Google brings Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL to Singapore

Note: This article was first published on 14 August 2024.

18 October 2024 update: Google has finally provided availability details on Google Pixel 9 Pro. We've added the information below.

Google has finally announced the family of Pixel 9 series devices: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Here, we’ll quickly share the key similarities and differences between the three models.

(For the foldable version, go to our Pixel 9 Pro Fold article here).

Pixel 9 versus Pixel 9 Pro, versus Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Pixel 9 series phones (9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL) come with Google’s proprietary Tensor G4 processor. According to Google, the chipset is 20% faster at web browsing and 17% faster at launching apps than its preceding Tensor G3, which powered last year’s flagship Google Pixel 8 series and midrange Google Pixel 8a.

The Pixel 9 series’ Tensor G4 is also the first processor to run multimodal Gemini AI at 45 tokens per second via the neural processing block. To assure its users, Gemini’s personalised help across Gmail, Google Calendar, etc. is covered by Google’s Private Secure. No information or data is sent to any third-party AI provider, and all AI data is processed either on-device or on Google’s cloud services.

A new generative AI photography feature coming to all Pixel 9 series phones is Add Me. Instead of having to trouble service staff or complete strangers to help Pixel users take group photos, Add Me adds the missing member to the group photo.

This is accomplished with two takes: one taken by the owner of the Pixel 9 series phone, and another shot after you arrow a different person from the group to shoot again (this time with the phone owner inside the second take's image preview so that the next person is guided where to stand). The phone will then compile both takes and add the owner to the shots.

Auto Frame is also coming to its photo-editing suite. It fixes the composition of photos on behalf of the user. The feature was trained on basic photography principles, like the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio, to achieve an artistically pleasing result.

Another key feature is Pixel Screenshots. The phones can now help you remember details and save information for later based on the screenshots you’ve taken. To summon the information, you can use Gemini and simply ask again.

All Pixel 9 series phones get seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates.

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the same size physically. They differ mostly in hardware specs and components, along with some corresponding features exclusive to the Pro lineup.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL differ in size (the latter has a bigger battery and display), but they are identical in every other way. Also, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is similar in size to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro.

With that, let’s look at what Google packed into these three devices.

Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch Actua display with 60-120Hz refresh rate that’s 35% brighter than its predecessor, with a 2,700-nits peak brightness.

You also get a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera that supports Macro Focus closeup videography and photography. The front camera now comes with AutoFocus to get clear selfies.

Other photography features include Night Sight (for low-light conditions) and Astrophotography when you want to shoot celestial objects like the Milky Way. 

Google also gave Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to the Pixel 9, so you’re not missing out on scratch resistance.

Also, it’s getting 12GB RAM, which is 50% more than before.

Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro has the same 6.3-inch size panel, but it’s a Super Actua display with a 1-120Hz refresh rate. Pixel 9 Pro XL is larger and has a 6.8-inch version of the same display found on the Pro.

Both models offer up to 2,000 nits brightness (HDR) and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. This is much higher than the Pixel 8 Pro’s peak brightness of 2,400 nits.

Unlike the regular Pixel 9 that only packs two rear cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL get triple rear cameras. You’re looking at a 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and an additional 48MP telephoto camera that supports 5x optical zoom.

Together, both Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL offer “optical quality” zoom at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x. They can also get up to 30x Super Res Zoom.

Another perk is the Pro models' laser detect autofocus (LDAF) module. These two get multi-zone LDAF, while regular Pixel 9 gets single-zone LDAF. Multi-zone LDAF makes the Pro phones faster at detecting and focusing on subjects, no matter where they are found within the frame.

The Pro-only Video Boost can now enhance videos recorded in 8K resolution, and they also get a new 42MP front camera for sharper selfies even in low-light situations.

Also, both Pro models get one free year of the Google One AI Premium plan. This plan offers Gemini Advanced and the paid Google Workspace suite, on top of 2TB of cloud storage. Note that it costs S$28.99/month after the one free year is up.

Now that we have the key differences laid out, here’s a quick spec-to-spec overview of all three Pixel 9 series devices.

Google Pixel 9 series pricing and availability in Singapore (updated)

The Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are all coming to Singapore, but may feature different retail dates. We have the information sorted out below.

The starting prices for the Pixel 9 series are as follows:

• Pixel 9 at S$1,199 onwards, available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony
• Pixel 9 Pro at S$1,459 onwards, available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz
• Pixel 9 Pro XL at S$1,739 (256GB) onwards, available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, and Rose Quartz. 128GB version available in Obsidian at S$1,599.

Pre-orders for Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL begin on 14 August 2024. No pre-order information was provided for the Pixel 9 Pro, although retail starts on 24 October 2024.

Google Pixel 9
 

• Get the Pixel 9 from Google Store
• Get the Pixel 9 from Lazada
• Get the Pixel 9 from Shopee
  
   

Google Pixel 9 Pro
 

• Get the Pixel 9 Pro from Google Store
• Get the Pixel 9 Pro from Lazada
• Get the Pixel 9 Pro from Shopee
  
   

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 
 

• Get the Pixel 9 Pro XL from Google Store
• Get the Pixel 9 Pro XL from Lazada
• Get the Pixel 9 Pro XL from Shopee

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL retail availability begins on 22 August 2024. Pixel 9 Pro’s retail starts on 24 October 2024.

You can pre-order and buy online at the official Google Store, Amazon SG, Challenger, Courts, Singtel, Shopee, Lazada, and SprintCass (Airport).

When the phones go to in-store retail, they can be found at Challenger, Courts, Singtel, and SprintCass.

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