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Exclusive: Google Pixel 9 Pro sports 8K Video Recording, but there's a catch

Pictured: Justin Diaz
By Justin Diaz
July 31, 2024
Featured image for Exclusive: Google Pixel 9 Pro sports 8K Video Recording, but there's a catch

While chipsets have supported 8K video recording on smartphones for quite a few years now, only one manufacturer has embraced it—until now. The Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL will support 8K video recording. However, there is a catch.

According to our source, 8K video recording will be powered by Video Boost. This is a feature that debuted on the Pixel 8 series last year, and it boosts your video quality, especially in low-light situations. It does require being backed up to Google Photos before Video Boost will do its thing. But once that happens, it can be transformed into an 8K video. This will likely be done entirely in the cloud. Basically, you won’t see an option to shoot in 8K 30FPS resolution.

Many of the other camera features you come to know and expect from Google are making their way to the Pixel 9 as well. Including one that was announced last year and has still not been launched. That’s Zoom Enhance. It is apparently going to be available for Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL (not the standard Pixel 9, likely due to it not having a 5x telephoto sensor) this year. However, that does not confirm whether it will be available at launch or not.

It is our understanding that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will not have 8K video recording via Video Boost. However, it will still support Video Boost.

Google Pixel 9 gets upgraded Ultrawide Camera

This year, Google is also upgrading the Pixel 9’s camera setup. In addition to that 50-megapixel primary camera, Google is also outfitting it with the same 48-megapixel ultrawide as the Pro models. Of course, it does not get that telephoto sensor, as that is saved for the “Pro” models.

It will also sport Single-zone Laser Detect Auto-Focus, while the Pro models will get Multi-zone LDAF. Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 is not getting an upgraded selfie camera. It’ll remain 10-megapixels, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL both get upgraded to a 42-megapixel camera. These are all using an ultrawide field of view, 95 degrees for the Pixel 9 and 103 degrees for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.