Skip to main content

The Google Pixel 9 looks incredible in this new photo

A close-up render of the Google Pixel 9 in pink.
Sudhanshu Ambhore

Even though the Made by Google event is only a couple of weeks away, the Google Pixel 9 leaks just keep on coming, giving us a good look at what to expect. The latest leak shows off a Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL in pink and white colors, respectively.

A user named Sudhanshu Ambhore posted on X (formerly Twitter) two rather official-looking renders of the Pixel 9 and what they claim to be a Pixel 9 Pro XL. It is a bit difficult to be sure if this is the regular Pro or the Pro XL since the two devices will look pretty much identical to each other, aside from one being bigger.

These images line up with what we saw Google itself share last week. It appears that the white color will be called “Porcelain,” and it’ll have what looks to be a matte finish on the revised camera bar. This is also the case with the pink Pixel 9 variant.

What’s interesting, though, is that both of these renders look to have matte backs. Previous leaks of the base model Pixel 9 have shown a glossy rear. Of course, these new images are renders, after all, and may not be as accurate as a real-world photo.

Renders of the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Pixel 9 (left) and Pixel 9 Pro XL Sudhanshu Ambhore

But let’s focus a bit on the pink color of the Pixel 9. This appears to be a more subtle, darker pink than the previous pink Pixel 9 leak we saw, which was very vibrant and appeared to come straight out of the Barbie movie.

I’m a big fan of pink — it’s my favorite color. Honestly, I like both versions of pink that we’ve seen so far, so either way would be fine with me. This pink is the color that I wish Google used for the “rose” color of the Pixel 8, as I felt that was definitely not as pink as it should have been.

Regardless, the pink color would also line up with a recent leak of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, which may come in a “Raspberry” color. The previous codename used for pink was “Peony,” though codenames may or may not always match up with the actual marketed name. For the Pixel 8 series, there was “Peony Rose” and “Jade,” but Google ended up just going with “Rose” and “Mint” instead. It’s likely that this “Peony” Pixel 9 will instead be “Raspberry” when sold.

Regardless, the world needs more pink phones, and I’m here for it. Google’s Made by Google event will be August 13, where we expect to see the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as well as the Pixel Watch 3.

Christine Romero-Chan
Christine Romero-Chan has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade. She graduated from California…
I love the Galaxy Z Fold 6, but the Pixel 9 Pro Fold may change that
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold next to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

A year ago, I never expected to write this. Samsung had just launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with iterative changes over the Z Fold 4, and Google’s first attempt at a folding phone left a lot to be desired. Google had phenomenal software features like Call Screen and Live Transcribe, but Samsung had much better hardware, the S-Pen, and incredible productivity tools.

Fast-forward a year, and it’s a very different landscape. Samsung made further iterations with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it’s a phenomenal folding phone. The form factor and size are great, especially when using two apps side-by-side on the main display. It has an S-Pen, and I love using mine. The problem is I can’t stop thinking about the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Read more
How AI has quietly transformed this one camera feature on your phone
The title image for the Outtafocus column, showing the Google Pixel 9 Pro's camera.

All the latest AI camera features in the Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Photos, and a host of other recently launched phones and devices got me thinking. I quite enjoy some of them and can’t deny the usefulness of Magic Eraser.

Still, I wonder how many will have the longevity of a camera feature I’ve watched steadily improve to become so much more exciting over the last few years, and where AI is working behind the scenes. I’m talking about our phones' telephoto and digital zoom features, where AI is a mostly silent, but critical part of the story.
Telephoto cameras on phones
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra (top left), Huawei P30 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more
The Pixel 9 completely changed my mind about Google Pixel phones
Pixel 9 Pro in Rose Quartz.

I confess: I've never been a Google Pixel fan. Every year, I wait for Google to release something new, I buy it, and I am left disappointed. Google's phones have never felt as premium as the competition, but the Google Pixel 9 has completely changed that. It's the best regular-sized phone I’ve ever used. It's also convinced me to go all-in on Google this year and buy the Pixel 9 Pro.

One of my disappointments with the Google Pixel 8 Pro is its size: I have been waiting for Google to deliver a Pro phone without compromises, and the Pixel 9 series finally delivers. For most people, the regular Pixel 9 is the phone to buy, but if you want improvements in the display, battery, charging, and camera, the Pixel 9 Pro is the winner.

Read more