Google’s Gemini AI-powered Pixel 9: Can it challenge iPhone 16?

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL ) this week launched its latest smartphones—the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro/XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—marking its first set of devices with Gemini AI integrated from the start. The rollout comes roughly a month before the rumored launch of Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL ) iPhone 16.

The Pixel 9, priced at $799 in the US, is aimed at a broad audience with its 6.3-inch “Actua” display, Tensor G4 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and a dual-camera system featuring a 50 MP main sensor. It also boasts enhanced durability with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The Pixel 9 Pro, starting at $999, is positioned as a premium option with two display sizes—6.3-inch and 6.8-inch “Super Actua.” It offers 16 GB of RAM, a triple rear camera system, and a significant front camera upgrade to 42 MP.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL shares most features with the Pixel 9 Pro but includes a larger 6.8-inch display and a bigger battery.

The flagship Pixel 9 Pro Fold, priced at $1,799, features an 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner display and a 6.3-inch external display.

Key camera enhancements, such as Video Boost, Night Sight Video, and Super Res Zoom for Video, are exclusive to the Pro models, mirroring Apple’s strategy of differentiating its premium offerings.

The Gemini AI introduces "Gemini Live," a feature that allows users to interact with the AI assistant in more conversational ways, which could significantly enhance the user experience by integrating AI more seamlessly into daily tasks.

Despite Google’s substantial marketing efforts, its market share in the smartphone sector remains modest, and the company is banking on these new flagships to boost sales and increase Gemini AI’s presence among consumers.

According to Counterpoint Research, the tech giant’s presence in the US smartphone market is “still relatively small and is predicted to plateau.”

The company is also facing challenges as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are underperforming compared to the Pixel 7 series in the US, based on sell-through launch-to-date figures from Counterpoint Market Share Tracker.

“It will require substantial marketing efforts to reverse this trend in a critical market for flagship smartphones,” Counterpoint Research noted in a recent blog post.

These headwinds may intensify with the increasing anticipation surrounding the upcoming AI-powered iPhone 16.

In other regions, Google’s expansion has been gradual, Counterpoint notes. Japan continues to be a key market, but recent gains have largely been driven by the mid-range Pixel A series rather than the flagship models. In Europe, Google faces increased competition from Chinese OEMs like Xiaomi and HONOR, posing a significant challenge.

In the foldable segment, Google has taken a bold step with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, while foldables are gaining traction, they still represent a niche market, accounting for only a small portion of overall smartphone sales.

Counterpoint Research projects that foldables will remain below 3% of total smartphone shipments in the coming years.

Source: Investing.com