Google’s Pixel 9 line appears in hands-on photos five months earlier

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 of Rozetked – a full five months before Google’s typical October launch deadline.

I have a lot of questions about how and why these units were released into the world so soon, but here we are. And I know many of you are no doubt eyeing the regular 9 Pro, which will finally put Google’s best cameras in a full-sized phone. Meanwhile, the 9 Pro XL looks a little taller than Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max.

I’m a little curious if Google will still call this a “camera bar” now that it no longer takes up the entire width of the phone. This marks a big change to the Pixel’s visual identity, but the new style still looks pretty unique compared to what Apple and Samsung are doing. As usual, the standard Pixel 9 will have a dual-camera system, while the Pro will have a third lens for telephoto/zoom purposes.

Is Google trying to outdo itself with previous leaks each year? Does the fact that these devices are already available mean that the company plans to move their launch to an earlier date in 2024? Could 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 is the Pixel Fold 2, er… has the Pixel 9 Pro Fold been hiding during all these leaks?

Either way, the midrange Pixel 8A hits stores this week for $499 and shouldn’t be missed if you don’t mind thicker bezels and without Google’s more advanced camera hardware.