Pixel 9’s launch ruined thanks to cost hikes? Perhaps Google made a foul name this time

Maintain on to your wallets, of us, as a result of Google’s newest pricing leak for the Pixel 9 Professional and 9 Professional XL is… baffling. Based on what seems like a T-Cell itemizing that leaked not too long ago, the Pixel 9 Professional will begin at $999.99, and the Pixel 9 Professional XL will leap to a hefty $1,199.99. In the event you’re scratching your head pondering this is not a lot totally different from the Pixel 8 Professional’s $999 price ticket, there is a catch.Here is the twist: the Pixel 9 Professional, with its smaller 6.3-inch display screen, shouldn’t be the direct successor to the 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Professional. That position goes to the Pixel 9 Professional XL, which is able to reportedly include a 6.8-inch show. This implies you’ll be squeezing out an additional $200 for the true successor to final yr’s mannequin.

Curiously sufficient, the Pixel 9 Professional XL is rumored to start out with 256GB of storage, which is a bump up from earlier fashions that began at 128GB. Google is likely to be pondering that extra storage, a barely bigger display screen, and fancy AI can justify the value hike.

However is it sufficient to make us half with our hard-earned money?

Can AI bling justify a worth hike?

Additionally, we have now the truth that not everybody can be utilizing all of those options. I mentioned which of them I fancy utilizing, and just one or two stood out to me from Google’s providing.

Whereas AI developments do sound thrilling (particularly a number of the picture magic), they may not be sufficient to justify the steep worth improve for many individuals. Let’s be trustworthy – AI is cool, nevertheless it’s not at all times the game-changer that makes us rush to improve our telephones. Many customers nonetheless prioritize tangible upgrades like a greater digital camera, longer battery life, and revolutionary design over incremental AI enhancements.

Plus, Google’s shift from providing bodily pre-order items (like a Pixel Watch 2 or Pixel Buds Professional for the Pixel 8 Professional) to digital perks, similar to 12 months of Google One AI Premium for Gemini Superior, may not sit effectively with everybody. Digital freebies are good, however they do not supply the identical instant, tangible worth that comes with a bodily merchandise. This modification would possibly kill enthusiasm through the pre-order interval…

How massive of an improve is the Pixel 9 Professional XL precisely?

The Pixel 9 Professional XL is the direct successor to the Pixel 8 Professional, though Google would not appear to need you to assume that. Details are details although, regardless of the way you resolve to call it. So do not let this “XL” there idiot you. The Pixel 8 Professional comes with a 6.7-inch display screen, and the Pixel 9 Professional XL is rumored to return with a 6.8-inch display screen, as I already talked about. I can not take this as an enormous improve, however extra like some shaving of bezels and a teeny tiny progress of display screen actual property.

Now we have the Tensor G4 chip, which appears to carry out nearer to the G3. I argued {that a} lack of a pace bump shouldn’t be an enormous deal, however on the subject of worth, that is the place I wince. Yep, it isn’t an enormous deal as a result of telephones are quick anyway, however is Google attempting to promote me yesterday’s tech for extra money? That is not the way it ought to work.

We’re additionally getting a design touch-up. I just like the flat edges higher, and the telephone seems extra trendy, so I will give that to Google. However the redesign additionally is not enormous, and we’re speaking about $200 right here.

I might count on at the least a digital camera improve. However from rumors, it appears the 9 Professional XL is getting the identical cameras because the Pixel 8 Professional: a 50MP essential, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 48MP telephoto. The selfie shooter is improved from 10.5MP to 42MP. Is that this sufficient for you?

I imply, these updates are nice. However aren’t these anticipated with a brand new telephone launch anyway? Aren’t we purported to get one thing new annually that might warrant an improve from earlier fashions? We’re. And Google is giving it. However… for $200 extra? That is what I do not like.

Yep, it seems like a troublesome promote

In my view, Google is likely to be taking pictures itself within the foot with this pricing technique. The numerous worth improve for the Pixel 9 Professional XL, along with the emphasis on AI and digital perks, appears to not be sufficient to lure in individuals. The smartphone market is extremely aggressive, and we have now tons of choices to select from. Samsung additionally has AI options, Chinese language firms are at all times in search of the following massive factor, and rumors say the iPhone 16 Professional Max is going to truly be revolutionary. If Google needs to face out, it wants to supply extra than simply incremental AI enhancements and extra storage. The Pixel 9 Professional sequence must ship tangible, thrilling upgrades that make us really feel we’re getting actual worth for our cash. In any other case, Google dangers shedding floor in a market the place each little edge counts.

Total, I do know AI is undoubtedly the longer term; nevertheless, Google’s new pricing for the Pixel 9 Professional may not be the very best transfer. Solely time will inform if Google’s gamble pays off, however for now, it appears to me like a dangerous transfer.