The Google Pixel 9 Pro, still months away from launch, has already sprung its first design leak, and it’s a doozy. Gone are the curvaceous rails and familiar camera bar of the Pixel 6 and 7 series; in their place is a striking new aesthetic that embraces straight lines, a floating pill-shaped camera module, and a hint of Apple inspiration.
Flat and Fabulous: A Pixel Unlike Any Other
The most dramatic shift is the Pixel 9 Pro’s embrace of flat edges. Unlike the Pixel 6-8 Pro’s gently curved rails, the 9 Pro boasts sharp, flat sides that subtly blend into the display and back panel. This design, reminiscent of the Essential Phone and drawing comparisons to the iPhone 14 series, feels fresh, modern, and undeniably eye-catching.
Button Shuffle and Pill Power
On the right side, the familiar power and volume buttons remain, while the SIM card tray takes up residence on the bottom edge, alongside the USB-C port and a mysterious cutout (perhaps a microphone). The top edge houses the mmWave antenna cutout, keeping things clean and minimalist.
The back panel is where the real magic happens. Inspired by the Pixel Fold, the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera bar transforms into a sleek, floating pill that’s disconnected from the phone’s edges. Three cameras, nestled side-by-side under an oblong glass cover, create a “pill-on-pill” effect with surprisingly minimal bezels.
Flash, Sense, and Size Shuffle
Two circular cutouts flank the camera system: one for the flash and another, likely housing the returning temperature sensor, a Pixel Pro staple since last year.
Interestingly, the renders suggest a smaller display compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. While the overall phone dimensions remain similar, the Pixel 9 Pro is rumored to pack a 6.5-inch screen, down from the 8 Pro’s 6.7-inch panel. This could be a deliberate move towards a more pocketable form factor or simply a screen size discrepancy in the renders.
Early Leak, Eager Anticipation
The rumor about Google’s future flagship is further heightened by the leak of the Pixel 9 Pro, which comes two months ahead of the 8 Pro. Though it is unavoidable to draw similarities to the iPhone, the design also makes one think of the Essential Phone, which was renowned for its simple, bezel-less style.
Has a Pixel Changed?
It is unclear if the Pixel 9 Pro represents a radical break from Pixel’s recognizable style or a refined advancement. However, one thing is certain: this phone makes a strong statement and demonstrates Google’s determination to try new things and push the limits of design.
Pixel 9 Pro Key Takeaways:
- Pixel 9 Pro ditches curved edges for a flat, modern design.
- Floating pill-shaped camera bar with minimal bezels.
- A smaller display is rumored (6.5 inches vs. the 8 Pro’s 6.7 inches).
- Reposition the SIM card tray and potentially a temperature sensor.
- Early leaks spark excitement and comparisons to the iPhone and Essential Phone.
The Pixel 9 Pro is still shrouded in mystery, but this first design leak paints a tantalizing picture of a phone that dares to be different. With its sleek lines, innovative camera module, and potentially smaller form factor, the Pixel 9 Pro has all the makings of a Pixel powerhouse, ready to redefine the Android flagship experience.
Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth analysis as more details about the Pixel 9 Pro emerge. Be sure to share your thoughts on this bold new design in the comments below!
