Google is expected to release four Pixel 9 phones this fall, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. While Google didn’t reveal these devices at I/O 2024, a recent leak provides insights into the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 specs.
Benchmark tests for the Pixel 9 Pro XL reveal it will feature the Tensor G4 chip and 16GB of RAM, while the Pixel 9 will have the same chip with 8GB of RAM. Notably, the 16GB of RAM on the Pixel 9 Pro XL could be significant for on-device AI processing, aligning with Apple’s approach to its AI assistant, Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of RAM for local processing, suggesting Google’s increased RAM capacity could be aimed at enabling similar on-device AI capabilities for the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
While benchmark scores currently favor the iPhone 15 Pro/Max, it’s important to note these are early tests with non-final software. Google’s Tensor chips have historically not outperformed iPhones in benchmarks, and this trend is likely to continue.
The increased RAM in the Pixel 9 Pro XL might signal Google’s intent to prioritize on-device Gemini AI features,mirroring Apple’s focus on privacy and local processing for its AI assistant. Google’s Gemini Nano and Gemini 1.5 Flash models could also bring advanced AI features to devices like the Pixel 9 with on-device processing.
Overall, while Google might follow Apple’s lead in hardware and software features, the company could aim to differentiate itself by providing a competitive on-device AI experience with the Pixel 9 series.
