Google’s Pixel 9 lineup appears in hands-on photos five months early

It’s a day that ends in Y, so naturally, we’re dealing with yet another Google Pixel hardware leak. This time, the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL can be seen side by side in new images from Rozetked — a full five months before Google’s typical October release timeframe.

I have many questions about how and why these units are out in the world so early, but here we are. And I know a lot of you are no doubt eyeing that regular 9 Pro, which will finally put Google’s very best camera chops into a normal-sized phone. Meanwhile, the 9 Pro XL looks a fair bit taller than Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max.

l’m a bit curious as to whether Google will still call this a “camera bar” now that it no longer spans the full width of the phone. It marks a pretty big change to the Pixel’s visual identity, but the new style still looks fairly unique compared to what Apple and Samsung are doing. As usual, the standard Pixel 9 will have a two-camera system, while the Pro will have a third lens for telephoto / zoom purposes.

Is Google trying to outdo itself with earlier leaks each year? Could the fact that these devices are already out there mean that the company plans to shift their release to an earlier date for 2024? Might we see a Pixel 9 teaser during tomorrow’s Google I/O keynote? I mean, we already know what they look like; at least show us some different colors, Google. Where’s the Pixel Fold 2, er... Pixel 9 Pro Fold been hiding during all these leaks?

Anyway, the midrange Pixel 8A goes on sale this week for $499 and shouldn’t be overlooked if you don’t mind some thicker bezels and not having Google’s most advanced camera hardware.