I'm buying the Pixel 9 Pro, but plan to wait

After using the old Pixel 6 Pro for nearly three years, it's time for me to sell it. I'm a staunch supporter of the Pixel team, not only because I get all the latest Android updates immediately, but also because it has unique features that no other Android phone has. I ultimately decided not to buy the Pixel 8 Pro last year.

Choosing between models isn't my biggest concern at the moment; instead, I'm considering whether it's actually worth buying the Pixel 9 Pro at launch - or whether I should wait a few more months. Naturally, I'll be replacing my Pixel 6 Pro with some kind of Pixel 9 Pro. Probably not the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which will probably be too expensive for my salary.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, as well as the Pixel Fold, are expected to be released in August 2024. The Tensor G4 chip, which is speculated to expand on-device AI features, will power both models. Exact pricing hasn't been confirmed, but previous Pixel Pro models typically launch around $999. The Pixel 9 Pro is speculated to have a 6.1-inch screen, while the Pro XL may have a larger 6.7-inch panel.

Waiting might be easier for my finances

Over the past few years, I've noticed that Google phones go on sale very frequently. More importantly, very early in their life cycle, they tend to be undervalued. A great example of this happened during last year's Black Friday sale, when the Pixel 8 Pro was discounted by $200 or 20% off list price.

While the Pixel 8 series went on sale on October 12, we found out about the cut on November 16. Thus, the price of an important flagship dropped by a fifth in just five weeks. This isn't the first time Pixel phones have experienced this; I can still feel the sick feeling in my stomach when I saw the Pixel 6 Pro's price drop for Black Friday only a few weeks after I pre-ordered the device at full price.

Since last year's price hike, Pixel phones have gotten a little more expensive than they used to be in 2021. Even though the Pixel 9 series' features are still unknown, it's always a smart move to take advantage of any opportunity to save as much money as possible.

If the Pixel 9 series were to launch in October, as is customary, I wouldn't mind holding off on buying it for an extra two and a half months. That's not a long wait, and even though I won't get any pre-order gifts, the idea of saving $100 off the price is incredibly appealing. However, this year is a little different as the Pixel 9 series will launch during the Made by Google event on August 13, two months earlier than scheduled.

Patience isn’t just about money

It's possible that the delay is less than it initially appears. First of all, the fact that the Pixel 6 Pro will get its final Android update in October is one of the main reasons I want to buy it.

This timeline won't change because the Pixel 9 is shipping ahead of schedule; it will still get the first version of Android 15. Plus, I didn't see why I should wait more than a month for the anticipated October Google event, even if Google is constantly changing things.

It's also important to note that there are downsides to buying a product right after release. Buying the phone right away means you're committing to a device that no one has used yet, and waiting allows the phone to be fully tested and evaluated - determining its battery life, hardware performance, and camera quality. Since battery life is one of the things Google consistently fails to get right, waiting is especially important to me. Additionally, many phones have issues right out of the box, some of which aren't fixed for weeks or months after they're first discovered. This has been a problem for Pixel phones over the past few years, and every year we see many people report a number of issues with the device.

So, waiting until Black Friday sale season not only allows you to save money, but it also gives you time to do your research and make sure you know what to expect when you buy a new phone. It's true that you miss out on pre-order bonuses, but you can buy them later when they come on sale.

To be honest, though, waiting is the more attractive option if you want to save money. Everything else is really a bonus.

No matter what, it’s still the right time to upgrade

I'm sure I won't wait another year to upgrade, no matter what happens with the Pixel 9 Pro this year. I've used the Pixel 6 Pro for three years and have no regrets, but for a variety of reasons, it's time to move on.

The main reason is that, because it was released before Google made seven-year upgrades standard, the phone will no longer be supported by Android updates at the end of this year. Although security updates are scheduled to be released until October 2026, I'mI would hate to deal with a lack of performance, especially since my job requires me to stay up to date on new phones and their features.

I've also noticed that my phone has started to feel a little outdated in recent months. The Pixel 6 Pro didn't have great battery life to begin with, so trust me when I say battery life just isn't what it used to be. It's getting a little annoying that I've seen single-digit battery percentages more often in the last three months than I have in the last three years. Also, I've realized that the camera lags behind some of Google's competitors.

While it's still a good camera, you can tell that camera technology has advanced very quickly in the last several years when a flagship A-series outperforms a Pixel that costs half the price. Besides being able to use the one feature the Pixel 8a doesn't have—a telephoto zoom lens—I'd really like to be able to benefit from those advancements myself.

Finally, my 6 Pro's case is struggling to stay alive. Given how much simpler and less expensive it is to buy a new case than a new phone, this is really a minor annoyance. However, the case is also approaching its third birthday and, in some areas, is practically held together with duct tape. I'm not sure what better sign that the phone has reached its peak. (I know I can buy one of the best cases for the Pixel 6 Pro.

The Bottom Line

I always intended to upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pro later this year, but by delaying the launch by two months, Google has completely derailed my original plan. Now I have to decide whether it makes sense to update right away and take advantage of any carrier early adopter discounts, or whether it's better to wait a little longer to see what the Black Friday sales season has to offer.

I'm leaning more toward the latter option now. My Pixel 6 Pro isn't so broken that I can't use it for a few more months, so that's exactly what I had initially planned to do. Since the Pixel 8a was only $50 off during Amazon Prime Day, I'm not investing as much money in Black Friday sales this year as I did before. However, there's a chance I can save a few hundred dollars for a new flagship, and At this point, I feel comfortable taking that risk.

Between now and August 13, I may have second thoughts based on new rumors about what exactly Google will reveal at the Made by Google event. Alternatively, I could be in for more trips back and forth than a Scooby-Doo hallway chase. We can just wait and see.

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