI features revealed

Our first exclusive Pixel 9 series leak in July revealed upcoming Google AI features. These new additions are Add Me, Pixel Screenshots, and Studio. Add Me’s description suggests that this could let you add someone to a photo that isn’t present in the frame.

Meanwhile, Studio functionality is believed to be the previously leaked Creative Assistant app that would use generative AI to help you create stickers, among other possible features. Pixel Screenshots hints at a Microsoft Recall-style ability to search saved screenshots with AI.

Plenty of camera hardware upgrades

The Google Pixel 8 series was a mixed bag in terms of camera hardware upgrades, though the results are still sublime. Things are looking even brighter in 2024; we reported on a ton of Pixel 9 series camera changes in mid-July. All three mainline phones (Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL) will retain the Samsung ISOCELL GNK 50MP main camera.

Starting with the vanilla Pixel 9, Google is swapping out the 12MP ultrawide camera for a larger 50MP Sony IMX858 ultrawide rear camera. The standard Pixel 9 will stick with a 10.5MP selfie camera but will finally offer autofocus functionality. The takeaway is better-looking ultrawide snaps and potentially substantially improved selfies.

A better fingerprint scanner is finally coming

One of the earliest complaints about Google’s Tensor-powered Pixels was that the in-display fingerprint sensor was slow and unreliable. Back in early July, we discovered that the Google Pixel 9 series will utilize ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors. This is a more advanced scanning technology that relies on sound waves to scan your fingerprint rather than the image-based optical solution.

Connectivity upgrades and satellite support

Our deep dive revealed the aforementioned name while also indicating that it will likely be a free service for the first two years. This would be in line with Apple’s satellite SOS feature. We also spotted evidence that your Pixel might need to be updated to support this functionality, potentially hinting at this capability arriving as part of a Feature Drop.

Brighter displays and a square Fold

The standard Pixel 9 will top out at 1,800 nits of peak HDR brightness, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL will bring 2,050 nits of peak HDR brightness. This figure differs somewhat from outright peak brightness. Google defines “peak HDR brightness” as display brightness with all pixels illuminated, while it defines “peak brightness” figures with only 5% of all pixels lit up.

A ton of real-world images and videos

We’ve seen plenty of real-world videos and images showing Pixel 9 series phones, but July saw a flood of photos and videos. For one, Taiwan’s telecommunications regulator gave us comprehensive looks at the Pixel 9 series, including the foldable phone. These images show the Pixel 9 series and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold from every angle, and we even saw a look at the internals of these devices.

A huge trove of promo materials leaked

Features spotted here include the screen sizes, the Tensor G4 chipset, a year of Gemini Advanced, more RAM than last year, and all the camera details. One image also corroborates our earlier leak about a Pixel Screenshots feature.