Image: Google

At its Made by Google event earlier this week, Google introduced the new Pixel 9 series, a lineup of smartphones designed with photography and AI integration at their core. This year, the range includes four distinct models: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

The first three models follow the familiar smartphone design, with screens spanning from 6.3" to 6.8" in size. Aside from screen size, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share identical hardware and imaging capabilities. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold breaks from tradition with its foldable design. Unfolded, it reveals a large 8-inch main display, complemented by a secondary 6.3-inch rear screen. This design comes with implications for the cameras within, which we’ll explore in more detail below.

Given the array of models, each equipped with different combinations of cameras and AI-driven imaging features, there's a lot to unpack. Here, we break down each model to help you determine the best fit for your mobile photography needs.

Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL

We begin with the three traditional, non-folding models: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

All three are equipped with the same wide and ultra-wide rear cameras, allowing for straightforward hardware comparisons. The main (wide) camera in each model features a 50MP Type 1/1.31 (9.8 x 7.4mm) Octa PD sensor, which is the largest on any of the devices. Paired with an F1.68 lens and a 25mm equivalent focal length, this camera benefits from both optical and digital image stabilization.

The ultra-wide camera, on the other hand, houses a 48MP Type 1/2.55 (5.6 x 4.2mm) Quad PD sensor, offering an F1.7 aperture and a 12mm equivalent focal length. Though this sensor is slightly smaller than the one used in the Pixel 8 Pro, the faster F1.7 aperture (compared to F1.95 on the Pixel 8 Pro) compensates for the difference.

Where the hardware starts to diverge is with the telephoto camera. The Pixel 9 forgoes a telephoto camera entirely, making this a feature exclusive to the Pro models. Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL include a telephoto camera equipped with a 48MP Type 1/2.55 Quad PD sensor, paired with an F2.8 lens that offers a 105mm equivalent focal length. As with the main camera, optical and electronic image stabilization is included.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL include a 5x telephoto camera. Image: Google

At first glance, you might assume the main difference between the Pixel 9 and the Pro models is limited to telephoto capabilities, but this doesn’t tell the full story. Despite sharing the same wide and ultra-wide cameras, the Pro models offer useful features that distinguish them from the base model.

One standout feature in the Pro models is Google's pro camera controls, which unlock manual control over focus, shutter speed, and ISO, as well as 50MP high-resolution capture. In contrast, the Pixel 9 is limited to 12.5MP images despite having the same high-resolution sensor. While the Pixel 9 can still shoot in RAW format, those files are also restricted to 12.5MP resolution.

All three models leverage Google’s Super Res Zoom technology, which blends hardware, software, and machine learning in an attempt to extend zoom capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL support Super Res Zoom up to 30x, while the Pixel 9 maxes out at 8x.

Google says the selfie camera on the 9 Pro and Pro XL have a 30% increase in light sensitivity. Image: Google

The front-facing cameras also differ between models. The Pixel 9 inherits the 10.5MP selfie camera from last year’s Pixel 8 Pro, offering a 20mm equivalent field of view. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL step up to a 42MP front camera with a 17mm equivalent focal length, the widest selfie camera ever on a Pixel device. According to Google, this new front camera also benefits from a 30% increase in light sensitivity over the Pixel 8 Pro, likely due to a larger sensor, as all front cameras share an F2.2 aperture.

Other technology differs across the lineup. While the Pixel 9 is equipped with single-zone LDAF (laser detect autofocus), the Pro models feature multi-zone LDAF, which should further enhance low-light performance and focusing accuracy.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Image: Google

Now, let’s turn our attention to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Like the other Pro models, the Fold includes a triple rear camera system, but due to the device’s foldable design, its camera setup is somewhat different. With the phone measuring just 10.5mm thick when folded (0.4 inches), each half is only 5.25mm deep. These depth constraints limit which camera sensors can fit inside.

The Fold’s main camera features a 48MP Type 1/2 (6.4 x 4.8mm) sensor paired with an F1.7 lens and a 25mm equivalent focal length. While the aperture is nearly identical to that of the other models, the smaller sensor means this camera has approximately 1.3 stops less light-gathering capability.

Its ultra-wide camera houses a 10.5MP Type 1/3.4 (4.2 x 3.1mm) sensor with an F2.2 lens and an 11mm equivalent focal length. Compared to the ultra-wide cameras on the other Pixel 9 devices, the Fold’s smaller sensor and slower aperture result in another 1.3-stop reduction in performance.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold's cameras are less robust than the other Pixel 9 models, but the foldable design enables a couple of photography features unique to the Fold. Image: Google

As for the telephoto camera, the Fold features a 105mm equivalent lens like the other Pro models, but its sensor is smaller – a 10.8MP Type 1/3.2 (4.6 x 3.3mm) sensor paired with an F3.1 lens – resulting in a 1-stop disadvantage in low-light scenarios.

On the front, the Fold comes with a 10MP selfie camera, offering a 23mm equivalent field of view, slightly narrower than the other models.

Despite these differences, the Fold still includes Google's pro camera controls, allowing for full manual settings adjustments. While the telephoto lens may not be as strong as the other Pro models, it's there if you need it. It supports Super Res Zoom up to 20x.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also brings unique features thanks to its foldable design. In addition to the expansive 8-inch main screen, the Fold has a 6.3-inch rear display that matches the one on the Pixel 9. When the device is unfolded, this rear screen faces your subject along with the rear camera array, opening up different possibilities for photography.

Made You Look uses the Fold's rear screen to keep a child's attention while taking photos. Image: Google

Google’s Made You Look feature, for instance, is designed to make photographing children easier. It displays an animated figure on the rear screen to hold a child’s attention while you take photos. Another notable feature is Dual Display, which allows both the photographer and subject to preview the photo before it’s taken, offering a more interactive experience. Additionally, the rear screen makes it easy to take high-quality selfies using the main camera.

AI and Computational Photography Features

As expected from the Pixel series, Google continues to push the boundaries of computational photography and AI-driven imaging tools. The Pixel 9 lineup is no exception, with several advanced features spread across the models.

Magic Editor

This AI-powered editing tool gets a major update this year with new features like Reimagine and Autoframe. Reimagine allows you to modify photos by simply describing the changes you want. Whether it’s turning brown grass green or adding a starry sky, Reimagine generates several options for you to choose from.

Autoframe, meanwhile, analyzes your photo and suggests the best crop – but it can also expand your image, using generative AI to seamlessly fill in new areas that blend with the original scene.

Add Me

This innovative feature solves the common problem of photographers being left out of group photos. With Add Me, the photographer can leave space in the shot and then step in after the first photo is taken. An overlay of the original photo helps to position the photographer in the scene for the second photo; Add Me merges the images into a single picture.

Add Me is intended to help the photographer be in group photos too. Image: Google

Zoom Enhance

This AI-driven feature, first announced with the Pixel 8 Pro, is finally rolling out. It uses machine learning to predict and fill in missing details when zooming in on photos, creating sharper, more detailed results. It’s available exclusively on the Pro models and will be extended to the Pixel 8 Pro through a software update.

Panorama with Night Sight

Panorama mode now benefits from HDR+ processing for improved image quality, and Night Sight has been incorporated to enable better low-light panoramas. The shooting interface has also been revamped to make the process more intuitive.

I captured this Night Sight panorama in light that was, to my eyes, so dark that I couldn't see the ground in front of me. Photo: Dale Baskin

Video Capture

When it comes to video capture, all Pixel 9 models share some common specs. All models support 4K or FHD video capture at up to 60fps, along with the usual Pixel features like 10-bit HDR video, cinematic blur, and slow-motion up to 240fps (at 1080p). However, the Pro models come with additional AI-powered features that set them apart.

Video Boost: This cloud-based processing feature is designed to enhance the quality of your videos by improving detail, color, and lighting. On the Pixel 9 Pros Video Boost can upscale 4K footage to 8K/30p using AI.

"On the Pixel 9 Pros Video Boost can upscale 4K footage to 8K/30p using AI."

Night Sight Video: Available only on the Pro models, this feature enhances low-light video capture.

Super Res Zoom in Video: While the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL support Super Res Zoom up to 20x in video mode, the Pixel 9 and Fold are limited to 7x and 20x digital zoom, respectively.

Additionally, the three non-folding Pixel 9 models feature dual exposure for improved HDR video capture when using the main camera.

Conclusion

The Pixel 9 series offers a wide spectrum of camera and video capabilities, making each model a powerful option for different types of users. For those who simply want to capture and share great photos, the Pixel 9 is more than capable. However, if you’re seeking more advanced control over your photography, higher-resolution image capture, or a telephoto lens, the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL will likely be worth the investment.

As for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, its foldable design offers a unique experience that other models can’t match, even if its cameras aren’t as robust as the other Pro variants. If you’re looking for a phone that blends flexibility with solid photography features, the Fold could be a fit.