All of the options I wish to see

The brand new Google Pixel 9 sequence incorporates a barely revamped design, three completely different Professional fashions, a stronger emphasis on AI, and loads of different adjustments. It additionally represents one of many greatest deviations from the Pixel method that we’ve seen in years.

Regardless of a number of notable adjustments, the Pixel 9 nonetheless retains a number of of essentially the most criticized elements of the Pixel sequence, together with restricted storage choices and a much less aggressive SoC in comparison with different telephones. With that in thoughts, let’s dive into what I’d wish to see from the Pixel 10 sequence and discover the present rumors surrounding it.

There’s no denying that Qualcomm reigns supreme with regards to uncooked processing energy. Practically any Snapdragon 8 processor launched in the previous few years can nonetheless outperform even the latest Tensor chip in lots of key areas.

Tensor has beforehand compensated for this by incorporating spectacular AI and machine studying capabilities into its chipset, however the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 exhibits that Qualcomm is steadily catching up in these areas, even when it’s not there simply but. It’s time for Google to do the identical by way of efficiency.

The Tensor G4 isn’t a foul chip, however it nonetheless lacks uncooked energy and depends closely on throttling throughout heavy hundreds to maintain cellphone temperatures down. Whereas Snapdragon chips additionally throttle to handle warmth, their preliminary efficiency is so robust that these drops are much less noticeable. For Google to really compete with Qualcomm, it wants a extra highly effective customized chip. The excellent news is that a number of rumors, together with our personal unique report, recommend this will likely occur subsequent yr.

Google has basically used a modified model of Exynos to construct its Tensor sequence previously, resulting in less-than-stellar efficiency. That is set to alter in 2025, as the corporate’s subsequent SoC will likely be manufactured by TSMC and is reportedly a major improve over its predecessor. Whether or not this chip will match the following Snapdragon stays to be seen, however on the very least, we count on it to carry out higher than the chips beforehand manufactured by Samsung.

The Google Pixel 9 Professional XL lastly affords fairly first rate wi-fi charging at 37W. Whereas there are quicker choices on the market, it’s a major enchancment over earlier Pixel gadgets. However why is quick charging restricted to the Pixel Professional XL? On the very least, 37W ought to be customary throughout all Professional fashions. Sadly, the Pixel 9 Professional remains to be caught on the similar 27W as the bottom Pixel 9, and the Professional Fold fares even worse with simply 21W charging.

I perceive that Google needs to distinguish its gadgets sufficient to justify the total lineup, but when I’m shopping for a Professional-level gadget, I count on higher than what’s provided by a typical base flagship.

The Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL supply storage choices starting from 128GB to 1TB, whereas the Professional Fold is proscribed to simply 256GB and 512GB. The Pixel 9 fares even worse, with solely 128GB or 256GB choices obtainable. It’s clear that the Pixel 10 sequence wants bigger storage choices.

To be honest, Samsung doesn’t do significantly better on this regard. The Galaxy S24 affords the identical storage selections because the Pixel 9, whereas the S24 Plus mirrors the Professional Fold’s choices. The Galaxy S24 Extremely begins at 256GB and goes as much as 1TB, which at the least eliminates the frustratingly low 128GB possibility.

Nonetheless, let’s be trustworthy — many individuals name the Pixel the Android equal of an iPhone, and it’s clear that Google needs its gadgets to be seen as worthy rivals. So why not comply with Apple’s lead right here? The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus supply storage choices starting from 128GB to 512GB, whereas the iPhone 15 Professional sequence have storage capacities just like these of the Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL.

Ideally, Google ought to remove the 128GB mannequin altogether, however that’s unlikely. Google appears intent on encouraging Google One subscriptions, and protecting base storage choices low helps push customers in that path. Anybody utilizing a Pixel who’s additionally a shutterbug probably depends on Google Drive fairly than native storage. Nonetheless, Google might at the least supply a 512GB mannequin for the Pixel 9 and provides the remainder of the Pixel 9 Professional sequence the identical storage choices because the Professional XL for higher consistency.

I keep in mind after I discovered the Pixel 9 Professional Fold would exchange the Pixel Fold. I used to be actually fairly excited. The Professional identify implied to me a extra upscale expertise this time round that will higher match Google’s highest-end flagships. Sadly, that’s by no means what was delivered to us.

The Pixel 9 Professional Fold is certainly an honest improve over the Pixel Fold and one of many higher foldable telephones on the market, however it lacks a whole lot of the options you’d count on from a Professional degree product:

• The digital camera is barely so-so, and undoubtedly inferior to the Pixel 9 Professional or 9 Professional XL.
• The quilt show’s specs are nearer to the bottom Pixel than any Professional mannequin.
• There aren’t even any particular unique software program options that set it aside from different Pixel gadgets sufficient to earn the Professional identify.
• The charging speeds are slower than each Pixel 9 member of the family.

I really feel just like the Pixel 9 Professional Fold ought to have been referred to as the Pixel 9 Fold, as this may have been extra correct. I believe Google felt that its excessive price ticket made it match alongside the Professional fashions higher and I get that sentiment. Sadly, lumping the Fold in with Google’s highest-spec flagship fashions makes all the Professional line a bit more durable to navigate for much less tech-savvy clients.

For the Pixel 10 sequence, all of the Professional fashions have to have common options. This manner the client’s job is far simpler. If they need the easiest Pixel expertise all they must resolve is that if they need one thing smaller, greater, or a tool that may remodel right into a pill.

Google’s Pixel 9 has simply hit retailer cabinets so it’s nonetheless a great distance earlier than we see the Pixel 10, however we’ll actually see it in late 2025 except Google makes a serious change to its standard technique. That’s principally a full yr away and so we’re nonetheless within the early days with regards to rumors. That stated, we’ve truly heard a good quantity contemplating how far-off the discharge is.

Again in 2022, we revealed an unique take a look at Google’s Pixel roadmap by means of 2025, as detailed by sources aware of Google’s plans. This included a couple of mentions of the Pixel 10, together with much more fashions, and the opportunity of a Z Flip competitor.

It’s laborious to say if that authentic roadmap nonetheless holds in the present day, although we will say a lot of its predictions had been pretty correct. Since then, we’ve additionally heard a couple of different bits concerning the Pixel 10. In Might, rumors heated up that Google would ditch Samsung and begin utilizing TSMC, beginning with the Tensor G5, which we later supplied additional proof of, as talked about earlier in our wishlist. We’ve since heard studies that this chip has now entered manufacturing.

For now, that’s all we all know concerning the Pixel 10 specs and options. As for the Pixel 10 launch date?

• Google Pixel 9 — September 4, 2024
• Google Pixel 8 — October 12, 2023
• Google Pixel 7 — October 13, 2023

Trying on the Pixel’s historic launch home windows, the cellphone is usually introduced in late September or early October. This modified with the Pixel 9, as the brand new sequence was introduced in late August and arrived on September 4. It’s attainable this was a one-time change to convey the Fold sequence into the mainline Pixel technique, however on the very least, we’re assured you’ll see the Pixel 10 sequence someday in late summer time or early fall of 2025.

Contemplating the Pixel 10 remains to be a yr away, I’d normally advise towards ready. Nonetheless, the scenario is a little more nuanced this time. The Pixel 9 is a strong gadget, however the Pixel 10 might symbolize a a lot bigger leap ahead in efficiency, because of the swap to TSMC. Moreover, subsequent yr’s Pixel is a major milestone for the model, marking ten years for the reason that line debuted. This might imply we’ll see loads of different enhancements to have a good time the event. Possibly a Pixel 9 Flip? I’d actually think about that one myself.

For those who don’t completely want a brand new cellphone (say, for those who’re utilizing a Pixel 6 or 7 or newer and may maintain out one other yr), the Pixel 10 would possibly truly be well worth the wait. That is very true for those who’re not thrilled with the design adjustments or new AI options within the Pixel 9. Nonetheless, for those who like what Google has completed with the Pixel 9, there’s no motive to not improve now — simply take into account that its successor could supply a a lot bigger efficiency enhance than any Pixel for the reason that introduction of the Tensor processor.

For those who’re on the lookout for a tool with robust AI capabilities and extra uncooked efficiency however don’t wish to look ahead to the Pixel 10, the Galaxy S24 sequence ($859.99 at Amazon) is likely to be the precise selection, significantly the S24 Extremely ($1419.99 at Amazon). Whereas the newest Galaxy S sequence could not match Google in AI prowess, it’s an in depth second within the Android world.