The newest Google flagship smartphone that made the rounds in tech circles is the Pixel 9 Pro. Nikkei later unveiled a report detailing the BOM where we learn that the Pixel 9 Pro sees Google part with $400 for the needed materials.
Pixel 9 Pro’s material cost distribution is $80 for the Tensor G4 chipset, $75 for the Samsung-made M14 display panel and $61 for the camera part. Peculiarly, the cost of the chipset has risen a tad, but Google has been able to cut down of the cost of displays and cameras than those of the preceding generation.
Pixel 9 Pro’s Cost Efficiency
Based on the report, the material cost of the Pixel 9 Pro is estimated to be around $411 which are 11% cheaper than the Pixel 8 Pro, with a material cost of $ 462. However, there is a little bit of confusion in the numbers because Pixel 9 Pro comes with a small display and battery size when compared to its previous model.
This report should have provided a comparison of the Pixel 9 Pro XL with the Pixel 8 Pro since the two have better comparison metrics. Nevertheless, one has to admit that Google has made big progress addressing the Pixel 9 Pro’s material cost – it is significantly lower, yet Google manages to retain such features.
Comparing with the Competition
The report also shows that iPhone 16 Pro model costs Apple $568 in material, which is slightly more expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro. The M14 display for the iPhone 16 Pro is $110, and the camera part comes to $91. But the A18 Pro chip, which is Apple’s most recent processor, is estimated to cost $135, which goes with the industry’s feeling that this price seems a tad on the steep side.
On the other hand, it is said that Qualcomm costs nearly 200 US dollars for the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This shows that the Pixel 9 Pro is still very cost effective because even though Google chose to go with a premium aluminum frame the material cost is lower and the Pixel 9 Pro comes with a new Tensor G4 chipset.
Beyond the Bill of Materials
But that is where many people draw the line without realizing that there are other costs Google has to meet in order to produce and sell Pixel 9 Pro. There are thousands of other expenses which relate to the shipping and marketing and many others which have to be included in the final price of the device that is $999.
Also the final retail price has to be set with possible discounts and sales take into consideration which once again underlines the need for limiting the material cost of the item to a bare minimum but at the same time keeping the added value high.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s Success
However, Pixel 9 Pro is quite rational in terms of crazy costs against more extensive features and is highly praised by both consumers and technology critics. The smartphone boasts of a great camera, outright performance, and more importantly, stylish looks that have helped the gadget maker to stand out in this highly saturated market.
Google has been able to cut down on the material cost of producing the Pixel 9 Pro; at the same time ensuring that users of the smartphone have an excellent experience.
Final Thought
The breakdown of the Pixel 9 Pro giving an analysis of the $400 cost of materials is a useful guide when understanding Google’s approach to the manufacture of these phones. Through efficient cost control while maintaining product value, the Pixel 9 Pro has placed itself into a powerful competitive tier of the flagship smartphone will type and performance segments.
It will be fascinating to watch how Google will be getting the balance between costs and delivery of the special unique selling points of future Pixel devices once ever progressing and adapting technology and the ever increasing consumer demands strike the company.
