Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8: Main differences to expect – Ultra-Sim

Intro

So, how will the Pixel 9 improve the formula? Let’s find out!

Design and Size

A more mature style 

The Pixel 9 will employ an even flatter design, which is the trendy these days. Both the front and black glass are completely flat, judging from the leaked information we’ve seen. The Pixel 9 will likely employ an aluminum frame, which will be matte, while the rear glass will go for a glossy look. 

At the same time, last year’s Pixel 8 employed slightly curved side frame and back glass, which surely boosted the ergonomics when holding the phone and made for a pleasant experience in the hand. 

In terms of water and dust resistance, we expect the Pixel 9 to inherit the Pixel 8‘s IP68-certified endurance.

Colors-wise, we might see the Pixel 9 in Porcelain, Peony, Jade, and Obsidian colors. The Pixel 8, on the other hand, is available in Mint, Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose. 

Display Differences

It seems the Pixel 9 could score a small display size increase. It’s unclear if that will be an overall size increase or merely a bezel slimming. We are likely eyeing a small display size boost up to 6.3 inches. 

One major improvement that could come with the Pixel 9 series is the use of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which will likely be a much faster and more accurate than the optical sensor embedded into the Pixel 8 display. We applaud this potential change, as optical fingerprint sensors don’t belong in flagships. 

Performance and Software

Faster and newer

The Pixel 9 series will all employ the upcoming Google Tensor G4 chipset, which will be based on a 4nm manufacturing node. It appears that Google will transition to 3nm with the Tensor G5 next year; it also looks like that chip will be fully custom as per Google’s requirements.

We do expect a performance difference between the Tensor G4 and G3, though it probably won’t be that big. As a refresher, Tensor chips are built with AI in mind, so the raw performance element is usually secondary in importance.

We’ve also heard that the Pixel 9 series could feature more RAM to improve the on-device AI capabilities of the phones. However, it’s unclear if the Pixel 9 will benefit from the change along with the rest of the phones, or it will remain a phone with 8GB of RAM, just like the Pixel 8. 

Both devices will enjoy a lengthy seven-year software support, including major Android releases, security patches, and feature drops. The Pixel 8 will be supported until 2030, while the Pixel 9 until 2031. 

Camera

Changes on the inside

So far, we don’t expect any major camera changes on the Pixel 9. The phone will employ a dual-camera system that’s similar to the one on the Pixel 8. As a refresher, the Pixel 8 came with a 50MP main and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. 

As per some existing unofficial renders of the Pixel 9, the main camera seems to have a much larger main camera lens. It could either be a nothingburger or hint at a serious upgrade: variable aperture. Such a hardware feature will provide the user with more creative control and more precise manual controls of the camera. 

With a variable aperture, the camera will be capable of delivering photos with soft natural bokeh when necessary, as well as achieve a much better low-light image quality.

Although the hardware probably wouldn’t get changed, we expect the usual software and algorithm updates that could potentially improve the image quality

Battery Life and Charging

It’s natural to always expect changes

We don’t know the actual battery capacity of the Google Pixel 9. It will most likely be in the ballpark of 4,500-4,700mAh capacity. This will be similar to the Pixel 8, which employed a 4,575mAh battery. 

The Pixel 9 could support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard. Although it might not necessarily be faster than standard 15W Qi charging, Qi2 employs magnets and allows wireless chargers and other accessories to snap at the back of the phone, similarly to Apple’s MagSafe. 

Specs Comparison

Summary

The Pixel 9 won’t be the one to reinvent the formula behind the compact Google flagship. However, it will freshen things up with a new design.

That’s not the only new thing on deck, though. We will get faster performance, likely better camera, and possibly some great new AI features. All of that could cost up to $100 more than the Pixel 8 did during launch.

That said, the Pixel 8 is still a mighty capable phone that surely won’t feel outdated when the Pixel 9 comes along. After all, it’s been less than a year since the Pixel 8 broke ground.