Google Pixel 9: new smartphone cameras will be able to record 8K video

Google’s Pixel phones have long been known for their exceptional photography capabilities, thanks in large part to the company’s cutting-edge software. But in recent years, Google has placed a greater emphasis on hardware improvements. Thanks to Android Authority, we now know the following about the next Pixel 9 series: The tech giant is ready to make new updates to its cameras.

The Pixel 9 series is said to feature extensive changes to almost every sensor. Standard Pixel 9 It bids farewell to the aging Sony IMX386 ultra-wide sensor in its ultra-wide camera and replaces it with the newer and larger Sony IMX858 sensor. As a reminder, this is what the impressive Xiaomi 14 Ultra uses specifically. So this upgrade promises greater versatility and better low-light performance. Moreover, Pixel 9 will finally have an autofocus front cameraa feature previously reserved for Pro models.

All Pixel 9s feature new photo sensors

Things get really interesting with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. Both models will feature the same camera configurations, with Google also relying on the Sony IMX858 sensor. This sensor will be used for ultra-wide angle, telephoto and even the front cameraThis choice is particularly interesting for the selfie camera, as the IMX858 is primarily designed for rear-facing use and is larger than most selfie sensors on the market. This could potentially make the Pixel 9 Pro one of the best, leaving many competitors behind in this often overlooked area. Interestingly, Google has chosen to keep the infrared thermometer feature on the Pro models, despite its limited practical use and mixed user reception.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also benefits from some tweaks to the camera, although some of the changes are questionable. Ultra-wide camera upgrades to Samsung 3LU sensorduring The two selfie cameras are replaced by Samsung 3K1 sensors. These new sensors are actually smaller than their predecessors, which may seem like a regression, but since the new foldable Pixel will be almost 2mm thinner than the previous model, this may be a necessary compromise to achieve a thinner form factor.

Perhaps the most interesting new feature for video enthusiasts Potential introduction of 8K video recording. While the Tensor G3 processor in the Pixel 8 series supports 8K encoding, Google chose not to enable the feature. Evidence now suggests that the upcoming Pixel Camera app will support 8K video recording at 30 frames per second. We don’t know which Pixel 9 models will offer this feature or if it will be available at launch, but thanks to Android Authority , we now know that it’s planned for this generation.

With these types of sensors and Google’s experience, the Pixel 9 could once again become one of the best photographic smartphones on the market. The Pixel 9 Pro is already in the Top 10 on DXOMARK, but this new generation needs to get on the podium. Such significant changes could also be the source of the serious price increase that has been announced by some leaks for most models. Now we will see if the results will be in line with the new hardware available on the smartphones.