Google is set to launch its four Pixel 9 smartphones on August 13th, and today we discovered a major leak detailing the devices’ cameras. Android Authorityrevealing the sensors and lenses behind the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 XL, and even the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The leak includes both the front and main cameras, suggesting that Google is preparing major improvements across all devices, although the main sensor will remain the same as in the Pixel 8 series, and of course that includes the separately launched Pixel Fold.
The sensors are again from Sony or Samsung, with the Pro duo featuring 50 MP IMX858s at the front and rear, finally phasing out the very old IMX386 responsible for ultra-wide-angle shots, which improves image resolution and size.
Interestingly, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL feature a new telephoto sensor, while the Fold sticks with the older one, with Android Authority speculating that this is because the foldable phone is 2mm thinner than its predecessor, meaning there isn’t any room for a physically larger sensor.
Here’s a comparison of the new sensor with last year’s:
camera | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9 | Pixel 8 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL | Pixelfold | Pixel 9 Foldable Pro |
Major | Samsung GNK 1/1.31 inch 50MP OIS |
Samsung GNK 1/1.31 inch 50MP OIS |
Samsung GNK 1/1.31 inch 50MP OIS |
Samsung GNK 1/1.31 inch 50MP OIS |
Sony IMX787 48MP OIS |
Sony IMX787 48MP OIS |
Ultra Wide | Sony IMX386 1/2.8 inch 12MP |
Sony IMX858 1/2.51 inch 50MP |
Sony IMX787 48MP |
Sony IMX858 1/2.51 inch 50MP |
Sony IMX386 1/2.8 inch 12MP |
Samsung 3LU 1/3.2 inch 12MP |
Telephoto | – | – | Samsung GM5 1/2.55 inch 48MP OIS |
Sony IMX858 1/2.51 inch 50MP OIS |
Samsung 3J1 1/3 inch 10.5 MP OIS |
Samsung 3J1 1/3 inch 10.5 MP OIS |
Selfie | Samsung 3J1 1/3 inch 10.5 MP |
Samsung 3J1 1/3 inch 10.5 MP AF |
Samsung 3J1 1/3 inch 10.5 MP AF |
Sony IMX858 1/2.51 inch 50MP AF |
Sony IMX355 1/2.8 inch 8MP |
Samsung 3K1 1/3.94 inch 10MP |
Cover Selfie | – | – | – | – | Samsung 3J1 1/3 inch 10.5 MP AF |
Samsung 3K1 1/3.94 inch 10MP |
The source also revealed that Google might finally enable 8K video recording. In theory, both the Tensor G3 chipset and the Samsung GNK sensor should be able to handle this, but Google is finally ready to take that step.
All four Pixel 9 phones are expected to be more expensive in Europe compared to last year’s flagship phones, so keep your eyes peeled for more leaks with four weeks to go until the launch.