Google Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds 2 Pro

Every October, Google’s Pixel event signals a new wave of innovation, but in 2024, Google has opted for an early August launch, with its biggest lineup of devices yet. This year, AI is in the spotlight more than ever, and it’s been woven deeply across Google’s new range of smartphones, foldables, smartwatches, and earbuds. Here are my first impressions of the company’s latest Made By Google 2024 devices.

Pixel 9 series powered by Gemini

The Pixel 9 series is Google's most diverse smartphone lineup yet, comprising the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. All models are powered by the new Tensor G4 processor and are loaded with a slew of AI-powered features.

Google has decided to radically change course from its pebble-like design for the Pixel 8 series, going for a flat side, back, and display design across all three models. Do these new phones look like Apple’s iPhones? Yes, but with the new detached camera protector on the back of these phones, they still look like Pixels.

The Pixel 9 Pro, in particular, features the brightest displays ever on a Pixel device, with up to 3,000 nits of brightness. They now come in two sizes, including the regular 6.8-inch model and a new smaller 6.3-inch model that’s roughly the same size as the regular Pixel 9.

I love the new design language Google has rolled out for the Pixel 9 series. With the exception of the original Pixel 1 and Pixel 4, there has always been a big discrepancy between the look of the smaller regular Pixel compared to the larger XL or Pro models, but here, the design is very consistent.

The main differences between the Pro phones and the regular Pixel 9 are the matte finish, polished sides, and extra telephoto camera on the Pro phones, compared to the glossy back and anodized sides on the Pixel 9.

In terms of features, all of these phones can run Gemini on-device, with the Pro phones getting a full year of Gemini Advanced included with your purchase. Google also introduced Gemini Live, which lets you have natural conversations with Assistant through speech rather than just typing. This year, new multimedia support is coming to Gemini Nano with these new Pixels, meaning these phones should be able to use cameras, microphones, and text prompts as input.

Google is also introducing a new screenshot feature that's very similar to the Recall feature Microsoft introduced with Copilot+ PCs. The difference is that the device doesn't automatically record your screen, but simply analyzes the screenshots you've already taken to give you relevant information when you go to search.

I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing if it's useful instead of just scrolling through my gallery.

Camera performance is where the Pixel has always shined, and the 9 series brings a number of new additions. The Pro models feature a triple rear camera setup and a new 42MP front camera, which increases resolution and has a wider field of view to get everyone in the shot. Google also introduced Video Boost, which allows for 8K video recording with improved stabilization.

Finally, these devices get a new AI-powered Magic Editor and Add Me, which lets the photographer join the shot after it’s been taken. Most of the AI ​​features have been focused on the camera, so it’ll be interesting to see how it works across devices.

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  Google Pixel 9

  Featuring a sleek design with a powerful Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and a vibrant 6.3-inch Actua display, the Google Pixel 9 is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos with an advanced 50MP main lens and 48MP ultra-wide camera. With enhanced durability and a fast-charging all-day battery, the Pixel 9 is built to handle everyday challenges while delivering top-notch performance and AI-powered capabilities.

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  Google Pixel 9 Pro

  The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a cutting-edge design with a powerful Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM, making it perfect for advanced AI applications and stunning photos and videos. It also includes a pro-grade triple rear camera system, a 42MP front camera, and the brightest Super Actua display, delivering an immersive experience in two sizes, starting at $999.

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  Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

  The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a large 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display, along with a powerful Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM for top-notch AI performance and advanced photography. It features Google’s most advanced camera system, including a pro-grade triple rear camera and a 42MP front camera, all in a sleek design starting at $1,099.

Google is finally bringing the folding feature everywhere

Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s first foldable phone that will hit more markets, and this updated design looks very controversial. The best way to look at the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is as a hybrid of the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro that folds into a larger, tablet-like display. The device follows the same footprint as the 9 when folded and even uses the same 6.3-inch display for the outer display, reaching a peak brightness of 2,700 nits and can go up to 120Hz.

When unfolded, the new 8-inch Super Actua Flex display supports similar split-screen and multitasking features to the previous Fold. One thing I miss about the old Fold design is the more versatile 17.4:9 aspect ratio compared to the squarer one on the 9 Pro Fold, but the uniform edges look much cleaner.

One thing I noticed right away was how pronounced the fold was. Compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 6 and Flip 6, as well as OnePlus’s Open, the fold on the 9 Pro Fold looked a lot more pronounced to my eyes. However, a more thorough look at the phone will be needed to determine if this is ultimately true.

But the overall footprint of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is great. I love how sleek it feels, especially when unfolded. It’s just 5.1mm thick, which makes it very slim. When folded, it’s still no thicker than a regular phone, at 10.5mm.

To clarify, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is 8.3mm thick, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra is 8.6mm thick. Google claims this is the thinnest foldable phone available in North America, and they may be right, as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 folded and the OnePlus Open are 12.1mm and 11.7mm thick, respectively.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera system is the most polarizing aspect of the phone’s design. It features a triple-camera setup, including a 5x optical zoom, wide, and ultrawide lens, but it looks completely different from any Pixel released to date. There’s no mask here; instead, you get a square island with the cameras stacked on top of each other like two elongated pills.

It doesn’t look as good as the other Pixel camera systems, but I don’t hate it either. I think it’s designed this way so you can use the lenses at a better angle when using the camera when the phone is folded, similar to Samsung’s Flex mode. Overall, this is a device I’m most excited to test because, on the surface, it shows few compromises compared to the regular Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a cutting-edge foldable smartphone featuring an 8-inch Super Actua Flex Display for immersive multitasking and entertainment. It is powered by a Tensor G4 processor, offers 16GB of RAM, and comes with advanced AI capabilities, making it a powerful and efficient device for creativity and productivity.

The larger Pixel Watch 3

Finally, the Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes, 41mm and a larger 45mm. It features the brightest displays ever, capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The Pixel Watch 3 looks almost identical to the previous Watch 2, but now features advanced running features that track your body shape, offer real-time guidance, and provide detailed analytics after a run.

It also removes the requirement to use FitBit's subscription service, which I think will make it more attractive to a wider audience.

Google claims that the Watch 3’s battery can last up to 24 hours with the always-on display enabled, which sounds pretty impressive. However, I want to test the company’s claims to see if they hold up.

Google Pixel 3 Watch

The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a performance-focused smartwatch featuring a larger, brighter Actua display in two sizes, designed to enhance fitness tracking and everyday productivity. It offers advanced running capabilities, standby and heart rate tracking, and deep integration with the Google ecosystem, all while delivering up to 36 hours of battery life with Battery Saver mode.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 updated

Completing Google’s latest lineup are the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which combine comfort and audio performance in a slightly revised and updated design that brings back the wingtips. Designed with over 45 million ear scans, these earbuds ensure a secure fit and comfortable wearing.

They're also the first earbuds from Google to feature the new Tensor A1 chip, which allows them to use Silent Seal 2.0. This technology cancels out noise twice as much as the previous Buds Pro and delivers higher sound quality.

Google also introduced conversation detection, a useful feature that pauses music playback and switches to transparency mode when you start talking, then seamlessly resumes playback when you’re done. However, what I want to try out more is Gemini Live on the Buds Pro 2, where you can talk directly to Gemini without pulling out your phone. I’ll also need some listening time with these buds to determine if they sound better than the previous model.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Designed for maximum comfort and a secure fit, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature the new Tensor A1 chip for advanced audio processing and longer battery life. They also offer Silent Seal 2.0 technology for superior noise cancellation, improved clear communication, and seamless integration with other Pixel devices, making them the best earbuds for Pixel users.

Google’s latest hardware lineup represents the company’s most ambitious push yet, and I’m really happy to see the variety of offerings on offer here. The only thing that really matters now is whether the new features offered stack up in real-world use and whether they’re able to compete with the competition.