Add a touch of luxury to your tech with the ultimate accessory. The Bandolier x #Pixel9 phone case collection is available now at https://t.co/cMbC2qZtu8. pic.twitter.com/vcceXN2pgI
— Google Pixel (@GooglePixel_US) August 14, 2024
Google has announced its new lineup of Pixel 9 phones, including the base model, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This marks the first time Google has returned the “XL” moniker since the Pixel 4 XL in 2019. Introducing two sizes for the Pro model significantly changes Google’s approach.
The Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch display, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch display. Apart from the difference in display size and battery life, both models have identical specs. This change is particularly welcome for power users who prefer smaller phones.
The new #Pixel9 is powered by 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝟰: our most efficient chip yet. 🔲
It’ll be the first processor to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality – which can help your phone understand text, images, sound and spoken language. → https://t.co/jp7NdbD6sv… pic.twitter.com/21SLCAvjOI
— Google DeepMind (@GoogleDeepMind) August 13, 2024
NEW VIDEO – Pixel 9/9 Pro/9 Pro Fold Impressions and Hands-On! Hardware + AIhttps://t.co/1jCauLsl2y pic.twitter.com/oDTfEw6rGP
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) August 13, 2024
Many users, like myself, care about the display quality, camera capabilities, processor speed, and software performance but find larger phones uncomfortable to hold and use for extended periods. Recently, most smartphone brands have offered their best features exclusively on their giant phones.
Google’s new Pixel 9 options
Today at #MadebyGoogle, we’re sharing how we’re bringing AI advances to mobile across the Android ecosystem. We also introduced our latest Pixel devices, including Pixel 9 phones built with Google Tensor G4 — our fastest and most efficient silicon yet. https://t.co/riyrwuZkby pic.twitter.com/tFeR5Cn3mc
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) August 13, 2024
Google’s decision to provide a smaller Pro version without sacrificing features aside from battery life sets an example for others to follow. Apple, for instance, faced disappointment in 2023 when it added a periscope telephoto camera only to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, leaving the iPhone 15 Pro without the improved camera. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro may see a size bump to accommodate an improved telephoto camera, but it remains to be seen if Apple will improve only the Max version further.
Other brands, such as Samsung, could also benefit from this approach. With its impressive 200MP camera and integrated S Pen, the Galaxy Ultra is too large for some users. It would make sense if the Galaxy S+ model were a smaller version of the Ultra rather than just a bigger base model.
While having two sizes for the same pro-level phone may seem redundant to some, having choices is always good. Not everyone who wants the best features also wants a massive phone. The new choice between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL is a fantastic move by Google, and other smartphone manufacturers should take note.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
