We're less than a month away from the next Made by Google event and we may already know what one of the biggest announcements will look like. TikTok user pixo_unpacking (through YTechB) posted videos over the weekend of apparent pre-production samples of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 XL.
The phones in the video have different backs: a glossy finish on the back of the standard Pixel 9 and a matte finish on the larger Pixel XL. 9to5Google grades which appear to include etchings on the back panel that Google uses for prototypes, although on the clips they are mostly covered by labels.
According to the video, the Pixel 9 appears to have two cameras, while the Pixel 9 XL has three. Additionally, Google appears to have swapped out the camera viewfinder for an elongated oval. It appears to be a fairly large bump, as evidenced by the sections of the video that show the two phones side-by-side.
Last month, Google sent out invites to the August 13 event. While it (unsurprisingly) didn't give any details, it promised to “showcase the best of Google's ai, Android software, and the Pixel device portfolio.” The event will be held at Google's Mountain View headquarters rather than the typical New York City setting for Pixel launches.
In addition to the Pixel 9 series, we’re expecting a next-gen Pixel Fold, a new Tensor chip, and a third-gen Pixel Watch (and a possible appearance of the Pixel Buds). Of course, since it’s 2024 and no company can hold an event without an almost comical obsession with ai, we’re practically guaranteed to hear more about Google’s new ai features, like the rumored Pixie ai assistant. Plus, the phones could include iPhone-like emergency satellite messaging.
