Made by Google keynote ‘24: what to expect

It's a big day for Google tomorrow as its embarks on a new Pixel product launch. Google is set to unveil its Pixel 9 series alongside its latest Pixel Watch and Pixel Buds. The keynote is set to start at 10 AM PT/ 1PM ET/ 6PM BST/ 10:30PM IST time and as usual, we’ve prepared a summary of all the leaks and rumors from the past months to catch you up to speed.

To no one’s surprise, Pixel device leaks were plenty over the last months and we have virtually all the key details about the new devices including their specs and regional pricing. Here’s what you can expect from tomorrow’s Made by Made by Google Keynote ‘24:

A trio of Pixel 9 bar phones – two Pros, one vanilla

Google is ready to unify its Pixel smartphone lineup in a similar manner to what Apple has been doing for a few years now. Pixel 9 will be the entry level equivalent to the base iPhone with a 6.3-inch (non-LTPO) OLED display refreshing at up to 120Hz and sporting slightly thicker bezels than its Pro counterparts.

Google Pixel 9

Pixel 9 will get an aluminum frame alongside the updated camera visor which no longer melts into the side frame like on the Pixel 8 series. Being the more affordable entry in the series, Google will offer catchy color options including Porcelain (white), Rose, Green and Obsidian (black).

Pixel 9 Pro is bringing the Pro features (i.e triple cameras) to a smaller footprint in hopes of drawing users who were previously reluctant to go Pro. It’s also getting a 6.3-inch OLED (LTPO this time around) with sleeker bezels than the standard Pixel 9 as well as a new shiny frame which could either be stainless steel or titanium. Pixel 9 Pro XL will be the true successor to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro with a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen. Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are expected to arrive in Porcelain, Rose, Hazel (green) and Obsidian colors.

Google Pixel 9 Pro/9 Pro XL

Cameras are always a focal point for Pixel devices and this year’s Pros are getting 50MP main cams with a Samsung GNK 1/1.31-inch sensor and OIS alongside a 48MP 5x telephoto using a Sony IMX858 sensor (1/2.51") and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Pixel 9 will reportedly feature the same 50MP main and 48MP ultrawide cameras. Google is also rumored to finally bring 8K video recording this time around.

Pixel 9 (left) and Pixel 9 Pro (right)

The Pros are also getting updated 50MP front-facing cameras (Samsung 3J1) while the non-Pro will be stuck with the 10.5MP sensor from last year’s Pixel 8 series.

All four of the new Pixels are expected to feature Google’s 4nm Tensor G4 chipset which should come with an eight-core configuration - 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.1GHz, 3x Cortex-A720 @ 2.6GHz, and 4x Cortex-A520 cores @ 1.95GHz. Early benchmarks have shown that this will be one of the minor changes in the short history of Tensor chipsets though we are expecting improved power efficiency and heat management.

Google Pixel 9 Pro and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Pixel 9 will reportedly offer up to 12GB RAM while the Pros will be configurable with up to 16GB RAM. The new phones are also rumored to offer two-way satellite communication via the Exynos 5400 modem.

The batteries powering the new phones are also expected to carry larger capacities with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro featuring 4,600 mAh cells while the 9 Pro XL should bump up to 5,060 mAh. Google is also expected to bring faster charging support this time around with up to 35W on the Pro 9 XL.

As for availability and pricing – Pixel 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are expected to go on pre-order directly after tomorrow’s event while open sales should start on August 22.

Pixel 9 is expected to start at £750/€899 with 128GB storage and £894/€999 with 256GB.

Pixel 9 Pro will be £914/€1,099 with 128GB, £1,094/€1,199 with 256GB and £1,202/€1,329 for the 512GB version.

Pixel 9 Pro XL's will be £1,022/€1,199 with 128GB, £1,202/€1,299 with 256GB, £1,310/€1,429 with 512GB and £1,562/€1,689 for the 1TB version.

Google is rumored to offer free storage upgrades for pre-orders between August 13 and September 3.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold – taller, slimmer and updated hardware

Google is also ready to update its first folding phone with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. We’re expecting a major redesign with a taller and slimmer body rumored to measure 155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5 mm when folded and 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1 mm when unfolded. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also expected to open completely flat unlike its predecessor. It's also said to weigh 257 grams which is still more than its key competitors but a welcome deduction of 26 grams from the original Pixel Fold.

The two displays are getting major changes with a 6.24-inch cover screen and an 8-inch OLED main display. Both will be 120Hz and will offer up to 2,700 nits peak brightness and they will offer updated aspect ratios with a taller and narrower cover display and a square-like folding screen.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold unfolded

The cameras on the back should include a 48MP main, 10.5MP telephoto and 12MP ultra wide cameras, plus two 10MP selfie modules – one for each display. Pixel 9 Pro Fold will also feature the new Tensor G4 chip with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (leaked images), Obsidian

One area that won’t get an update is the battery – Google is rumored to go with a 4,650 mAh cell which would be a 171mAh deduction from the first-gen Pixel Fold. Hopefully, the new and improved Tensor G4 makes up for the smaller capacity.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (leaked images), Porcelain

Pre-orders start tomorrow while open sales are expected to begin in September. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to start at £1,670/€1,899 in its 256GB trim and £1,850/€2,029 for the 512GB version

New AI features – because why not?

It wouldn’t be a Google keynote without some new AI features baked in. The new Pixels are expected to feature Pixel Screenshots which use Gemini to help you pull info from your screenshots and initiate searches directly. We’re also expecting new Gemini interactions with the ability to ask for help from any screen on your device.

Add Me is one of the most interesting features coming to the Pixel Camera app which will allow you to add people in photos that they weren’t originally part of. Google is also rumored to bring updates to Magic Editor with the ability to replace photo backgrounds via text prompts.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 with wing tips

Pixel Buds Pro 2 should retain the same stem-less design of their predecessors but will bring back the wing tips for a better fit. They are expected to come in Charcoal, Porcelain, Aloe, and Hot Pink and will feature a slightly larger case, which may hide a bigger 650mAh battery.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in Hot Pink

There’s not much else we’ve seen in terms of specs but we’re hoping for improved sound and better ANC.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 should arrive on September 26 for $229/€249/£219. You can also expect to see them in pre-order bundles alongside the new Pixel phones.

Pixel Watch 3 in two sizes

For the first time in its lineup, Pixel Watch 3 is expected to arrive in more than one size – namely a 45mm diameter to go along with the 41mm version. Both will look nearly identical to the Pixel Watch 2 with round AMOLED displays but will offer larger-sized panels thanks to new slimmer bezels. Both new watches will also offer 2,000 nits peak brightness and 60Hz refresh rates – which is a welcome improvement from the Pixel Watch 2’s 30Hz panel.

The hardware on the inside will remain largely unchanged with the same Snapdragon Wear 5100 and Cortex M33 co-processor as last year’s Pixel Watch 2. Those will be joined by 2GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage. The battery on the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 is expected to come in at 310mAh while the 45mm could get a 420 mAh cell.