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8 Google Pixel 9a settings you should customize right away
The Google Pixel 9a is finally out in the open. After a mysterious delay, Google has started shipping the Pixel 9a to customers, and like every Pixel phone, it comes packed with a solid set of features. These include long-term Android support, a number of built-in AI tools, and the largest battery ever in a Google Pixel, all while retaining the same $500 price tag as its predecessor. The Pixel 9a ships with Android 15 out of the box. If you've just unboxed your phone and powered it on, here are a few settings you should change immediately to get the most out of your new Pixel. Related I love the Google Pixel 9a much more than I expected Google's on a roll Posts 5 8 Turn on Smooth display for 120Hz refresh rate Make the most of your screen's potential Google upgraded to a 120Hz display with the Pixel 8a, and the Pixel 9a continues that legacy. It features a 6.3-inch display, slightly larger than the one on the 8a, and now supports a peak brightness of up to 2700 nits. This is a big step-up for HDR content and outdoor use. However, while the Pixel 9a supports 120Hz refresh rate, it's not enabled by default. Here's how to enable it: Go to Settings. Tap Display and touch. Scroll down and toggle on Smooth Display. This setting will improve the overall experience, making animations and scrolling feel more fluid. The display will also scale down to 60Hz automatically when higher refresh isn't needed to conserve battery life. 7 Enable screen protector mode for better touch response Improve touch accuracy with this setting While Google upgraded several aspects of the Pixel 9a's display, the phone's durability remains unchanged, sticking with Gorilla Glass 3 like the previous generation. If you're using a screen protector, it's a good idea to enable a setting that improves touch sensitivity. This ensures your touches register properly, despite the added layer. Here's how to enable it: Open Settings. Tap Display and touch. Close Scroll down and select Touch sensitivity. Enable both Adaptive touch and Screen protector mode. Close 6 Enable battery percentage and charging optimization Track usage and preserve long-term battery health The Google Pixel 9a ships with the largest battery ever in a Pixel at 5,100 mAh. And while the battery is still impressively large, it's still a lithium-ion battery, which means it will degrade over time. Google is already taking steps to manage battery health by gradually reducing maximum charge capacity over time, but there are a few settings you can enable to help extend your battery's lifespan even further. Here's how to enable charging optimization: Go to Settings. Select Battery. Tap Charging optimization. Enable the Use charging optimization toggle. Close This feature learns your charging habits and finishes charging to 100% just before you typically unplug, which helps reduce wear on the battery. If you want to go a step further, you can also set Limit to 80%, which will stop charging altogether at 80% and significantly slow down battery aging. While you're in the battery settings, also turn on the Battery percentage toggle so you can always see the exact battery level in your status bar. 5 Use Clear Calling to reduce background noise Makes your voice clearer during calls The Google Pixel 9a comes with a solid lineup of AI features, including tools like Add Me in the Camera app and Circle to Search. But one of my personal favorites is Clear Calling. This feature helps remove background noise during phone calls, making conversations sound much clearer for both you and the person on the other end. Here's how to turn it on: Open Settings. Tap Sound and vibration. Scroll down and select Clear calling. Toggle it on. Close 4 Turn on Now Playing to identify songs Let your Pixel name that tune instantly Another Pixel-exclusive feature that you should be using is Now Playing. Google does offer the option to enable it during setup, but many people skip it and never get around to trying it. That's a shame, because Now Playing is easily one of the best features on Pixel phones. It automatically identifies songs playing around you, shows the track on your lock screen, and keeps a full history so you can revisit and play them later if you want. Here's how to enable it on your Pixel 9a: Head over to Settings. Tap Sound and vibration. Scroll down and select Now Playing, then toggle it on. Close From this screen, you can also set up notifications so you'll see a small alert when a song is identified. You can also add a shortcut to the home screen and choose a default music player. 3 Turn on Always On Display for quick info See time, battery, and notifications at a glance Always-on display is available on most Android smartphones these days, but Google has somewhat hidden it on its Pixel phones. If you miss enabling it during setup on your Pixel, you might not easily find it again. Fortunately, there's a quick way to enable always-on display on your Pixel 9a. Here's how to do it: Open Settings. Go to Display and touch. Tap Lock screen. Scroll down and enable Always show time and info. Close This is the always-on display toggle on the Pixel 9a. Now, when you lock your screen and put your phone down, it will show the time and other useful info like notifications, weather, and battery status on a dimly lit screen. 2 Customize lock screen shortcuts your way Quick access to the features you actually use While you're in the lock screen settings, another setting worth customizing is the lock screen shortcuts. By default, Pixel phones include a shortcut to the Google Home app, which honestly isn't as useful anymore with Google Home's decline. Thankfully, you can easily swap those shortcuts out for something more practical. Personally, I've set mine to Flashlight and Camera, and they've been way more useful. Here's how to customize them: Open Settings. Select Display and touch, then tap Lock screen. Close Tap Shortcuts. Choose the left and right shortcuts you want from the available options. Close 1 Use AI to generate new wallpapers Create fresh, personalized backgrounds with a tap One of the best new customization features on Pixel phones, including the Pixel 9a, is the ability to generate AI wallpapers. If you're someone who loves switching up their home screen but doesn't want to spend time hunting down the perfect image, you can let AI do the work for you. Here's how: Go to Settings. Select Wallpaper and style. Close Tap More wallpapers, then choose AI wallpaper. Browse through categories like terrain or textures, or tap Inspire me to generate a random one. Close Use your Google Pixel 9a like a pro The Pixel 9a, being a Google smartphone, comes packed with features right out of the box, and these are just a few of the key settings worth tweaking. There are plenty more you can explore, including options like Flip to Shhh, spam call filtering, and customizing your home screen theme that you can tweak to better suit your style and usage. Google Pixel 9a 9 / 10 The Google Pixel 9a ditches the camera visor design from the Pixel 8a, opting for a flatter back. It features a huge 6.3-inch display, which is brighter than the previous generation and is powered by the new Tensor G4 chipset. Google has also packed in the largest battery ever in a Pixel device. This might just be the best $500 smartphone we've seen yet in recent years . $500 at Google Store $500 at Amazon
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5 Reasons Why the Google Pixel 9a Is the Perfect Mid-Range Phone for Everyone
I've Used Google Pixel Phones for 8 Years: Here's Why I Keep Buying Them Quick Links Unmatched Camera for the Price First Access to New Android Features AI That Elevates Your Experience Minimalist Design With a Premium Aesthetic Future-Proofed With Timely Updates The Google Pixel 9a aims to strike the perfect balance between premium features and an accessible price point. It is the perfect phone for those seeking value without compromise. 1 Unmatched Camera for the Price Photography has long been Google's calling card, and the Pixel 9a continues that legacy by delivering a version of its flagship camera experience at a mid-range price. The Pixel 9a -- and Google's computational photography prowess -- proves that you don't need an expensive phone to take incredible shots. The Pixel 9a features a dual-camera system with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. This setup delivers exceptional photo quality, rivaling even some expensive smartphone models. Notably, the inclusion of Macro Focus, a first for the A-series, allows you to capture intricate details with stunning clarity. The Super Res Zoom feature is also great for capturing clear, close-up portraits from far away. Pixel phones shine in low-light photography, and the Pixel 9a packs an improved Night Sight mode capable of capturing crisp details and natural color tones. Unlike most mid-range competitors, which struggle with noise and motion blur, Google's computational photography algorithms compensate for lighting deficiencies to help shoot a well-lit, balanced image in low-light conditions. And, of course, there are Pixel's signature AI-powered features like Add Me and Best Take that enhance group photos by ensuring everyone looks great. Plus, Magic Editor provides versatile AI-powered editing and image manipulation options. Tools like Reimagine let you type what you'd like to add or modify from your photos, while Auto Frame lets you automatically reframe your photo, suggesting the best crop or expanding your image to get more of the scene. What truly sets the Pixel's camera experience apart is the consistency and reliability of its results. You don't need to be a photography expert to take great photos with a Pixel. The point-and-shoot simplicity, combined with Google's intelligent processing, ensures that the vast majority of your shots will be share-worthy. 2 First Access to New Android Features Pixel devices are always among the first to receive major Android OS updates, ensuring your phone is at the forefront of new features, enhanced security, and overall system improvements. However, the advantage extends beyond just the yearly Android upgrades. Pixel owners also benefit from Pixel-exclusive or Pixel-first experiences, called "Pixel Drops." Pixel Drops are periodic software updates that introduce new and unique features designed explicitly for Pixel devices. Pixel phones often serve as a testing ground for new Android capabilities and experimental features. These aren't just minor bug fixes or security patches, either. They are significant additions that enhance the functionality and user experience of the phone. Think of them as surprise gifts that keep your Pixel feeling fresh and exciting long after its initial release. Historically, Pixel Drops have introduced a diverse range of innovative features for the camera, battery, phone calls, AI, and more. Furthermore, Pixel Drops often introduce new customization options and quality-of-life improvements to the Android operating system. This could include new widgets, enhanced privacy controls, better integration with other Google services, and subtle but impactful refinements to the user interface. Owning a Pixel 9a means you'll likely be among the first to experience these new features that you might not see for months on other mid-range phones, if you see them at all. This continuous stream of new features and improvements adds significant value to the Pixel 9a, ensuring that it doesn't feel stagnant over time and continues to offer a cutting-edge experience. With Pixel Drops, your phone keeps getting better over time, automatically for seven years from launch. Related 8 Google Pixel Features You Won't Find on a Samsung Galaxy Phone Some of these features made me switch to a Google Pixel. Posts 3 AI That Elevates Your Experience If it's a 2025 device, it definitely has an AI pitch. Google's integration of its entire Gemini AI suite sets the Pixel 9a apart in this area. The Pixel 9a takes advantage of Google's Tensor chipset, which is designed for AI-powered optimizations rather than sheer processing speed. You can use Gemini Live for natural voice interactions, helping you learn more about a topic, brainstorm ideas, or serve as a creative or productive companion for everyday tasks. Plus, Gemini Live has become more versatile with multimodal capabilities -- Gemini Live can now talk you through the images, files, and videos you see on your Pixel. Additionally, Gemini's Deep Research helps you distill hours of research into comprehensive, easy-to-read reports in just minutes. The Pixel 9a leverages Google's advanced AI capabilities to offer a range of smart and intuitive features that enhance the user experience in meaningful ways, like Call Assist to take control of your calls, Circle to Search to seamlessly search anything on your Pixel without switching apps, and Pixel Studio to create unique AI images with text prompts. Of course, the camera is another area where AI plays a crucial role. Features like Magic Eraser allow you to seamlessly remove unwanted objects or people from your photos. Photo Unblur, which can sharpen blurry images, is another prime example of using AI in image processing. Beyond these specific features, Google's AI shenanigans also work behind the scenes to optimize the phone's performance and user experience (for example, Adaptive Battery learns your usage patterns and prioritizes power for the apps you use most frequently, helping to extend battery life throughout the day). The AI integration isn't just about having a few clever features. Google set out to create a more intelligent and helpful smartphone experience, and it succeeded. 4 Minimalist Design With a Premium Aesthetic The Pixel 9a deviates from the recent Pixel design language that made these devices stand out. It sheds the trademark camera bar, or camera visor as it's popularly called, that we've seen in the last few Pixel devices. Instead, Google has gone for a more minimalist aesthetic with a touch of premium flair. The refined design features a flat profile, rounded edges, and a matte glass back complemented by a metal frame. It's a well-built phone that's also aesthetically pleasing. I wasn't too kicked about the new streamlined camera design, but once I used the Pixel 9a, its modern design grew on me, and the phone feels great to hold and use. The design is both functional and stylish, and it's available in eclectic color variants catering to diverse style preferences. I quite like the periwinkle color accent that Google calls 'Iris', but you could opt for the more restrained black or white, called 'Obsidian' and 'Porcelain' respectively. It's good to know that the Pixel 9a is constructed using 23% recycled materials with a recycled aluminum frame, underscoring Google's commitment to sustainability. Google claims that the Pixel 9a is the most durable A-Series phone because of its updated designs and some advanced engineering. While I can't validate these claims personally without damaging my device, it's a neat assurance to have at the back of your mind. In a market where many mid-range phones opt for flashy or overly stylized designs, the Pixel 9a offers a refreshing alternative with its understated elegance and focus on usability. This design approach should appeal to a wide range of folks who appreciate a clean, modern aesthetic and a phone that feels premium without being ostentatious. 5 Future-Proofed With Timely Updates One of the most overlooked aspects of mid-range phones is long-term usability -- something the Pixel 9a excels at. As a Google device, the Pixel 9a offers you immediate access to the latest Android updates. Launching with Android 15, it comes with a promise of seven years of OS updates and security patches. While brands like Samsung also now offer updates for an extended period of time, these updates are often delayed and arrive months after the official launch. And that's for flagship smartphones. Most mid-range devices receive even longer delayed updates, or worse, they miss out entirely. This means that you experience the latest and greatest Android features for the longest time instead of waiting for manufacturer rollouts. This immediate access to the latest Android version offers several key benefits. Firstly, you're able to take advantage of the newest user interface enhancements, privacy controls, and performance improvements that Google introduces with each major Android release. This ensures that the phone feels modern throughout its lifespan and gives you bragging rights among your friends! Secondly, Pixel phones receive security patches on a regular basis, often monthly. This proactive approach to security saves your device from the latest threats and vulnerabilities. While other manufacturers may eventually roll out updates, the delay can sometimes leave you vulnerable for extended periods. This extended access to updates contributes to the longevity of the device -- the Pixel 9a will remain relevant and secure for years to come. This ensures that your phone will not only perform well out of the box but will also continue to evolve and improve over time. This is an important consideration for those who prefer not to upgrade their phone frequently. Related I've Used Google Pixel Phones for 8 Years: Here's Why I Keep Buying Them Google's Pixel phones offer an Android experience unlike any other. Posts The Pixel 9a stands out by offering features typically reserved for flagship models while maintaining an affordable price point. It delivers a comprehensive package that caters to a wide range of people while combining cutting-edge features, reliable performance, and thoughtful design. It's a phone that doesn't compromise on the features that matter most and is the perfect mid-range phone for those who refuse to settle for less.
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Google's latest mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 9a, offers flagship-level features, including advanced AI capabilities and an impressive camera system, at an accessible price point.
Google has officially released the Pixel 9a, its latest mid-range smartphone that packs a punch with advanced features typically found in higher-end devices. Priced at $500, the same as its predecessor, the Pixel 9a offers significant upgrades while maintaining an accessible price point 12.
The Pixel 9a boasts several hardware improvements over its predecessor. It features a slightly larger 6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, though this feature isn't enabled by default 1. The phone's peak brightness has been increased to 2700 nits, a substantial improvement for HDR content and outdoor visibility 1.
Perhaps the most notable hardware upgrade is the battery. The Pixel 9a comes with a 5,100 mAh battery, the largest ever in a Pixel phone 1. This enhancement promises extended usage time between charges, addressing a common pain point for smartphone users.
At the heart of the Pixel 9a's appeal is its integration of Google's Gemini AI suite. Powered by Google's Tensor chipset, the device offers a range of AI-driven features that enhance user experience 2:
The Pixel 9a continues Google's tradition of exceptional smartphone photography. It features a dual-camera system with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens 2. The device leverages Google's renowned computational photography algorithms to deliver high-quality images in various conditions.
Key camera features include:
The Pixel 9a ships with Android 15 out of the box and is set to receive timely updates for seven years from launch 12. This commitment to long-term support ensures the device remains secure and feature-rich throughout its lifespan.
Additionally, Pixel 9a users will benefit from "Pixel Drops," periodic software updates that introduce new and unique features specifically designed for Pixel devices 2. This ongoing enhancement adds significant value to the device over time.
Google has included several customizable features to improve user experience:
The Pixel 9a represents a significant step forward in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of advanced features, AI capabilities, and long-term support at an accessible price point. It stands as a testament to Google's commitment to bringing flagship-level experiences to a broader audience.
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