Serial leaker Steve “OnLeaks” Hemmerstoffer recently posted clear renders showing the Pixel 9. This means that the two previous devices he leaked are actually the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
In other words, we can expect three flagship phones from the Pixel 9 series later this year. This would be in line with our leaked 2022 roadmap, which says Google will introduce a smaller Pixel 9 Pro.
However, it’s a big change for Google’s high-end phone line, which has long stuck with a maximum of two models. But it turns out Android Authority readers really like the idea of a three-tier flagship Pixel family.
Are three flagship Pixel phones better than two?
About 62% of readers surveyed said three flagship Pixel 9 phones are actually better than two. One of the main reasons for this result seems to be that people want a phone that fits in their pocket but still offers pro-level features. In fact, some comments specifically mention the telephoto camera.
User linuxsensei was one of those readers:
I’m definitely looking forward to the Pixel 9 because I want a close-up view without the bulk.
“I have no interest in smaller Pixel devices without optical zoom or phablets larger than 6 inches,” noted user Albin, adding that a smaller but “full-featured” Pixel 9 Pro replacement is in the works for the current phone. .
This general desire for a compact Pro was also echoed by other readers of the site. In fact, reader Warren Skipper noted that he’s still using a Pixel 5 because he’s still waiting to try the Pixel Pro without the “huge” size.
Feeling intimidated by the Pixel 9 trio?
Meanwhile, 27.5% of the respondents felt that the three-level setting of the pixels could lead to more contrast in the features. After all, the company initially neglected the Pixel 8.
“After what they did with the Pixel 8, who’s going to buy the base model?” Reader Teori Elvander has already noted
Reader Kira also suggests that Google could take inspiration from its competitors who offer premium prices for their high-end models:
Basically, Google only wants to sell (a) $1,000+ flagship products like Samsung and Apple with all the bells and whistles.
However, 10% of readers surveyed still haven’t made up their minds. This is understandable since we still don’t know much about these three Pixel 9 phones. Price will be an important factor here, as tensor-powered pixels are usually aggressively priced. But the pessimist in me fears that Google will be laying the groundwork for the ultra-premium Pixel XL (around $1,100) in the future.
However, it looks like we should expect a big change in the third quarter of this year. We’re crossing our fingers that Google actually delivers a pocket-friendly pro phone with all the pro features you’d expect. We expect the company to adopt an aggressive pricing approach.
