Google Pixel 9 series might disappoint you on these fronts

The hype train for Google’s upcoming Pixel 9 series is chugging along, but some recently leaked details suggest the new phones might not live up to everyone’s expectations. Here’s what we know so far about potential letdowns in the Pixel 9 lineup.

Modest chipset upgrade

The Tensor G4 powering the Pixel 9 family might be more of a gentle evolution than a revolution. According to a recent leak citing “a source inside Google,” this new chip represents the smallest upgrade in the Tensor line to date. The G4’s CPU will reportedly feature eight cores: one Cortex-X4, three Cortex-A720, and four Cortex-A520. That’s actually one core less than the G3, which had a 1+4+4 setup. While the new Cortex-X4 should boost single-core performance by about 11%, the loss of one core means multi-core gains are expected to be minimal – only around 3% compared to the G3.

This conservative approach was reportedly taken to keep thermals and power consumption in check. On the bright side, the G4 will come with the Exynos 5400 modem, which should be up to 50% more efficient than its predecessor and even supports satellite connectivity. The GPU remains the Mali-G715, but with a slight clock speed bump from 890 MHz to 940 MHz. Interestingly, most other aspects of the G4, including Google’s custom IP blocks for AI and camera tasks, are said to be identical to the G3.

The reason behind this modest upgrade? Rumors suggest the G4 is essentially a stopgap solution. Google allegedly wanted to create an entirely new chip for the Pixel 9 family, but it wasn’t ready in time. To avoid delaying the launch, they opted for this minimal update instead. While this might disappoint power users hoping for a significant performance boost, it’s worth noting that raw benchmark numbers don’t always translate directly to real-world experience, especially given Google’s focus on AI-enhanced features.

8K video with strings attached

While 8K video recording is finally coming to Pixel phones, there’s a catch. Instead of shooting 8K directly in the camera app, you’ll reportedly need to use Google’s cloud-based Video Boost feature. This means uploading your footage and waiting for cloud processing before getting that crisp 8K result. Not exactly ideal for instant gratification seekers. Furthermore, the rumored Pixel 9 Pro Fold won’t get 8K video recording capabilities through Video Boost. It’ll still have access to Video Boost for low-light improvements, but 8K enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere.

Storage woes continue

In an era where 256GB is becoming the new baseline for flagship phones, a fresh leak suggests Google’s sticking to its guns with 128GB starting storage across all Pixel 9 models. Sure, you can pay more for higher capacities, but it feels a bit stingy in 2024. This hits even harder when you realize that some smartphone brands have stepped up the base storage to 256GB even on their mid-range devices. So there’s no reason why Google should be holding on to the 128GB base model.

Feature fragmentation

Not all Pixel 9 models are created equal when it comes to fancy new features. The intriguing Zoom Enhance capability is reportedly limited to the Pro and Pro XL models, leaving regular Pixel 9 buyers out in the cold.

Android 14 out of the box

It seems Google’s surprise decision to launch the Google Pixel 9 series ahead of its standard October schedule might have resulted in another drawback, too. A new report claims that Google will reportedly ship the Pixel 9 series with Android 14 out of the box, instead of Android 15. Typically, Google flagships come with the latest OS baked in since the devices launch later in the year. Even though we expected Google to release Android 15 around the same time as the Pixel 9 series, it’s possible that those plans have hit a snag. That said, Google will still be sending out 7 OS updates for the Pixel 9 series, so you can expect great long-term support.

The silver lining

Despite some potential disappointments, the Pixel 9 series is set to receive a few welcome upgrades. Charging speeds are getting a boost, with the Pro XL model reportedly able to reach 70% battery capacity in about 30 minutes. The standard Pixel 9 and Pro versions won’t be left behind, expected to hit 55% in the same timeframe. This improvement should be a relief for users who are always on the go.

Multitaskers will be pleased to hear that the Pro models are rumored to come with a hefty 16GB of RAM. This increase should allow for smoother performance when juggling multiple apps or tackling resource-intensive tasks. It’s a significant step up that puts the Pixel 9 Pro models on par with other high-end flagships in terms of memory.

Another notable improvement comes in the form of the new Exynos 5400 modem. This updated component is expected to offer better efficiency, which could translate to improved battery life during cellular usage. Perhaps more excitingly, the new modem is said to support satellite connectivity.

The takeaway

While the Pixel 9 series will undoubtedly bring improvements, some of these potential shortcomings might give pause to those who are upgrading or those considering a switch to Google’s ecosystem. As always, it’s worth waiting for official announcements and real-world testing before making any final judgments. Google’s big reveal is set for August 13, so we won’t have to wait long to see how these rumors pan out. In the meantime, it might be wise to temper expectations just a bit for the Pixel 9 family.