Skip to main content

The first Google Pixel 9 Pro hands-on photos are here

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is one of the 2024 phones I’m most curious about. Now, thanks to a bunch of leaked photos, we have our first hands-on look at Google’s upcoming flagship. As expected, there’s a lot to take in.

Recommended Videos

The photos were shared on Rozetked, with an “anonymous source” credited for them. What we’re looking at is the Google Pixel 9 Pro, which is expected to sit between the base Pixel 9 and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The photos confirm the big design change we’ve seen in previously shared renders, including the new camera bar design on the back. You can clearly make out the three rear cameras, an LED flash, and what’s likely a temperature sensor — just like the one on the Pixel 8 Pro.

It appears that the back of the Pixel 9 Pro has a matte finish, although the metal frame has a glossy design. The photos also give us a good look at the USB-C port, which is flanked by a speaker grille, a microphone, and the phone’s SIM tray. The top frame houses an mmWave 5G antenna, while the right side of the phone has the power and volume buttons. One image of the Pixel 9 Pro’s display shows the phone’s bootloader screen, which confirms that this model has 128GB of storage and 16GB RAM — a notable increase over the Pixel 8 Pro’s 12GB RAM.

I’m still not 100% sure how I feel about this new look for Google’s Pixel phones, but seeing it now in hands-on pictures, I am warming up to it more. It still has that unique Pixel aesthetic while clearly being distinct from the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 models. I’ll reserve any final judgment until I hold the phone for myself, but these photos have me feeling a bit more confident.

We aren’t expecting Google to release the Google Pixel 9 Pro until later this fall, but with Google I/O just around the corner, there’s always a chance Google will give us a small tease before then.

Joe Maring
Joe Maring has been the Section Editor of Digital Trends' Mobile team since June 2022. He leads a team of 13 writers and…
Android 15 is now rolling out to Pixels. Here’s what’s new
Android 15 logo on a Google Pixel 8.

The wait for a next-generation Android experience is finally over. Google today released the public version of Android 15, and it is now making its way to compatible phones, starting with the company’s Pixel series of smartphones.

Among the key areas where Android 15 brings the biggest set of upgrades are safety and privacy. To that end, users will soon be able to create a safe space for all their sensitive apps, locked behind their device’s local password or biometric layer.

Read more
Google just announced 23 big changes coming to your Pixel devices
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Google Pixel 9 all next to each other.

If you have a Google Pixel device, then you’re in for some big updates. Not only are Pixel devices the first to get the official rollout of Android 15 today, but Google is adding even more features in the October 2024 Pixel Drop for Pixel phones, tablets, and smartwatches.

The October Pixel Drop will begin rolling out today, October 15, so if you aren’t seeing it just yet, keep checking. As long as your device is supported, it should get this update.
Features coming to Pixel phones
Private Space (from left), Theft protection, and underwater photography Google

Read more
I did an iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro camera test. It’s not even close
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium (left) and a Rose Quartz Google Pixel 9 Pro.

We’re at the tail end of the year, which means that pretty much all the flagship smartphones have now been released. This includes Google’s Pixel 9 Pro and Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro.

Both of these Pro flagships have beautiful designs, powerful processors, and great triple-lens camera systems. But which one takes better photos? Let’s find out.
iPhone 16 Pro vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro: camera specs

Read more