Google’s Pixels are some of the best camera phones in the market, which can be mostly credited to the excellent software processing than hardware. However, this is also starting to change with the company bestowing better sensors in the recent Pixel offerings. A new leak indicates the upcoming Pixel 9 could also receive sizeable camera upgrades.
Exclusive details published by Android Authority, hailing from a source within Google, showcased the alleged changes in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro’s camera hardware department. Based on that information, the entire Pixel 9 lineup is set to receive different levels of sensor improvements.
Pixel 9 with a better ultra-wide shooter
Starting with the Pixel 9, it is said to boast a new 50 MP ultra-wide camera courtesy of a 1/2.51-inch Sony IMX858 sensor. As a reference, the Pixel 8 (review) has been using a very dated 12 MP Sony IMX386 sensor. The new ultra-wide snapper is paired with a familiar 50 MP 1/1.31-inch Samsung GNK from last year.
The front-facing camera of the standard model will get the same 10 MP 1/3-inch sensor, but Google is finally furnishing it with an autofocus capability, which first arrived on the Pixel 8 Pro (review).
Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL to feature a huge selfie snapper
This year’s Pixel 9 Pro is widely expected to include a new XL model in addition to the regular Pixel 9 Pro, which is touted to arrive in a smaller footprint. Regardless, both Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL will share most of their specifications, including the cameras.
The Pixel 9 Pro duo is touted to feature a new ultra-wide camera with a similar 50 MP IMX858 sensor as the Pixel 9. The sensor is considered to be a slight upgrade from the 48 MP ultrawide in the Pixel 8 Pro.
The source added the same 50 MP sensor will be installed in the telephoto and front-facing cameras. Considering the latter, it will be a notable upgrade as last year’s Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 10 MP sensor.
Google will most likely take advantage of pixel binning technology to bring down the default resolution to a lower megapixel count, although there might be a chance Google will let users opt for full-resolution photos.
A downgrade in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera?
Interestingly, the Pixel Fold 2, currently dubbed as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will also receive a revamp to the camera sensor choice. It appears the changes are rather more muted or a downgrade is in order with the new foldable getting smaller sensors.
It mentioned the 12 MP ultra-wide camera will switch to a smaller 1/3.2-inch Samsung sensor from a 1/2.8-inch Sony sensor. The same treatment is planned for the internal and outer selfie cameras, which are tipped to see smaller sensor sizes albeit with the same 10 MP resolution.
There is speculation the downgrade will accommodate thinner and more compact camera sensors that will also result in the Pixel 9 Fold being thinner and lighter than the Pixel Fold (review). It’s also likely Google will compensate for the smaller sensors by offering improved software processing on the handset.
What else is new in the Pixel 9 camera?
Moreover, it was highlighted the new Tensor G4 chipset should enable 8K video recording in the Pixel 9 camera phones. However, it was not specified whether all Pixel 9 models will receive the feature.
Based on these camera hardware changes with the possibly of better software, the Pixel 9 series should deliver better images and videos. Likewise, what do you think of these upgrades? Let us hear your opinion.
