5 Reasons to Wait for Pixel 9 & 4 Reasons Not To

If you’re on the hunt for a new smartphone in 2024, you’ll want to keep tabs on Pixel 9 rumors and you may even want to wait for Google’s rumored flagships.

Unsurprisingly, Google’s working on successors for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

We’ve already seen potential Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL renders leak and these leaks have shed a ton of light on the development of these devices.

Thus far, we’ve heard about potential changes to the Pixel’s design, screen size, and camera setup. Rumors have also hinted at their release window.

The devices are still in development behind the scenes so Google’s plans could change. That being said, the rumors are credible and should help you set proper expectations as we push through the year.

If you’re planning to buy a new device in 2024, and you want an Android-powered phone, you might want to hang around and wait for the company’s new Pixel 9 models.

In this guide we’ll take you through the best reasons to wait for the Google Pixel 9. We’ll also go over reasons why you might want to buy another device long before Google announces its 2024 Pixel flagships.

Wait for a Pixel 9 Pro XL

According to 91Mobiles, Google is planning to launch three new Pixel 9 models in 2024.

This is not the first time we’ve heard about a third Pixel 9. A leaked roadmap from Android Authority hinted at this back in December.

The third model may be called Pixel 9 Pro XL and according to the intel, it will have a large 6.7-inch display putting it in direct competition with Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max.

This is an extremely interesting development, particularly for those who have been hoping for a larger Pixel device. The last time Google launched an “XL” model was back when it released the Pixel 4 XL.

Wait for Performance Improvements

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro offer great battery life and speed, but we expect the Pixel 9 to take a step forward.

Look for Google to attach a new chip to the Pixel 9 series. Most likely an improved version of its Tensor processor.

Citing industry sources, Financial News says Google and Samsung are working on a new Tensor G4 chip. The chip will apparently use Samsung’s latest 4nm process.

The publication says the chip will be inside Google’s Pixel 9 which, unsurprisingly, is expected to debut in the second half of 2024.

A move to a new chip should help the Pixel 9 models deliver better performance in key areas like battery life, AI logic, speed, and gaming.

We could also see Google tack on other improvements such as faster charging speeds, new or improved sensors, and better wireless charging.

Wait for Camera Upgrades

Google tweaks the Pixel’s camera every year and 2024 won’t be any different. We’re expecting several upgrades including design changes and sensor upgrades.

Pixel devices typically offer an excellent camera experience. Part of that is the hardware and part of it comes from the software on board.

From a hardware standpoint, Pixel 9 leaks have highlighted several potential changes. Among them, a triple-camera setup for the base Pixel 9 which would be a first for the base model. One of the lenses is reportedly a telephoto lens.

As for the Pixel 9 Pro, it should also feature a triple rear camera setup with a telephoto lens. In other words, we could see the base model catch up a bit with the Pro variant.

This is excellent news for those who want a smaller device without the trade-offs that typically come with buying a base Pixel model.

Wait for Design Changes

Alleged Pixel 9 renders have leaked. If they’re accurate, Google’s cooking up some major changes to the Pixel’s design language.

The alleged designs are similar to each other with the base Pixel 9 offering a more compact form factor than its Pro counterpart.

The Pixel 9 is expected to have a 6.1-inch display versus a 6.5-inch display on the Pixel 9 Pro.

The interesting change is that the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro designs are flatter than the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro’s and puts them more in line with Apple’s iPhone 15 design.

The bezels also appear to be very thin.

The renders also show changes to the camera module on the back. There’s a noticeable bump, but it module itself is shorter and doesn’t extend to the edge like it did on the Pixel 8.

A lot of enthusiasts have wanted Google to incorporate flatter edges into the Pixel design and it looks like the company’s listened.

Wait for the Best Software Support

You can expect the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL to run the best version of Android 15. This is important because it will be the operating system that powers the Pixel 9 series out of the box.

Google will likely reserve some Android 15 features for this year’s Pixel models. The company is making a big push into generative AI so we could see many of the Pixel 9’s exclusive features revolve around artificial intelligence.

Android Authority discovered one potential feature lurking in the Android 14 QPR3 beta.

The feature, an automatic “Adaptive Touch” mode, would make it so “touch sensitivity will automatically adjust to your environment, activities and screen protector.”

And while you might be tempted to buy an older Pixel device like the Pixel 6, software support for those devices will end much earlier than support for the Pixel 9 models. Fewer updates means fewer features, bug fixes, and security patches.

Google is providing seven years of software support to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro and we expect the Pixel 9’s support to match that.

Don’t Wait If You Can’t Wait Until August

The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL launch isn’t imminent, but Google will announce its new Pixel models earlier this year.

The company has confirmed a surprise Pixel event for August 13th. The event kicks off at 10AM Pacific.

Google says it will “showcase the best of Google AI, Android software and the Pixel portfolio of devices.” It also says it “will host a “hands-on product experience” after the event’s keynote.

If you own a really outdated smartphone, or you won’t have the funds to pay for an upgrade this fall, you may not want to wait that long to buy your next device.

Don’t Wait If You Find a Phone You Like

Don’t let Pixel 9 rumors hold you back. If you find a device you really like at a great price, make a move if you need to.

If you buy a device ahead of the Pixel 9 launch, but you really like the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, or Pixel 9 Pro XL, you could always trade your device in for one next year.

Before you commit to waiting, make sure you go hands-on with devices you can actually buy right now.

There are a bunch of solid options out there including the Pixel Fold, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8, the new Pixel 8a, and countless other alternatives.

Dig through as many devices as possible and you might just find a device you really like before the Pixel 9 series arrives on shelves.

Don’t Wait If You Can’t Stomach a Price Jump

According to leaker billbil-kun, the 256GB and 512GB Pixel 9 Pro models might see a slight price increase (between €30 and €40) compared to the Pixel 8 Pro.

As for the base Pixel 9, the leaker says the prices might jump up by quite a bit, between €100 to €140, for the 128GB and 256GB models.

If you’re not looking to spend a whole lot on your next smartphone, you may want to start looking at other devices.

Don’t Wait for Deals

You don’t have to wait for Google to launch the Pixel 9 in order to save a bunch of money on a Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7, or another Android device.

As we push into 2024, retailers will continue to offer trade-in offers and deals. As the year goes on, we’ll probably see a whole bunch more.

If you find a great deal on a Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, or another device, don’t be afraid to make a move.

Again, you can always upgrade to a Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, or Pixel 9 Pro XL in 2025 if you really like what you see.