Google launches its first foldable phone in India: Pixel 9 Pro Fold priced at ₹1.30 lakh, along with Watch 3 and Buds Pro 2

Late Tuesday night (August 13), tech company Google launched the Pixel 9 series at its annual event ‘Made by Google.’ This series includes Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Additionally, the Pixel Watch 3 and Buds Pro 2 were also introduced in the lineup of devices.

AI Features in the Pixel Series Phones

The phones in the Pixel series are equipped with numerous AI features. These include Pixel Screenshot, Gemini AI, Gemini Live, Pixel Studio, Circle to Search, AI Weather Summary, and Call Notes. Google will support its phones for 7 years, including OS updates, security updates, feature drops, and AI innovations.

Google Pixel Series Price Starts at ₹79,999

In the Indian market, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the company’s first foldable phone, priced at ₹1,72,999. Additionally, the Pixel 9 is priced at ₹79,999, the Pixel 9 Pro at ₹1,09,999, and the Pixel 9XL at ₹1,24,999.

Currently, all smartphones are launched in a single storage variant. Other storage variants will be released soon. Google has also launched the Pixel Watch 3 at a starting price of ₹39,990. Furthermore, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are priced at ₹22,900. Google devices are available on Flipkart in India.

Pre-Bookings for All Devices in India Have Begun

Pre-booking for all devices in India has started. The sale of Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will begin on August 22. A 1-year Google One AI Premium Membership subscription, bank offers of up to ₹10,000 with ICICI Bank cards, and 12-month no-cost EMI are available with Pixel 9 devices.

XL Model Introduced for the First Time in Pixel Series, Increased RAM

Apart from new artificial intelligence features, the major highlight of the Pixel 9 series is that the XL model has been added to the series for the first time. The Pixel 8 had a 10.5-megapixel front camera. Now, the Pro and XL models feature a 42-megapixel front camera.

While the Pixel 8 series offered 8GB and 12GB RAM options, the base variant of the Pixel 9 devices now comes with 12GB RAM. Meanwhile, the Pro and XL variants come with 16GB RAM. In terms of the operating system, the devices will receive 7 years of Android updates and security updates. Overall, the new series is stronger in every aspect compared to the previous lineup.

AI Features in Google Pixel 9 Series

Pixel Screenshot: This feature is designed to help remember things. Google’s new Pixel Screenshot feature is somewhat similar to Microsoft’s Recall feature, which uses AI to track everything you do on your computer through continuous screenshots. Advanced Feature: Google’s Pixel camera is equipped with AI. It includes the ‘Add Me’ feature in photography. With its help, multiple people can be added by merging photos taken at different times in the same background. Google Gemini Live: With this feature, you can tap on ‘Ask About This Screen’ and ‘Ask About This Video’ to get information about the content on the screen. According to Google, Gemini can do things like adding restaurant listings from YouTube travel videos to Google Maps. Pixel Studio: The new Pixel Studio app allows you to create images by writing text. This feature works on an on-device model and cloud-powered AI, meaning it works best with an internet connection. Circle to Search: To use Circle to Search, you need to draw a circle around the subject in the photo you want to search for. Google will then show you results related to that subject. In addition to drawing circles, you can also search for anything by tapping on it.

Google to Open Three Stores in India

To enhance the Pixel experience for Indian customers and compete with Apple, Google has announced the opening of three walk-in centers, in addition to launching new devices. These centers will soon open in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

For this, Google has partnered with Flipkart’s service branch, F1 Info Solutions & Services Pvt Ltd. Customers will receive service and support at these centers, including repairs and replacements.

Google is also partnering with Croma and Reliance Retail to sell Pixel devices offline. As a result, Pixel devices will be available for sale at around 150 Croma and Reliance Retail stores in 15 cities across India.

Google Lags Behind Apple and Samsung

According to analyst firm IDC’s 2022 data, since the release of the first Pixel phone in 2016, Google has sold a total of 27.6 million phones. Meanwhile, Samsung sold 272 million phones in 2021 alone. Apple sold 235 million phones during the same period.

5 Reasons Why Pixel Hasn’t Been Very Successful

1. Limited Availability: Pixel phones are not available in all countries. There’s also a problem with service centers.
2. High Phone Prices: Pixel phones are generally more expensive than other Android phones.
3. Lack of Marketing: Not as much money is spent on marketing as by other manufacturers.
4. Identity Crisis: Google’s phones don’t have a strong identity like iPhones and Samsung phones.
5. Software-Intensive Approach: Google uses the pure version of Android in its phones.

Despite these challenges, Pixel phones still have a large number of loyal fans who appreciate the pure Android experience the company offers. Google is now increasing the availability of its Pixel phones in more countries. Additionally, it is making significant changes to the camera with AI, so it is possible that Pixel phone sales may increase in the coming years.