Google announced its full lineup of Pixel 9 phones at its latest Made by Google event, and boy, how full that lineup is. There are four — count ‘em — four new Pixel phones (in three different sizes) all coming within about a month of one another: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Each of them features new processors, improved specs over last-gen models, seven years of OS updates, and at least somewhat new camera setups — all with a bunch of Google’s Gemini AI stuff mixed in.
Confused already? No worries. Let’s break down what you actually need to know about Google’s new quartet of phones, including where you can preorder them ahead of launch.
Where to preorder the Google Pixel 9
The new Pixel 9 is Google’s latest entry-level into its flagship class of phones (the Pixel 8A covers the midrange tier). It sports a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, Google’s new Tensor G4 processor, two rear cameras (a 50-megapixel standard wide and 48-megapixel ultrawide), 12GB of RAM, and comes in four colors — including a sleek and vibrant rose quartz.
Sadly, it also has a higher starting price of $799 with base 128GB of storage, which is $100 more than the Pixel 8 at launch. Though, if history serves, it’s possible the Pixel 9 may eventually see its share of hefty discounts. But for now, you can preorder the Pixel 9 at Amazon, Best Buy, or direct from Google to get one right away when it lands on August 22nd. Each retailer is offering $100 store credit with a Pixel 9 preorder.
Google’s new Pixel 9 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED display than its predecessor, along with a new Tensor G4 processor, a bigger battery, 12GB of RAM, and a dual rear camera setup with new 48-megapixel sensor for its ultrawide.
Where to preorder the Google Pixel 9 Pro
Stepping up to the Pixel 9 Pro nets you the same processor as the standard Pixel 9 but with a bevy of improved specs. You get more RAM, a better screen with a refresh rate of 1Hz to 120Hz, a third rear camera (a 48-megapixel telephoto), a higher-resolution selfie camera, and 8K video recording. This all comes packaged with the same size, weight, and battery capacity (4,700mAh) as the regular Pixel 9. That’s right, for the first time, the standard Pixel and the Pro model are near-identical twins, meaning you don’t have to step up to a giant phone to get the best features.
The new Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 with 128GB of storage, and you can preorder one ahead of its September 4th launch with a $200 store credit incentive from Best Buy, Amazon, and the Google Store.
The Pixel 9 Pro is available in a smaller size than Google’s previous pro-grade phones. It has the latest Tensor processor, a 6.3-inch OLED screen, a triple-camera setup like previous models, and a new 42-megapixel front camera.
Where to preorder the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google’s new two-pronged approach to the sizing of its pro phones means the word jumble that is the Pixel 9 Pro XL now exists. The phone features a very large 6.8-inch OLED display and a large, 5,060mAh battery. Otherwise, it mostly matches its smaller pro counterpart in specs, from the cameras to the processors and RAM. One other added feature of the 9 Pro XL is faster wired charging, which Google claims will allow you to charge up to 70 percent in around 30 minutes with a 45W USB-C charger (which is not included, of course).
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL launches on August 22nd with a starting price of $1,099 for 128GB of storage. It’s available for preorder starting today at Best Buy, Amazon, and the Google Store, with each offering $200 store credit with the purchase.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL, the largest slab version of the new Pixel, features a larger 6.8-inch OLED display than the Pixel 8 Pro it’s replacing. Otherwise, it’s similar to the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, only with the addition of faster 45W wired charging.
Where to preorder the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s sophomore foldable has a new naming convention and a little more feature parity with the new Pixel phones it’s launching beside. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold borrows the Tensor G4 processor and 16GB of RAM from the Pixel 9 Pros, though all three of its rear cameras have lower resolution sensors with no option for 8K video (it tops out at 4K). But the tradeoffs are all made for the sake of the folding screen, which opens from its 6.3-inch cover screen to an eight-inch screen with up to 120Hz refresh.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the highest-priced device in the range, starting at $1,799 with 256GB of storage. You can preorder it from Amazon, Best Buy, or Google, where each is offering $350 store credit with the purchase, to get one when it launches on September 4th.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch outer screen and an 8-inch inner screen once it’s unfolded — both of which are larger than the original Pixel Fold. The new foldable also lays flat when opened, sports IPX8 weather resistance, and offers a thinner design than the last-gen model.
US carrier deals and incentives
As usual, if you’re in the US, all the major carriers are offering deals on Google’s latest smartphones. Just be aware, of course, that the big discounts on hardware are often extended to you as monthly credits back on your bill over the course of many months. It’s all to lock you into service and penalize you if you leave for another carrier.
- Verizon is currently offering new and existing customers a “free” Pixel 9 or up to $800 off one of the other Pixel 9 models, all of which require a qualified trade-in. Preordering the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL also nets you a free storage upgrade, and if you buy a Pixel 9 and sign up for the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans, you’ll get a season of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube / YouTube TV thrown in.
- AT&T is offering a “free” Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL with an eligible trade-in, as well as a Pixel 9 for $10.99 per month with no trade-in required. Additionally, you can get a free 256GB storage upgrade for any of the three phones if you preorder by August 21st.
- T-Mobile is offering $100 off the Pixel 9 and $200 off the Pixel 9 Pro XL without the need for a trade-in or adding a new line. Alternatively, you can get the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, or Pixel 9 Pro XL for “free” with a qualifying trade-in on select plans. Each phone comes with a free storage upgrade if you place your preorder by August 21st. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, meanwhile, is up to $1,000 off through bill credits with an eligible trade-in.
Update, August 13th: Added more retailer links, information about carrier promotions, and store credit incentives for preordering.
