Blog

Can you really call them “leaks” if every year Google’s Pixel phones end up being leaked online months before their official release? What volume of pictures, hardware specs, and other details constitute a leak and not a quick-draining colander?

Google’s Pixel 9 series of phones is expected to be unveiled at an event on August 13. Since these phones need to be certified by various regulators, including Taiwan’s National Communications Commission, or NCC, there are already pictures — so many pictures — of all four phones Google is expected to announce 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 the three non-folding phones, and prototype photos, the NCC photos confirm that Google’s “Pro” phone in this series is the same size as the standard Model 9, but with three rear cameras and upgraded , possibly suitable for AI specifications. The NCC documents don’t confirm all of the internal specs, such as the impressive 16GB of RAM seen in an earlier Pixel 9 Pro prototype. Google previously noted that keeping certain generative models “RAM resident” requires more RAM.

The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro get a 4,558 mAh battery, according to NCC documents, while the 9 Pro XL packs a 4,942 mAh. That’s a very slight difference from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 9, and almost even between the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL (which we’re reminded are now the “big” phones, even if some people think the 6.1-inch screens on the base models don’t are quite “small”). Charging speeds are about the same between the Pixel 8 and 9, as Android Authority notes, though the “big” Pixel phone jumps from roughly 27W on the 8 Series to nearly 33W on the Pixel 9 Pro XL listing.

A fold that is flatter, higher

What’s much more changed is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It’s not as squat and boxy as the original 2023 Pixel fold, and is now slightly taller and closer to its direct competitors. Its cameras are now arranged in a square grid rather than the Pixel’s typical thick horizontal band. The selfie camera on the large internal screen is now in the corner. The bezels are slimmed down, the fold appears reduced (at least in these prototype photos, and in particular, the new Fold can lie completely flat, something the previous model couldn’t do).

The Fold’s new battery is quoted as 4560mAh, compared to the previous model’s 4727mAh. As noted in our Pixel Fold review, Google managed to fit in the largest battery in the category, but the category has an inherent problem with battery life. In fact using that big OLED screen for the things that make it fun to use, like watching videos or playing games, drains the battery faster than a similar experience with a tablet that might have twice as many battery cells.

All four Pixel phones have Thread radio support listed, and all but the base Pixel 9 have ultra-wideband (UWB) support noted. There’s also a new, white and sleek 45W Google charger bundled with these phones.

Android Authority has the best layout of Pixel 9 series photos made visible by NCC. The devices look like a lock that will be unveiled at the Made by Google event on August 13.