All of the options I wish to see

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

Regardless of a number of notable adjustments, the Pixel 9 nonetheless retains a number of of probably 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 most recent 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 reveals 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 when it comes to efficiency.

The Tensor G4 isn’t a nasty chip, but it surely nonetheless lacks uncooked energy and depends closely on throttling throughout heavy hundreds to maintain telephone temperatures down. Whereas Snapdragon chips additionally throttle to handle warmth, their preliminary efficiency is so sturdy that these drops are much less noticeable. For Google to actually 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 may occasionally occur subsequent 12 months.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Professional XL lastly provides fairly first rate wi-fi charging at 37W. Whereas there are quicker choices on the market, it’s a major enchancment over earlier Pixel units. 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 identical 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 units sufficient to justify the complete lineup, but when I’m shopping for a Professional-level system, I anticipate higher than what’s supplied 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 restricted to simply 256GB and 512GB. The Pixel 9 fares even worse, with solely 128GB or 256GB choices accessible. 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 provides the identical storage decisions 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 not less than eliminates the frustratingly low 128GB choice.

Nonetheless, let’s be sincere — many individuals name the Pixel the Android equal of an iPhone, and it’s clear that Google needs its units to be seen as worthy opponents. So why not observe 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 much like these of the Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL.

Ideally, Google ought to eradicate the 128GB mannequin altogether, however that’s unlikely. Google appears intent on encouraging Google One subscriptions, and preserving base storage choices low helps push customers in that route. Anybody utilizing a Pixel who’s additionally a shutterbug seemingly depends on Google Drive reasonably than native storage. Nonetheless, Google may not less than 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 bear in mind once I discovered the Pixel 9 Professional Fold would substitute the Pixel Fold. I used to be truthfully fairly excited. The Professional identify implied to me a extra upscale expertise this time round that might higher match Google’s highest-end flagships. Sadly, that’s in no way what was delivered to us.

The Pixel 9 Professional Fold is unquestionably a good improve over the Pixel Fold and one of many higher foldable telephones on the market, but it surely lacks quite a lot of the options you’d anticipate from a Professional degree product:

• The digital camera is just so-so, and undoubtedly not so good as the Pixel 9 Professional or 9 Professional XL.
• The duvet 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 other than different Pixel units 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 is able to 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 the complete 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 perfect Pixel expertise all they should determine is that if they need one thing smaller, larger, or a tool that may rework right into a pill.

Google’s Pixel 9 has simply hit retailer cabinets so it’s nonetheless a good distance earlier than we see the Pixel 10, however we’ll actually see it in late 2025 until Google makes a significant change to its normal technique. That’s principally a full 12 months away and so we’re nonetheless within the early days with regards to rumors. That mentioned, we’ve really heard a good quantity contemplating how distant the discharge is.

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

It’s exhausting to say if that unique roadmap nonetheless holds at present, although we are able to say a lot of its predictions have 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 offered additional proof of, as talked about earlier in our wishlist. We’ve since heard stories 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 telephone is often 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 12 months away, I’d often advise towards ready. Nonetheless, the state of affairs is a little more nuanced this time. The Pixel 9 is a stable system, however the Pixel 10 may symbolize a a lot bigger leap ahead in efficiency, due to the change to TSMC. Moreover, subsequent 12 months’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 fun the event. Perhaps a Pixel 9 Flip? I’d actually take into account that one myself.

If you happen to don’t completely want a brand new telephone (say, if you happen to’re utilizing a Pixel 6 or 7 or newer and may maintain out one other 12 months), the Pixel 10 may really be definitely worth the wait. That is very true if you happen to’re not thrilled with the design adjustments or new AI options within the Pixel 9. Nonetheless, if you happen to like what Google has achieved with the Pixel 9, there’s no motive to not improve now — simply take into account that its successor might supply a a lot bigger efficiency enhance than any Pixel for the reason that introduction of the Tensor processor.

If you happen to’re searching for a tool with sturdy AI capabilities and extra uncooked efficiency however don’t wish to anticipate the Pixel 10, the Galaxy S24 sequence ($859.99 at Amazon) is perhaps the precise selection, significantly the S24 Extremely ($1419.99 at Amazon). Whereas the most recent Galaxy S sequence might not match Google in AI prowess, it’s an in depth second within the Android world.