All of the options I need to see

The brand new Google Pixel 9 collection contains a barely revamped design, three completely different Professional fashions, a stronger emphasis on AI, and loads of different modifications. It additionally represents one of many greatest deviations from the Pixel formulation that we’ve seen in years.

Regardless of a number of notable modifications, the Pixel 9 nonetheless retains a number of of probably the most criticized points of the Pixel collection, 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 collection and discover the present rumors surrounding it.

There’s no denying that Qualcomm reigns supreme in the case of uncooked processing energy. Almost any Snapdragon 8 processor launched in the previous couple of 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 exhibits 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 by way of efficiency.

The Tensor G4 isn’t a foul chip, nevertheless it 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 really 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, counsel this will occur subsequent yr.

Google has basically used a modified model of Exynos to construct its Tensor collection previously, resulting in less-than-stellar efficiency. That is set to alter in 2025, as the corporate’s subsequent SoC will likely 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 affords moderately respectable wi-fi charging at 37W. Whereas there are sooner choices on the market, it’s a major enchancment over earlier Pixel gadgets. 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 continues 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 desires to distinguish its gadgets sufficient to justify the complete lineup, but when I’m shopping for a Professional-level machine, I anticipate higher than what’s provided by a typical base flagship.

The Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL provide storage choices starting from 128GB to 1TB, whereas the Professional Fold is proscribed to only 256GB and 512GB. The Pixel 9 fares even worse, with solely 128GB or 256GB choices accessible. It’s clear that the Pixel 10 collection wants bigger storage choices.

To be truthful, Samsung doesn’t do significantly better on this regard. The Galaxy S24 affords 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 trustworthy — many individuals name the Pixel the Android equal of an iPhone, and it’s clear that Google desires its gadgets to be seen as worthy rivals. So why not observe Apple’s lead right here? The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus provide storage choices starting from 128GB to 512GB, whereas the iPhone 15 Professional collection have storage capacities much like these of the Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL.

Ideally, Google ought to get rid of the 128GB mannequin altogether, however that’s unlikely. Google appears intent on encouraging Google One subscriptions, and conserving base storage choices low helps push customers in that course. Anybody utilizing a Pixel who’s additionally a shutterbug seemingly depends on Google Drive reasonably than native storage. Nonetheless, Google may not less than provide a 512GB mannequin for the Pixel 9 and provides the remainder of the Pixel 9 Professional collection the identical storage choices because the Professional XL for higher consistency.

I keep in mind once I realized the Pixel 9 Professional Fold would exchange the Pixel Fold. I used to be truthfully fairly excited. The Professional identify implied to me a extra upscale expertise this time round that may higher match Google’s highest-end flagships. Sadly, that’s under no circumstances what was delivered to us.

The Pixel 9 Professional Fold is certainly a good improve over the Pixel Fold and one of many higher foldable telephones on the market, nevertheless it lacks lots of the options you’d anticipate from a Professional stage product:

• The digicam 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 should not even any particular unique software program options that set it other than different Pixel gadgets 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 might have been extra correct. I think 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 prospects.

For the Pixel 10 collection, all of the Professional fashions must have common options. This fashion the shopper’s job is way simpler. If they need the perfect Pixel expertise all they need to determine is that if they need one thing smaller, larger, or a tool that may remodel right into a pill.

Google’s Pixel 9 has simply hit retailer cabinets so it’s nonetheless a great distance earlier than we see the Pixel 10, however we’ll definitely see it in late 2025 except Google makes a significant change to its normal technique. That’s mainly a full yr away and so we’re nonetheless within the early days in the case of rumors. That mentioned, we’ve really heard a good quantity contemplating how far-off the discharge is.

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

It’s onerous to say if that authentic roadmap nonetheless holds at present, although we will say a lot of its predictions had been pretty correct. Since then, we’ve additionally heard a couple of different bits in regards to the Pixel 10. In Could, 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 reviews that this chip has now entered manufacturing.

For now, that’s all we all know in regards to 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

Wanting 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 collection was introduced in late August and arrived on September 4. It’s doable this was a one-time change to deliver the Fold collection into the mainline Pixel technique, however on the very least, we’re assured you’ll see the Pixel 10 collection someday in late summer season or early fall of 2025.

Contemplating the Pixel 10 continues to be a yr away, I’d normally advise towards ready. Nonetheless, the state of affairs is a little more nuanced this time. The Pixel 9 is a stable machine, however the Pixel 10 may characterize a a lot bigger leap ahead in efficiency, because of the change to TSMC. Moreover, subsequent yr’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 definitely take into account that one myself.

When you 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 yr), the Pixel 10 would possibly really be definitely worth the wait. That is very true if you happen to’re not thrilled with the design modifications or new AI options within the Pixel 9. Nonetheless, if you happen to like what Google has performed with the Pixel 9, there’s no cause to not improve now — simply take into account that its successor could provide a a lot bigger efficiency increase than any Pixel for the reason that introduction of the Tensor processor.

When you’re on the lookout for a tool with sturdy AI capabilities and extra uncooked efficiency however don’t need to await the Pixel 10, the Galaxy S24 collection ($859.99 at Amazon) is perhaps the suitable selection, significantly the S24 Extremely ($1419.99 at Amazon). Whereas the most recent Galaxy S collection could not match Google in AI prowess, it’s an in depth second within the Android world.