Are you already in the Android world or considering the switch? Well, there’s a lot from the annual Made By Google for 2024 for you to digest.
Just a month after Samsung unveiled seven new products at its event – and far ahead of its usual October launch dates – Google has just launched several new device upgrades that bring new designs and capabilities to its Pixel lineup.
Luckily, we’ve already had some hands-on experience with the launches and talked to Google’s Pixel Design Director Claude Zellweger about all the changes to the look and feel of the gadgets. Below, we’re cutting through the specifications to bring you the most essential features, design tidbits and upgrades you need to know about.
The key launches are the new Google Pixel 9, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL (the “pro” phone, but just now in two sizes), a second-generation foldable in the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, an upgraded Google Pixel Watch 3 (now also available in two sizes) and some brand-new flagship wireless earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Google Pixel 9: At a glance
- The Google Pixel 9 is positioned as the default Pixel model, offering the flagship features within a more compact and affordable option (it has the same dimensions as the new small Pixel 9 Pro)
- It has a 50MP main camera, along with an upgraded 48MP ultrawide camera with a “macro” ability for close-up photos
- It includes the latest Tensor G4 chip, now with 12GB of RAM to better handle artificial intelligence (AI) tasks
- Its display is 35% brighter than the one on the Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 9 colours: It comes in “Obsidian” black, “Porcelain” white, “Wintergreen” green and “Peony” pink colours
- Google Pixel 9 price: It starts at £799 for 128GB of storage or £899 for 256GB of storage
It won’t surprise anyone to see that Google is focusing on design, artificial intelligence (AI) features and photography as the core upgrades to its newest smartphone models. The built-in AI assistant, Gemini, is available on all the new Google handsets and can gather information from all of your Google apps.
You just press and hold the power button to launch the Gemini assistant, and it can provide you with extra help when it comes to making plans, writing an email, or helping you learn more about a photo you’ve taken. One example is that it should be able to help you create a recipe from a snapshot of the contents of your fridge, or it can provide information about a landmark featured in a photo you’ve taken.
When it comes to design, the look of the Pixel 9 features changes compared to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as it now has more of a floating camera “bubble” as opposed to the camera bar of previous generations. It also now has flatter sides and a matte glass back.
We asked Zellweger about these changes: “We now have a single piece of glass in the back that's going to be more durable for drop resistance. When it's integrated with the case, it looks really finished, and this floating island allows us to do that,” he said. “It’s also really important for us that there are no ridges and bumps with individual camera modules, and that it all feels like a very solid and ‘one piece’ kind of approach.”
For photography, the difference between this and the Pro series phones is that the regular Pixel 9 doesn’t have a dedicated telephoto zoom lens. Beyond that, though, it’s a competitive camera setup and we’ve always been impressed by the Pixel’s capabilities.
This latest model can take better close-up photos, and its front camera now has autofocus for improved selfies. It has a new “Add Me” feature too, to make sure you’re not left out of a group photo, and loads of AI-powered photo editing extras. It also has new on-device AI features for sorting and organising all your screenshots, which looks super handy.
Google Pixel 9 Pro: At a glance
- The most premium Google handset, the Pixel 9 Pro now comes in two different sizes – a more compact 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro and the bigger screen Pixel 9 Pro XL (with a 6.8-inch display)
- They both have very similar specifications other than the display size, however, both phones have excellent high-resolution screens that get much brighter than the Pixel 9 model
- They also have more RAM for extra speed to handle AI tasks, and like the Pixel 9, they have the newest Google Tensor G4 processor
- They both have a triple rear camera system, with an additional 5x telephoto zoom lens
- Google Pixel 9 Pro colours: The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL will be available in “Obsidian” black, “Porcelain” white, “Hazel” brownish green and “Rose Quartz” pink.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro price: The Pixel 9 Pro starts at £999 for 128GB while the 9 Pro XL starts at £1,099 for the same storage – they’re both also available at 256GB, 512GB and 1TB)
The biggest news about the Pro series of Google phones in 2024 is that the top-spec flagship phone is now also available in a more pocket-friendly size.
The new Google Pixel 9 Pro has a 6.3-inch screen but the same dimensions as the Google Pixel 9 above, while the Pixel 9 Pro is the much bigger handset, with its larger dimensions and massive 6.8-inch screen.
Getting it down to a smaller size wasn’t simple, Zellweger told Good Housekeeping. “It's just a huge challenge fitting the cameras in there. And along with the battery, we really wanted to have the thickness remain the same,” he said. “We made the regular Pixel and the smaller Pro exactly the same outline. It sounds like an easy thing to do but they have different features on the inside, and to get the engineers to adhere to exactly the same silhouette is actually quite a challenge.”
Like the Pixel 9, the refreshed design now features a pill-shaped camera housing on the back and the Pro models both have a telephoto zoom camera for long-distance photography. There’s a new 42MP front camera here too, for much better selfies, and the “Video Boost” option can now enhance videos to up to 8K resolution. We’re not sure everyone needs this, but these are exciting additions for mobile photographers.
All the same AI features from the Google Pixel 9 are included here too, but with the Pro models, you also get a year’s free access to the Google One AI Premium plan. This means you get “Gemini Advanced” included, bringing even more AI features into Google apps like Gmail and Google Docs.
We love the new colours too, especially the sophisticated “Hazel” and the lovely “Rose Quartz” shade. It’s also worth mentioning that all the new Google phones announced today come with a promise of seven years of Android system updates and security updates, which should keep them going long into the future.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: At a glance
- The main upgrade is that the new Fold now features larger displays – it has a 6.3-inch cover display and an 8-inch internal screen, which is 80% brighter than on the previous model
- It also now has a slimmer and lighter body with a durable stainless steel hinge, as well as an IPX8 rating for water resistance
- Real-time translation is improved via Google Translate, with translations appearing on both the inner and outer displays
- The foldable phone now also has an upgraded camera system, with a main 48MP wide lens, a 10.5MP ultrawide and a 10.8MP telephoto lens, it also includes the new AI-driven “Add Me” feature
- It comes with the same AI capabilities powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor and 16 GB of RAM
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold colours: It’s available in either obsidian black or porcelain white
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold price: The pricing starts at £1,749, for 256GB of storage space, you can also upgrade to 512GB for £1,869
The most important upgrades to the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold over Google’s debut foldable, the Google Pixel Fold, are that it now has improved screens both inside and out that are larger and that the 8-inch inside screen is now 80% brighter. You can run two apps side-by-side to multitask in its “Split Screen” mode, but it also works just like a regular phone when folded up.
And, as it’s slimmer than before, it feels more like a normal phone when in its folded state too. It has the Google Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM, just like the Google Pixel 9 Pro phones, so it’s ready to handle loads of AI tasks and it comes with the same free year’s access to the Google One AI Premium plan that’s included with the other Pro models too.
Its main appeal, then, is that you’re getting the upgrades of the Pro series in a form factor extending out to be an 8-inch portable tablet. That’s ideal for multitasking and if you like a bigger screen to watch movies and shows on the go.
“The foldable is a huge jump forward for us. We know that a lot of people who are moving to foldables, they're using it closed initially a lot,” Zellweger told us. “So it needs to feel like a good phone in hand, foremost. We also wanted to make sure the outside screen is a lot better. It's more immersive, and the inside [display] is now a lot nicer to review content.”
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold shouldn’t disappoint as a camera too, with it packing in wide, ultrawide and telephoto lenses. The telephoto has a 5x optical zoom, so you’ll also be able to get much closer to far-away subjects. It also has “macro” close-up focus abilities, and it’s designed to take great selfies too. We’re also intrigued by a new feature called “Made You Look” which is designed to get kids smiling at the camera. While you frame up your photo, they’ll see fun animations to hold their attention and hopefully keep them smiling at the lens.
Google Pixel Watch 3: At a glance
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is now available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with brighter screens and a smaller border around the display
- Its improved health and fitness tracking means you can now see your readiness and cardio load tracking, so you’ll know when to rest or when you’re prepared to take on a big workout
- It has a 24-hour battery life, which is extendable to 36 hours with the battery-saver mode
- For those with several Google products and services, it can function as a Google TV remote, Google Maps navigator, Nest video doorbell viewer, and a Pixel phone camera controller
- Google Pixel Watch 3 colours: It comes in a wide range of colours that vary slightly depending on the size – both sizes come in a matte black aluminium case with an “Obsidian” black watch strap, and a silver aluminium with a “Porcelain” white band. However, the 45mm size also comes in the “Hazel” shade, while the 41mm comes in a “Champagne Gold” colour and there are several accessories available for both sizes
- Google Pixel Watch 3 price: It starts at £349 for the 41mm wifi model and goes up to £499 for the 45mm model with a cellular connection
Interested in the Google smartwatch? Until now, it was only available in a compact size and the big change for 2024 is that it comes in both a 41mm and a 45mm size, this more closely aligns Google’s wearable offering with the rivals we see from Apple and Samsung.
“Our watch is inspired by a drop of water. We literally 3D-scanned water drops and then took those same curvatures and put them into the watch design,” Zellweger told us. In our previous experience with the older generations, it’s a beautiful and stylish smartwatch with reliable Google software, so it should be an ideal pick for those wanting a watch that integrates well with the rest of the brand’s tech.
We’re impressed to see that this model has a brighter display, longer battery life and slightly thinner bezels around the screen. It isn’t a major overhaul of the watch, but these look set to be noticeable improvements that those upgrading from the older Pixel Watch models or a more basic fitness tracker will appreciate.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: At a glance
- The new Pixel Buds Pro have an improved design in a smaller, lighter, and more comfortable form factor, including a stabiliser wing for a secure fit
- They also have better active noise-cancelling (ANC) and improved call quality
- The battery life is longer compared to the previous generation too, giving you up to eight hours of listening time with noise-cancelling on
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 colours: They’re available in “Porcelain” white, a dark “Hazel”, a light “Wintergreen”, and “Peony” pink
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 price: The noise-cancelling earbuds cost £219, which is a price that keeps them competitive with the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro
The original Google Pixel Buds Pro came out in 2022, so we’re not surprised to see a next-generation pair of Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 launching to go along with the brand’s new phones.
These wireless earbuds pack in several useful improvements, including better noise-cancelling (silencing “twice as much noise” as they did on the first generation) and call quality (with updated algorithms to eliminate distracting background sounds). The most noticeable external addition, though, is the integrated ear wings on each bud, which should help them to stay in your ears more reliably.
“We are evolving the Pixel Buds, but you can really see how this is influenced by a pebble. To feel really good in the hand,” Zellweger told us. We can assure you that this charging case is very smooth and sleek, and the whole package looks super compact and pocketable.
The earphones themselves are also smaller and lighter with better battery life, and they now have a brand-new Tensor A1 chip. They’re designed with specific features for Google Pixel users, too, including precise “Find My Device” support, “spatial audio” with head tracking for immersive entertainment, and seamless switching between other Pixel devices.
The devices just announced by Google are designed to last a long time, too. In particular, the assurance of seven years of software updates for the new smartphones indicates this. In our interview, we asked Zellweger about how he designs for a balance between longevity and durability.
“This construction with flat glass front and back, and a thicker frame on the side, makes it more durable and gives it better drop resistance, protecting the glass better. But we also now are able to get to the battery much easier,” he said.
“Ultimately, longevity is the best way to be environmentally friendly because you don't have to buy a new device. And we're trying to do better on every front. We’re using recycled aluminium, recycled plastics, resins, post-consumer recycled resins. That's really important to us.”
When is Google's Pixel 9 coming out?
The Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are all available to pre-order right now. The standard Google Pixel 9 starts at £799 for 128GB of storage, while the Pixel 9 Pro starts at £999 for 256GB of storage, or £1099 if you want the bigger Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL will be available to buy in-store from 22 August, with the Pixel 9 Pro coming shortly after with an on-sale date of 4 September. That's also when the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be available.
You can also pre-order the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 from today, with the earbuds coming out on 26 September.
All the new Google Pixel products
Simon Cocks is Good Housekeeping UK’s Technology Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy for the title. He previously also worked across other titles including Esquire UK, Digital Spy, Men’s Health UK and Women’s Health UK.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, portable chargers, radios, e-book readers and smartphones. He's reviewed top tech products from brands including Google, Apple, Amazon, JBL and Bose.
A magazine journalism graduate from Kingston University in 2014, Simon also worked on the Discovery and Silkroad inflight magazines. He then gained experience writing about entertainment at SFX and Total Film. He also contributed reviews and interviews to TwitchFilm (later ScreenAnarchy), CultBox and Frame Rated.
He joined Good Housekeeping UK as the Editorial Assistant for Special Projects and was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team between 2014 and 2019. In this role, he conducted price comparison research, wrote detailed household and money-saving advice guides and edited thousands of in-depth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
He has focused on technology and gadgets since 2020, where he started by testing out power banks and instant cameras. He writes reviews, roundups, news articles and deals updates, and also covers top tech deals during sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
You can follow Simon on Instagram, on Bluesky, on LinkedIn and on Threads.
