Where to pre-order the new Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro

Apparently, Leo season is a big time for Gemini, as Google unveiled its latest Pixel 9 smartphones at its Made By Google event on August 13, all of which feature an enhanced version of Google’s Gemini AI.

The Pixel 9 series has four models: the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As you’d expect, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a completely different beast, but unless you’re looking for a phone that can easily be folded into a tablet, your choice is between the regular Pixel 9 or the Pro version.

Let’s start with the price: The Pixel 9 will start at $799 with shipments starting August 22nd. The 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro will start at $999 with shipments starting September 4th. The 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL will start at $1,099 with shipments starting August 22nd. All are available for pre-order now from Google, Best Buy, and Amazon. All three retailers are offering $100-200 gift cards with no trade-in.

All three phones come in four colors, but winter green and Barbie-inspired peony are exclusive to the Pixel 9. Note that the price increase between the Pro and Pro XL is due to the difference in screen size. Google offers the Pro version in two different sizes The smaller version without sacrificing technical specifications.

In terms of tech specs, all Pixel 9 phones are equipped with Google’s new Tensor G4 chip, which should make browsing the internet, launching apps, and taking photos and videos nearly 20% faster than the Pixel 8. Google also says that the Pixel 9 series is twice as durable as the previous generation, although the chic new design is by no means a claim of toughness.

This refreshed design also comes with a completely revamped AI experience. Even if you’re not the type to have an AI write your emails for you, Gemini can still help: quickly create a group photo everyone’s going to love with Best Take, add yourself to a group photo you took, get meeting or party details from a missing Gmail invite, or find out what’s wrong with a dying plant without having to frantically explain it into the search bar.

Outside of AI, camera quality and screen quality are perhaps the two biggest wins of all Pixel 9s. The base Pixel 9’s display is 35% brighter than its predecessor, which is necessary to see every detail captured by the new 48MP ultra-wide lens. The Pro is even brighter (including in direct sunlight) and packs Google’s best camera system yet, with a 42MP front-facing camera, Super Res Zoom compatibility with video, and improved Night Sight.

As for the new smartphone, opting for “Pro” unlocks the Google One AI premium plan and gives you one year of Gemini Advanced for free, which gives you 2TB of storage and access to the most interactive Gemini features.