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At the 2024 Made by Google event, Google unveiled a range of exciting products, including new flagship Pixel phones, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and more. Let’s dive into everything Google announced at the event.
1The Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 gets a fresh new look; the camera bump is even more prominent this time, but it no longer spans across the back of the phone. The phones now also feature a flat-edged design, similar to modern iPhones, which I personally prefer because it offers a better grip.
The main upgrades are in the display, camera, and performance departments. The screen is now brighter than the outgoing model, reaching up to 1,800 nits for HDR content (compared to 1,400 nits before) and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits (up from 2000 nits).
While the main wide-angle and front cameras remain unchanged, the Pixel 9 now features a new 48MP ultrawide camera for crisper shots. Google has bumped the RAM from 8GB to 12GB, and the phone now packs a Tensor G4 chip, which aims to improve AI performance. The Pixel 9 starts at $799 for the 128GB model.
2The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro now comes in two sizes: the standard model with a 6.3-inch screen and the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch screen. Both models also feature the same design changes as the Pixel 9.
Both displays are also even brighter than the Pixel 9, offering up to 2,000 nits of brightness for HDR content and an impressive 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making them some of the brightest phone displays on the market.
In terms of camera hardware, most features remain the same as the Pixel 8 Pro, except for the front camera. The Pixel 9 Pro now boasts a significantly improved 42MP selfie camera with a slightly wider field of view for better group selfies.
You can now shoot 8K videos using the rear camera, but there’s a catch. The camera uses the Video Boost feature to upscale the video, so you’ll need to wait a little while for it to process in the cloud. In the meantime, you can watch a lower-resolution preview.
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL pack the same Tensor G4 chip coupled with 16GB of RAM, which should be more than sufficient for all kinds of tasks.
I’m particularly excited about the Pixel 9 Pro, as compact Android flagship phones are pretty rare these days. However, if faster charging is a priority for you, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might be a better choice since it can charge up to 70 percent in just 30 minutes with a 45W charger.
The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $999 and $1,099, respectively, for the 128GB variant, with storage options going up to 1TB.
3The Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has received the most significant upgrades compared to its predecessor. The external display has expanded from 5.8 inches to 6.3 inches, while the internal screen now boasts much slimmer bezels and an 8-inch display, making it one of the largest and thinnest foldable phones. Both screens can hit a peak brightness of 2,700 nits.
The camera setup remains largely the same, with only minor upgrades to the front selfie units. However, the new AI photography features make up for the lack of camera upgrades. One such feature is Add Me, which allows you to take a group photo and then have someone else in the group take another picture. The feature will merge the two photos, making it appear as a single group shot.
Another new AI feature is Pixel Screenshots, which is similar toMicrosoft’s controversial Recall feature. It uses on-device AI to remember the contents of your screenshots and allows you to conversationally retrieve any information you need from them. These AI features are not limited to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold; they’re available across the entire Pixel 9 lineup.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also has the Tensor G4 chip and 16GB of RAM for flagship-level performance. With its new design and a display size nearly as large as an iPad mini, it can now truly compete withthe best foldables on the market. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1799 for the 256GB variant.
4The Pixel Watch 3
As someone who uses a 45mm Apple Watch, my main complaint with the Pixel Watch 2 was the lack of size options. The 40mm size felt a bit small for most tasks. Fortunately, Google addressed this by adding a new 45mm version. And thanks to thinner bezels, you get 10 percent more screen real estate on the 41mm model.
Google has bumped the display’s brightness from 1,000 nits to 2,000 nits, making it much better for outdoor use. It can also dim to just one nit in dark environments, ensuring that you or others aren’t disturbed during situations like watching a movie in a theater. The larger screen also allows for more customization options for watch faces and introduces some cool features, like viewing your Nest Cam feed directly on your watch.
As for fitness features, the Pixel Watch 3 leverages AI to analyze and enhance your cardio-intensive routines. It monitors how hard your heart is working during workouts and can suggest when to take a break or push your pace, helping you avoid undertraining or overtraining. You can get even more personalized suggestions if youhave a Fitbit Premium subscription.
The Pixel Watch 3 starts at the same $349 price as last year for the 41mm version, and the new 45mm version will cost you $399.
5The Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 may look the same as last year, but they’ve received significant upgrades under the hood. They now feature a new Tensor A1 chip, which greatly enhancesactive noise cancellation (ANC)and AI capabilities.
You can expect roughly double the ANC performance and improved battery life compared to the predecessor. Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 supports Google’s Find My Device network, making it easier to track your earbuds. However, at $229, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is $30 more expensive than its predecessor.
With all these upgrades, the Pixel lineup finally feels like a cohesive ecosystem, addressing many of the issues I had with previous devices. I’m excited to see where Google takes these devices in the future withPixel Feature Dropsand OS updates.
