Rumors and leaks are a common occurrence with every Pixel series smartphone, and the Google Pixel 9 series is no exception. Numerous leaks and rumors have surfaced about the upcoming smartphone, indicating that Google struggles to keep details under wraps.
A new leak suggests that Google is making substantial upgrades to the camera department of its upcoming Pixel series. The primary selling point of Google smartphones is their camera system, largely due to Google’s advanced software processing. However, this is about to change as Google plans significant upgrades to the camera hardware in the upcoming smartphones.
According to Android Authority, Google is enhancing the camera of the Pixel 9 series. The company is upgrading all of its camera sensors, starting with the standard Pixel 9 smartphone. The old Sony IMX386 ultra-wide sensor is being replaced with the new Sony IMX858 sensor. The previous sensor was a small 1/2.8”, while the new sensor is a larger IMX858 1/2.51”. This new sensor is expected to perform exceptionally well, especially in low-light photography.
The primary Samsung GNK camera and the front-facing Samsung 3J1 camera remain the same as in the Pixel 9, but there is another significant upgrade. The standard Pixel 9 will now include an autofocus-enabled front camera, a feature introduced in the Pixel 8 Pro last year. This new front camera will produce sharper and clearer images, eliminating issues like blurry selfies.
Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL will feature new Sony IMX858 sensors for their front camera, telephoto, and ultra-wide lens. The new sensor in the front camera will enhance image quality, allowing users to capture high-resolution pictures with more detail. The Pixel 9 Pro will gain popularity for its large camera sensors, typically reserved for rear-facing cameras, now incorporated into the front camera.
Google is also retaining its infrared thermometer, Melexis MLX90632, in the Pro smartphones despite its limited use.
Similar improvements are being made to the camera department of Google’s upcoming foldable device. The ultra-wide sensor in the Pixel Fold will no longer use the Sony IMX386 but will be replaced with a Samsung 3LU ultra-wide sensor. The selfie sensor is also being upgraded to the Samsung 3K1 in the upcoming foldable.
According to leaked information, the following camera sensors are expected in the upcoming Pixel series of smartphones:
Pixel 9
- Primary Sensor: Samsung GNK
- Ultra-Wide Camera: Sony IMX858
- Front-Facing Camera: Samsung 3J1
Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL
- Primary Sensor: Samsung GNK
- Ultrawide, Telephoto, Front-Facing Sensor: Sony IMX858
- Infrared Thermometer: Melexis MLX90632
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Ultrawide Sensor: Samsung 3LU
- Front-Facing Camera: Samsung 3K1
Apart from the camera hardware upgrades, the upcoming smartphone series will also support 8K video recording at 30 frames per second in the camera app, enhancing video detail and clarity with high-resolution recording.
Google is expected to unveil its Pixel 9 series next month at the Made by Google event. The details shared in this article are based on leaks and rumors and have not been confirmed by the company. Stay tuned for more information as the device’s official release approaches.
