Google’s expanded Pixel portfolio is here

Google has launched its Pixel 9 series globally and in India. With an event held at the Google campus in Mountain View and echoed online to watch worldwide, Google introduced four Pixel 9 smartphones: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. In addition, there are two sizes of the Pixel Watch and upgraded Pixel buds. While all hardware has been upgraded, Google’s Gemini generative AI is being integrated into all the products.

This year, an additional model joins the Pixel series phones, following the line-up format used by Apple for some years now.

All Pixel 9 smartphones and the Pixel Fold run on Google’s Tensor G4 chip, upgraded from the previous generation to tackle continuous generative AI tasks and features.

From among the series 9 devices, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro L are essentially the same phone except for the size (6.3 inches and 6.8 inches) battery capacity (4,700mAh and 5,060mAh and charging speed, and price. Both devices, as well as others in the portfolio, have a refreshed design and new matte finish colours (Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel and Rose Quartz). Both smartphones have an upgraded camera system which Google says has already won awards. There’s a 50 MP main lens and a new 48 MP Ultrawide camera for Macro Focus closeups. These cameras combine with AI features to bring several interesting features for photos. The 9 Pro starts at Rs 1,09,990 for the base model with 256GB of storage and the 9 Pro XL starts at Rs 1,24,999.

On the Pixel 9 devices, the Gemini AI assistant aims to ‘supercharge’ the users ideas. Gemini can help you to find info from the Google apps to plan on the go, like pulling party details from an invite in Gmail and suggesting nearby florists in Maps. One can also chat with Gemini to get more info or take action on what's on your screen. You can even snap a photo and use Gemini to get answers – like how to save a dying plant in your window or what recipe you can make from what's in the fridge. The Pixel 9 Pro also comes with the Google One AI Premium plan, giving you access to Gemini Advanced at no cost for the first year.1 It includes the best of Google AI and 2 TB of storage, all in one plan. With this plan, get access to even more powerful AI features and try Gemini directly in your most-used Google products like Gmail and Docs to summarise your unread messages and documents.

The Pixel 9 regular is a more affordable (Rs 79,999) member of the series with a 6.3 inch screen, 4,700mAh battery and slightly scaled down hardware although it too runs on the Tensor G4 chip.

Last year Google did not launch the Pixel Fold in India but this time the entire portfolio has been introduced in the country. Availability will be slightly staggered for each product, although all products are slated to be selling very soon. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold brings what Google says is the best of Google's AI first. Users can multitask in Split Screen1 and use the brighter, larger, 8-inch inner screen for productivity and entertainment.The outer screen is 6.3 inches, like two of the Pixel 9 phones.

The Pixel Pro Fold adds another option to a market that now has several foldable phones. It comes in at a starting price of Rs 1,72,999.

This is the device from the line-up that allows for multi-tasking, such as using multiple apps together. Its table-top mode can allow for creative photography. With a year’s access to Google One AI Premium plan one can explore Gemini Advanced, for features in Gmail and Docs, plus 2 TB of Cloud Storage.

AI features are also included on the Pixel Watch 3 now available in two sizes, 41 mm and 45 mm, and a larger brighter display. The AI enables advanced running capabilities with personalised run routines that help improve form. New readiness and cardio load tracking guide the user to a better workout routine – one will know when to recover, when the body is ready to take on a tough workout, and how hard the heart is working, so that you're not under- or overtraining.3 Also, with Fitbit Premium,4 get personalised, AI-powered run recommendations based on your goals and readiness, and target load. Fitbit Morning Brief, a summary of your most important health and fitness information, is delivered after you wake up so that you can plan your workout, know of any overnight changes to your health metrics, and even get details of the day’s weather.

Finally, Google also launched the Pixel Buds 2 which is now extremely light and designed for better comfort.