According to a recent report from The SpAndroid, the Google Pixel 9 is listed in the beta codeline of the latest Google app.

Apparently, the latest beta version of the Google app (15.14.34.29.arm64) includes code for the Google Assistant setup wizard that appears every time a user sets up a new Android device. So far, two different lines of code have been shared. The first file appears to be a new part of the setup wizard functionality and refers to the Pixel 9 by name.

The second is a JSON animation that appears on the setup screen. It is possible to play a file that shows a short clip, but no actual information is displayed. However, this setup code makes it almost certain that Pixel 9 will appear.

Fortunately, other leaks over the past few days have revealed more details about Google's next phone.

Most recently, we have seen reports that Google is coming out with three different models of the Pixel 9, instead of the usual two. Google is allegedly planning to release a standard Google Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Pro, and a Pixel 9 Pro XL. The latter two models will have the same, better camera array on the back as the base model, but in two different screen sizes.

Numerous reports claim that the Google Pixel 9 will feature the next-generation Tensor chip, the Tensor G4; the Tensor series does not appear to be as powerful as other upcoming chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, but with the recent March update It could help improve the AI features that Google is focusing on, such as the addition of.

Overall, the Google Pixel 9 looks to be a reasonably powerful smartphone. The question is whether it can compete with the current Samsung Galaxy S24 series, iPhone 15 series, or the upcoming Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 models to top our best smartphone guide. It all depends on how meaningful the rumored upgrades will be.

Nothing is known for sure about Google's next phone until the official announcement, which will likely take place in October 2024. Until then, keep an eye on the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro hubs. Also, keep an eye on Google's next big event, Google I/O, and when new devices like the Pixel 8a might be introduced.