Google Unveils Pixel 9a: A Budget-Friendly Smartphone with Advanced AI Features

Google's Pixel 9a Is $499 and Undercuts the iPhone 16e

Battery life has historically been a weak point on Google's Pixel A-series phones, so Google has stuffed a 5,100-mAh cell into the Pixel 9a. That's the biggest battery capacity we've seen on a Pixel yet, and Google claims 30+ hours on a single charge. Also in tow is wireless charging, though it's still the basic Qi variant and not the new and improved Qi2. At the heart of the phone is the Tensor G4 processor, the very same that's inside the flagship Pixel 9 Pro series, with 8 GB of RAM. That should mean excellent performance, especially compared to what you'll find on other sub-$500 Android phones, not to mention 7 years of software support. This chip also drives many of the phone's artificial intelligence features, and allows the Pixel 9a to take advantage of all the same AI camera tricks introduced on the Pixel 9 smartphones in 2024. That includes Add Me, which lets the person taking the photo join in on the action by switching places with the subject. The software stitches two images so that both parties are in the same photo despite not standing next to each other at that precise moment. The Pixel 9a can also create a short astrophotography timelapse, and there's even Macro Focus, which enables a macro mode via the main camera to take crisp photos of objects up close, like insects or plants. The camera system is driven by a revamped 48-megapixel primary camera joined by a 13-MP ultrawide, and a 13-MP selfie camera. Naturally, Google is touting all of its Gemini AI features in this phone, one of which is a new addition announced at Mobile World Congress a few weeks ago and rolling out soon -- live video in Gemini Live conversations. This lets you ask Gemini anything about the subject you're looking at through the phone's camera, powered by the company's Astra technology (though this feature is limited to people on Google's Gemini Advanced subscription). Also new, but not strictly only available on the Pixel 9a, is the ability to generate images of people in the Pixel Studio app. This was a self-imposed restriction Google had before but now it's gone, though it has kept certain guardrails on what you can generate. Lastly, if you're moving over from another phone like an iPhone, you can bring your audio recordings with you and the Google Recorder app will automatically transcribe them. One less barrier to transition. In the Android world, the Pixel 9a is competing against Nothing's latest Phone (3a) series, which costs a little less. Nothing's devices lack some capabilities -- like no wireless charging and not as powerful performance -- but they also have some perks, like the 3X optical telephoto camera. Samsung also recently announced a midrange phone, the Galaxy A56 for $500, though it's not arriving until later this year. We'll update this story when Google shares a precise preorder and release date for the Pixel 9a.

The Pixel 9A's New Design Might Raise Eyebrows, but the Price Is Right

Patrick's play The Cowboy is included in the Best American Short Plays 2011-12 anthology. He co-wrote and starred in the short film Baden Krunk that won the Best Wisconsin Short Film award at the Milwaukee Short Film Festival. The newly announced Google Pixel 9A has big shoes to fill. The affordable phone is the follow-up to one of my favorite phones from 2024, the Pixel 8A, which earned a CNET Editors' Choice Award. With the Pixel 8A, Google found a sweet spot in terms of features, battery life, long-term software support and overall value. Fortunately, on paper, the Pixel 9A seems like an upgrade in nearly every way to last year's Pixel 8A. But the Pixel 9A faces added pressure, as its launch comes on the heels of Apple's "affordable" phone, the $599 iPhone 16E. The new iPhone, while being the cheapest one Apple sells, is still well beyond the $500 sweet spot that the best affordable phones manage to hit. Fortunately, Google didn't follow Apple and kept the Pixel 9A's price at $499, which puts it more in reach for people with a tighter budget, especially as US tariffs take hold and drive the cost of goods higher. I used the Pixel 9A for about half an hour and was impressed with its build (it feels incredibly solid) and aspects of its new design. I genuinely like that the Pixel 9A's back is nearly completely flat. However, the phone lacks the distinctive camera bar found on the rest of the Pixel 9 series, diminishing some of the Pixel 9A's Pixel-ness, at least in appearance. Otherwise, on the screen and under the hood, it's as Pixel as they come. The Pixel 9A will be available at the Google Store and at retailers beginning in April. Pixel 9A design The Pixel 9A looks different from recent Pixel A models. Like the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, the Pixel 9A has flat sides instead of the curved ones on the Pixel 8A. But Google's design approach to the Pixel 9A challenges the boundaries of minimalism. The back of the phone is almost completely flat, with the camera bump sticking out just a hair. When I run my fingertip across the back, my nail catches on the lip of the camera bump, but not by much. The Pixel 9A is a rarity in 2025: It can lay completely flat on a table or desk. It doesn't wobble, though the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro with a camera bar don't wobble either. But the Pixel 9A's flat design takes things to the next level. And I am all-in on the Pixel 9A's flat design. But the lack of a camera bar seems like a bit of a miss, as I had always found it visually striking on previous Google phones. The bar helped distinguish the Pixel from other brands' handsets. And while most people will hardly ever see the Pixel 9A in its birthday suit, instead opting to clothe it in a case, the Pixel 9A looks more generic than eye-catching. In the tug-of-war between form and function, Google went for function and, as a result, says the Pixel 9A is the most durable Pixel A device it has made. The back is made from 81% recycled plastic. I know some people will roll their eyes because of the plastic, but it looks good and still felt solid when I picked it up, and it likely helps keep the cost down. The phone has an IP68 rating for water dust resistance (compared with the Pixel 8A's IP67 rating), meaning it can be submerged in water as deep as 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The Pixel 9A is available in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, peony and iris. In person, I really liked the iris color. The Pixel 9A has a 6.3-inch display encapsulated in a body nearly identical (it's a skosh taller) to the Pixel 8A, which had a 6.1-inch display. The display's peak brightness is 1,800 nits, which is a step down from the 8A's screen, which could hit 2,000 nits. So it'll be interesting to see how its screen looks outdoors, especially under some bright California sunlight. Aside from max brightness, the screen seems identical to the one on the regular Pixel 9. Pixel 9A camera In terms of photography, the Pixel 9A has a 48-megapixel main camera and a 13-megapixel ultrawide. The new main camera supports Google's Macro Focus, which means you can get close to your subject -- think like a food photo -- and have it be in focus. In fact, Google accomplishes this with the main camera instead of using the ultrawide camera like many other phones do. As for resolution, the Pixel 9A's 48-megapixel main camera is a step down from the 64-megapixel main camera on the Pixel 8A. But more megapixels isn't necessarily better, as Google proved for years leaning on its software to boost its photography over other phones with higher-megapixel cameras. Also, the Pixel 9A has a smorgasbord of AI goodies found on the more expensive Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, such as Best Take for better portraits, Photo Unblur, Magic Editor for removing distractions, Night Sight for low-light photos and more. The 9A even has Add Me, which uses AR and AI to let photographers add themselves to a group photo. I've used Add Me on my Pixel 9 Pro several times and am always impressed with the results. Previous Pixel A phones have always had a solid B camera that exceeded its price. I don't think the Pixel 9A's shooters will be as good as the ones on the Pixel 9 or 9 Pro, but I'm excited to see how they hold up, especially with the new 48-megapixel sensor. Pixel 9A performance and battery The Pixel 9A runs on Google's Tensor G4 chip, the same one found in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. That means it can support Google AI features and Gemini. Notably, the Pixel 9A comes with 8GB of RAM instead of the 12GB found on the Pixel 9 and the 16GB on the 9 Pro. But even with less RAM, Google guarantees the Pixel 9A will receive seven years of major Android OS and security updates (it comes out of the box running Android 15). While the Tensor G4 chip didn't win any awards for its performance in benchmark tests for computations or graphics, we found it plenty capable when we tested it in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Whether it was playing games, mindlessly scrolling news and social feeds, or just editing a photo, the G4 chip consistently performed well in everyday use. I hope the same will be true when I get to test the Pixel 9A. In terms of power, Google says that the Pixel 9A has the largest battery of any Pixel A device. When I saw the battery's capacity listed as 5,100 mAh, I double-checked that I wasn't reading the specs for Samsung's new Galaxy A phones announced at MWC. Technically, the Pixel 9A's battery is bigger than that of any in Samsung's new phones, including the $1,300 Galaxy S25 Ultra. Pixel 9A final thoughts for now In terms of everything else, the Pixel 9A has all the Pixel features you'd expect: everything from theft protection and Family Link (for limiting access and sharing) to Google services like Gmail and Maps. Surprisingly, the new phone doesn't get Satellite SOS connectivity like the rest of the Pixel 9 line, but compromises always have to be made to help keep the price down. The Pixel 9A comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, three months of Google One, three months of YouTube Premium and six months of FitBit Premium. I look forward to spending more time testing the Pixel 9A for a full review, once I can get my hands on it.

Is the Pixel 9A a Good Choice for You? Here's What to Consider

The Pixel 9A is $300 cheaper than the baseline Pixel 9 and, therefore, scales back a bit when it comes to features like cameras and RAM. But it also maintains other attributes like display size, processor and AI features -- and even touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier Pixel counterparts. So is the Pixel 9A a good fit for you? Here's everything to consider. Camera and AI considerations Being able to take good photos is usually a top priority when buying a new phone since, for most people, their phone is their only camera. The Pixel 9A has two cameras on the back: a 48-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel ultrawide, along with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. That places the 9A's rear camera specs below those on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but megapixels aren't the only factor in getting quality shots. (You can check out the spec chart below to see how the cameras compare on these phones.) The Pixel 9A's camera supports Macro Focus, meaning you can get closer to your subject -- like if you're snapping a close-up of your delicious meal -- and have it be in crisp focus. With the 9A, Google uses the main camera to enable Macro Focus instead of the ultrawide camera, as with many other phones. What's perhaps most notable about the Pixel 9A is the suite of AI editing tools you'll still have access to, even with that lower price. Features like Magic Editor can help clean up your shots and alter backgrounds, Best Take creates an image where everyone in a group photo looks their best, and Add Me employs AI and augmented reality to incorporate the photographer in the final image. For people who are curious about the myriad AI features companies are bombarding us with, the Pixel 9A can be a good device for dipping your toes in those waters, hopefully without feeling inundated -- and without shelling out too much cash to see what all the buzz is about. I find photo editing tools among the best uses of AI because they eliminate the need for pricey software and let you touch up photos directly on your device, with no special skills needed. But if you would rather venture deeper into AI territory, the 9A's still got you covered. You'll have access to Gemini to help with tasks like writing, brainstorming and carrying out actions across apps. You'll also get Circle to Search so you can learn more about whatever's on your screen -- a feature upon which I've become heavily reliant. Those features are great because they feel like a natural way to ease into AI since they're so deeply integrated into your device and seamless to use. With AI being a staple of almost every new phone, tapping into those capabilities without breaking the bank can be an enticing option for someone who still isn't sure what the big deal is -- and then see if the Pixel 9A changes their mind. For those who hold onto their phones While carriers may expect you to upgrade your phone every two years, manufacturers like Google and Samsung have extended the window for software and security upgrades on their phones to seven years. That applies to lower-priced phones like the Pixel 9A as well, giving budget-conscious consumers even more reason to feel like they've scored a deal. Not buying a flagship device can also mean feeling less susceptible to the pressures of upgrades. It's typically more premium phones -- usually with minor tweaks -- that are aggressively pushed onto those keen to purchase the latest tech. If simply having a phone with key features is all that matters, then the Pixel 9A can be a good way to dodge all that noise. This can also make the Pixel 9A a good option for kids, who probably don't need the flashiest devices. Features like Family Link allow parents to manage privacy settings, screen time limits and location sharing, and they can also silence notifications and disable apps during school hours. The Pixel 9A packs the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro but has 8GB of RAM instead of the 12GB and 16GB you'll get on those premium phones. That should still be more than enough for everyday use, like scrolling through social media, snapping photos and browsing the web. If you're a heavy mobile gamer, 8GB of RAM might not be ideal, but it won't be an issue for most people. The Pixel 9A's 6.3-inch OLED display matches up with what you'll get on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, so you don't have to scale back your viewing experience -- especially with a 60Hz to 120Hz variable refresh rate that should make scrolling seamless. And with a 5,100-mAh battery, the Pixel 9A should be able to last you throughout the day. Like the iPhone 16E, the Pixel 9A actually touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier peers, which each have a 4,700-mAh battery. That can also help you feel like you're getting the most bang for your buck. What you won't get with this phone is the Pixel 9's Satellite SOS feature, which uses satellites to contact emergency services when you're out of range of a cell signal or Wi-Fi. But if you don't often find yourself in places without cell service, like on a remote hiking trail, then you hopefully shouldn't feel its absence. With all that in mind, if you have last year's Pixel 8A, there's probably not enough reason to upgrade to the 9A, as they share many of the same features, specs and AI capabilities. But if you've got a Pixel 7A and want to tap into some newer AI features, the 9A might be enticing. Similarly, if you have a Pixel 6A or older, you could see a noticeable improvement in the 9A's camera, battery life and overall performance. And if you'd rather hang tight to your phone and keep stretching your dollar, more power to you.

Google's budget-friendly Pixel 9a is finally here, and it comes with a bold new look

While it hasn't been too long since 2025 started, it's clearly been a good (yet competitive) year for affordable smartphones. Exactly one month after the launch of Apple's budget-friendly phone, the iPhone 16e, Google has finally launched the Pixel 9a. At first glance, the Pixel 9a definitely looks promising, and might as well just win this round, fair and square. Google's Pixel 9a starts at $499 The Google Pixel 9a is powered by Google's "most efficient" processor yet, the Google Tensor G4, the same chip that powers the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Compared to previous Pixel A designs, it features a fresh look, quite similar to the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. It ditches the Pixel 8a's curved sides in favor of rounded edges and also gets rid of the horizontal camera bar, which I'm definitely a fan of. The Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch Actua display, which is slightly larger than the Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch display. Google also claims it is 35% brighter than its predecessor, with 2700 nits of peak brightness, and has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The Pixel 9a also boasts the best battery life ever seen on a Pixel device, lasting 30 hours, and over 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled. The Pixel 9a may be a mid-range smartphone, but that doesn't mean it compromises on camera quality. The company claims it has the best camera you'll find in a $500 smartphone, featuring a 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 48MP main camera. While its predecessor had a 64MP main camera, the Pixel 9a has a wider aperture, which should theoretically improve image quality. This is also the first time the Pixel A series features Macro Focus, meaning you no longer need one of the more expensive models to take close-up shots with stunning detail. Image Credit: Google While this will come as no surprise to anyone, the Pixel 9a also comes with plenty of AI-powered features. The device includes Add Me, first introduced with the Pixel 9 series, which combines two group photos into one so no one is left out. It also features Best Take, Magic Editor with Auto Frame, Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, and more. You'll also get access to non-photography AI features like Circle to Search. Plus, it comes with Gemini built-in and will support Gemini Live. The Pixel 9a comes in four colors: Peony, Iris, Porcelain, and Obsidian. Similar to the Pixel 8a, the device will get seven years of OS and security updates, along with Pixel Drops. The base model starts at just $499 for 128GB of storage and goes up to $599 for 256GB. For reference, the iPhone 16e's base model starts at $599, so this is definitely a steal in my eyes! The Pixel 9a will be available for purchase starting in April through the Google Store and Google's retail partners.

The Google Pixel 9a might be the new midrange smartphone king

It has dual cameras, a Tensor G4 chip and access to all of Google's AI features for $499. A couple of weeks ago, Apple released a more affordable take on its flagship handsets with the iPhone 16e. But now Google is hitting back with the Pixel 9a and from what I've seen, it looks like a way better deal. From the front, the 9a looks a lot like the standard Pixel 9. Its screen is the same size at 6.3 inches across, while also offering a 120Hz refresh rate and a surprisingly strong 2,700 nits of peak brightness. On the inside, the 9a packs a Tensor G4 chip, just like you get on its more expensive siblings, along with other handy features including an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and Google's standard seven years of OS updates, feature drops and security patches. But Google did something a bit surprising by giving the 9a a 5,100mAh battery, which is technically the biggest power pack in any member of the Pixel 9 family. That includes the Pixel 9 Pro XL (5,060mAh), though only by just a tiny bit. Regardless, Google says this gives the 9a the best longevity of any Pixel on sale today. If you flip the phone around, there are some other changes such as a new iris purple hue, which joins the existing peony, porcelain and obsidian color options. But the thing that jumps out the most is the lack of a camera bar, which has been present on practically all of Google's phones dating back to the Pixel 6. Instead, you get a simple window that sits almost flush against the back of the device -- a window which Google says was inspired by the shape of a water drop. Unfortunately, you don't get a dedicated optical zoom (though it does support up to 8x digital SuperRes zoom). There is a 48MP main sensor that is similar, but slightly different to the one used on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and a 13MP sensor for its ultra-wide cam. The 9a also includes a built-in AI macro focus feature so you can get really close to things, on top of support for tons of Pixel-specific camera tools like Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor and more. Notably, because it's powered by the Tensor G4, the 9a has access to all of the same AI features available on the rest of the Pixel 9 line. This includes Gemini Live Video, the Pixel Recorder app, and Pixel Studio not to mention security and safety offerings like Google VPN, car crash detection and so on. Sadly, I only had a brief time with the phone so we weren't able to test out many of its new features. Google seems to be feeling pretty confident about this phone, with the company saying that it will have the best cameras on any handset under $500. That's a pretty big claim, but it's not entirely outlandish as Google's camera processing has been top-notch for quite some time. And with a starting price of $499, the Pixel 9a is skating in right under that line. So what's the catch -- all this for $300 less than a regular Pixel 9? From what I've seen so far, the biggest differences between the standard Pixel 9 and the 9a are that Google hasn't improved the latter's 23-watt wired or 7.5-watt wireless charging speeds, both of which are rather slow compared to a full-priced flagship. You also get less RAM, with the 9a featuring 8GB instead of 12GB. And while the 9a has Gorilla Glass covering its screen in front, around back there's a plastic panel made from around 85 percent recycled materials. But again, for three Benjamins less than the standard model, those are compromises I'm mostly willing to put up with. The Google Pixel 9a will be available sometime in April starting at $499 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (the 256GB model is an optional upgrade). Purchases include free three-month subscriptions for Google One and YouTube Premium along with a six-month trial for Fitbit Premium.

The Pixel 9a Is Official: Here Are 7 Things You Should Know

After the typical cycle of leaks and rumors, the Google Pixel 9a is finally official. This phone is packed with more features than you'd expect, and it comes at a price that won't break the bank. The Pixel 9a has a brand new design for the Pixel lineup, high-end camera features, and, of course, a healthy serving of Gemini AI features. There's a lot to like about the Pixel 9a, but here are a few of the most important things to know. 1 The Pixel 9a Doesn't Look Like Other Pixels Close For several years, Google's familiar look for the Pixel lineup has been a horizontal edge-to-edge "camera bar" on the back. The Pixel 9 series changes this slightly by switching to a pill-shaped bar, but the Pixel 9a changes it up even more. The camera bar has been removed completely in favor of a more traditional-looking flush dual camera setup. It still reads "Pixel," but it marks a new direction for Google's design. The phone is made with recycled materials, including a recycled aluminum frame and 81% recycled plastic back cover. As for the display, the Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch pOLED Actua display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 1080 x 2424 resolution. The display also has a 60-120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and up to 2700 nits peak brightness. 2 High-End Cameras at a Low Price The Pixel line-whether it's the main series or the A-series-is known for its camera performance. So, the Pixel 9a comes with a dual rear camera system: a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera. The main camera can capture small details with the "Macro Focus" feature, which is coming over from the main Pixel series for the first time. Another camera feature that's making its debut on the A-series is "Astrophotography." This is a special mode for capturing the stars and anything else you might want to see in the night sky. Rounding out the camera system, there's a 13MP camera on the front for selfies. 3 The Most Durable A-Series Phone Yet Google claims the Pixel 9a is the most durable A-series phone it's made, and the specs seem to back that up. With a metal frame and improved IP68 dust and water resistance, it's in line with most high-end phones we see today. While it may not have the top-of-the-line Gorilla Glass, the display is still scratch-resistant. "Cheap" phones tend not to age well, so these are very nice upgrades. 4 It Has the Largest Battery in the A-Series Google hasn't skimped on performance and battery life, either. The Pixel 9a has a 5100mAh battery, which is the biggest the A-Series has seen. Google claims it can last over 30 hours with medium usage and over 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver Mode. It also has Fast Charging and wireless charging. Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor and the Titan M2 security coprocessor-both the same as the Pixel 9 series. It comes with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. 5 Yes, It Has AI Features, Too As you would expect, there are plenty of AI features to talk about, too. Magic Editor can reframe your photo, suggest the best crop, and even expand your image. "Reimagine" in Magic Editor lets you give your photos a new look by simply tapping the part you want to change and typing what you want to see. The Pixel 9a also features Gemini, of course. You can start Gemini by pressing and holding the power button from anywhere. Gemini can help you find information and take action across your Google apps, like pulling party details from Gmail and suggesting nearby florists in Maps. You can also chat with Gemini or use Gemini Live for natural, free-flowing conversations. 6 It Will Get 7 Years of Android Updates As with all recent Pixel phones, the Pixel 9a launches with Android 15 and will receive 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. Pixel Drops bring new features to your phone automatically, so it keeps getting better over time. This is one of the best reasons to buy a Pixel phone-A-Seires or otherwise. You can continue to use it safely for many years. 7 Pixel 9a Pricing & Availability The Pixel 9a is priced under $500 and it's available in four colors: Iris, Peony, Porcelain, and Obsidian. With your purchase, you get three months of Google One, three months of YouTube Premium, and six months of Fitbit Premium. The Pixel 9a is available in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, France, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Australia, Japan, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

Google Pixel 9a launches -- price, specs and all the new features

Competition among the best cheap phones is heating up, with phone makers as large as Samsung and as newly established as Nothing competing to produce the best phone under $500. But at that price, it's hard to ignore Google and its Pixel A series, especially now that a new version has just been announced. Google launched the Pixel 9a today (March 19), with the follow-up to the Pixel 8a promising everything you've come to expect from Google's midrange offering. The new phone adopts the same silicon introduced with last fall's Pixel 9 lineup, meaning the same AI-powered features are now available in a phone that costs much less. That includes photo-editing tools, while the best camera phone under $500 also adds a new macro capability. A less expected change is a new look for Google's phones that gets rid of the horizontal camera bar marking recent Google phones. And a bigger battery looks to tackle one of consistent complaints about Google's phones since the switch to Tensor chips -- their ability to last a long time on a charge. We've got a Google Pixel 9a hands-on based on our time with the phone, but here's a rundown of the new specs and features Google is introducing with the Pixel 9a. Prices on phones have been inching upward, and Google hasn't been immune to that. Just last fall, the starting price on the company's flagship phone went up by $100 as the Pixel 9 now starts at $799. With the Pixel 9a adopting many of the Pixel 9's features, there as some concern that the midrange phone's price might also go up. Those fears haven't materialized. The Pixel 9a starts at the same $499 as the Pixel 8a in the U.S., with that version of the phone offering 128GB of storage. Google also sells a 256GB version for $599. In the U.K., the Pixel 9a will start at £499 while the phone will cost AU$849. Those prices are also unchanged from the Pixel 8a. Unlike previous launches, the Pixel 9a is not available for pre-order. Instead, the phone will go on sale in April, Google says. The most visible change on the Pixel 9a appears when you flip the phone around. The camera bar you may have become accustomed to with recent models is gone, with the rear cameras housed in a pill-shaped array on the left side of the phone. Even more significantly, Google has tried to make the lenses as flush against the back of the phone as possible. Google promises other design changes, too, with the Pixel 9a. The phone now offers IP68 water resistance, an upgrade from the IP67 rating on the Pixel 8a that means the new phone can survive a deeper plunge in water. There's also an emphasis on sustainability. The Pixel 9a uses 81% recycled plastic, the most ever on an A Series phone, according to Google. The frame is made entirely out of recycled aluminum. As for the display, the 6.3-inch screen is slightly larger than the 6.1-inch panel used by the Pixel 8a. It should be brighter, too, with Google promising 2,700 nits of peak brightness. The Pixel 8a topped out at 2,000 nits. You can choose from four colors with the Pixel 9a -- mainstays like Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white) are joined by Peony and Iris. The former is a pink color first introduced with the Pixel 9, while the latter is a more purple shade. If you followed last fall's Pixel 9 launch, you'll be familiar with the new AI capabilities brought to the Pixel 9a with the addition of the Tensor G4 system-on-chip. But if you're not, you can expect a host of new features, with many of the biggest ones geared toward image creation and editing. The Pixel 9a will support Add Me, a feature Google unveiled last fall that lets you insert yourself into a group photo even if you're the one taking it. With Add Me, you snap two photos -- one with the main group and another one that you're in with augmented reality-based prompts showing you where to stand. Add Me then combines the two images into one. Another Pixel 9 feature, Pixel Studio, also appears on the Pixel 9a. This is Google's image creation tool, where you can use text prompts to create an illustration. A recent Pixel feature drop added the ability to create images featuring people, and that's supported on the Pixel 9a as well. As you'd imagine, Google Gemini is part of the AI feature mix on the Pixel 9a. The chatbot is present throughout the phone, whether it's finding event details from a Gmail message or taking action based on what's on your screen, like texting restaurant details to a contact. The Pixel 9a also supports Gemini Live for more natural conversations with the assistant. Unlike the Pixel 9 Pro models, though, there's no Gemini Advanced subscription included with your Pixel 9a purchase. One other AI-powered feature on board the Pixel 9a deserves highlighting. Call Notes takes advantage of your Pixel's ability to record a phone call and transcribe that recording. The feature can then produce an auto-generated summary of the call, which can be handy to review talking points from a conference call with colleagues or details from a conversation with a service provider. The Pixel 9a is shifting to a 48MP sensor for its main camera, compared to 64MP for the Pixel 8a. But don't think of this as a downgrade, as the new main camera has a wider aperture that lets in more light. That should improve photos, particularly when the light is low. As before, the Pixel 9a will feature a 13MP ultrawide lens as part of its rear camera setup. Google is making other improvements, too. After not offering a macro feature on previous Pixel A series models, the Pixel 9a now offers a Macro Focus feature; you can also record 4K video in Macro Focus. Astrophotography support is now part of the Pixel 9a, too. Up front, a 13MP selfie cam completes the camera setup on the Pixel 9a. As noted, the Pixel 9a runs on Google's Tensor G4 chipset. We'll need to test the new phone to see how it performs, but we'd imagine results will be in line with the numbers we saw from the Pixel 9. That's not going to challenge the kind of muscle you get from flagship phones powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple A18 silicon, but it should improve upon the numbers posted by the Tensor G3-powered Pixel 8a. And that should also compare well with midrange phones running on more modest silicon. A bigger performance change involves the battery inside the Pixel 9a. Google says it's turned to a 5,100 mAh power pack, which is quite the upgrade from the 4,492 mAh cell inside the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 8a did all right on our custom battery test, in which phones surf the web over a cellular connection until they run out of power. When we tested the Pixel 8a last year, it beat the average smartphone by a little more than an hour. We're hoping to see bigger gains from the Pixel 9a, thanks to both the larger battery and the improved power efficiency of the Tensor G4 chip. When it comes to charging, the Pixel 9a supports 23W wired charging, though Google says that's based on use with a Google 45W USB-C Charger. Wireless charging remains at 7.5W. As with the Pixel 8a, Google will offer seven years of software support for the Pixel 9a, which includes Pixel feature drops as well as security updates. That means your sub-$500 phone will still be getting the latest features from Google through 2032. Google continues to set the standard for supporting budget Android devices. Samsung's midrange Galaxy A phones, including the $499 Galaxy A56, just saw their support extended to six generations of Android updates along with six years of security releases. Nothing's recent Nothing Phone 3a also gets six years of security updates but only three years of Android support. Google has earned a strong reputation for delivering a lot of value in its Pixel A phones, particularly when it comes to AI features and camera performance. We're looking forward to seeing if the Pixel 9a maintains that tradition of delivering more for less.

Google Pixel 9a launch LIVE: Everything you need to know

Google has announced its new budget phone and we've got hands-on impressions Google just released the Pixel 9a. And if you're looking for a phone that packs in plenty of features for a low price, you're going to want to take notice of this new midrange model. As with its predecessors, the marquee features for the Pixel 9a include its AI capabilities and its cameras. But Google has also introduced a new design for the Pixel 9a (no more camera bar!) and included a much larger battery. More important, Google made all these changes without a price hike. The Pixel 9a starts at the same $499 as the Pixel 8a did when it arrived last year. At a glance, here's what you need to know about the Pixel 9a.

7 ways Google Pixel 9a beats the iPhone 16e

It was just a month ago when Apple announced the iPhone 16e, the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE 2022. Even though it's the cheapest new iPhone you can buy right now, it seems like Google's stealing its thunder with the announcement of the Pixel 9a. These mid-range phones match up nicely against one another, but there are clearly ways the Pixel 9a beats the iPhone 16e. No, it's not just the $100 price difference between them, which I'll explain in greater detail below. Even though This one's easy because I was really shocked by the $599 cost of the iPhone 16e. That's a big markup over the previous $429 cost of the iPhone SE 2022, so for Google to come out and keep the Pixel 9a at $499 is a big deal. This $100 difference between the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e is substantial, which you'll find out in all the other reasons below. However, the additional savings means that I could buy the Pixel 9a plus a case and a wireless charger for less than the cost of the iPhone 16e. One of my biggest gripes about the iPhone 16e is that it has only a single rear camera. I think it's a little ridiculous for a phone in 2025 because the vast majority have a dual camera setup at the very least. This is another reason why the Pixel 9a beats the iPhone 16e because its 48MP main camera is paired with a 13MP ultrawide one. Even though most people rely on the main camera for the majority of things, the ultrawide camera simply gives the Pixel 9a added utility -- to capture wider landscape scenes or get more people in a group shot. Did I mention that the cameras are also nearly flush? Not only does the Pixel 9a have the larger 6.3-inch pOLED display, but it also has the better 120Hz refresh rate, too. This makes it more suitable for a bunch of things, like watching my favorite shows while on the go or playing games, but the refresh rate is more important because of how it makes things look more fluid. The iPhone 16e's 6.1-inch OLED still looks nice on its own, but its 60Hz refresh rate doesn't compare to the smoother looks I see on the Pixel 9a. I'm still on the fence about the Pixel 9a's new design, which features rear cameras that are almost flush to the surface. However, another reason why the Pixel 9a beats the iPhone 16e is that it offers more color options. The iPhone 16e is only available in white and black, which the Pixel 9a is too, but it's supplemented by two color options: peony and iris. These are vibrant tones that pop, which I absolutely adore because it adds a bit of charm to the Pixel 9a's design. I understand that people end up buying cases, but it's still nice having color options to choose from. Phones are getting more expensive than ever before, which is why I hold onto my devices for much longer. The Pixel 9a wins for the fact that Google pledges 7 years of software updates, whereas the iPhone 16e gets 5 years. Paired with its cheaper cost, I cannot tell you enough about the value that the Pixel 9a presents. I've tested many of the Google AI features on the Pixel 9a on other phones, like my Pixel 9 Pro XL, and I will say that I find them much more practical than any of the Apple Intelligence features of the iPhone 16e. Sure, they do share similar AI features, like their own blend of AI-assisted writing tools and image generators, but the Pixel 9a has a much more robust package. I've put Google's Magic Editor and Apple's Clean Up to the test and found Google is better at removing unwanted stuff in my photos. There's also Circle to Search and Visual Intelligence, which I again prefer Google's version to search stuff on my phone or with the camera. Another specific feature I really like on the Pixel 9a is Call Screen, which uses Google Assistant to screen phone calls on my behalf. Apple doesn't have anything remotely close to it.

Google Says New Pixel 9a Phone Delivers 'the Best Camera Under $500'

Google announced its latest affordable A-series smartphone, the Google Pixel 9a. The new phone promises many of the same features as Google's standard 9-series smartphones and an upgraded main camera. The $500 Google Pixel 9a features a fresh new look with a sleeker, flat profile and rounded edges. The device includes an upgraded 6.3-inch Actua display that is the brightest yet on an A-series phone at 2,700 nits, a 35% improvement over the Google Pixel 8a. The screen also features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9a is Google's most durable A-series smartphone yet. It has a metal frame and improved IP68 dust and water resistance. It also has the largest battery in an A-series smartphone, promising over 30 hours of power. For photographers seeking an affordable smartphone, the Pixel 9a promises significant improvements over its predecessor. In fact, Google claims the Pixel 9a has "the best camera under $500." The phone has a 48-megapixel main camera and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera. Apple's new 16e smartphone, which is $600, also features a 48-megapixel main camera although it lacks an ultrawide camera altogether. More specifically, the main camera is a 48-megapixel Quad PD Dual Pixel module with a Type 1/2 image sensor and f/1.7 aperture. The 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera has a relatively small Tyep 1/3.1 image sensor, an f/2.2 aperture, and a 120-degree field of view. Rounding out the cameras is a 13-megapixel self-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture and 96.1-degree field of view. Google does not specify this camera's sensor size, although it is a safe bet that it's small. AI is a significant emphasis for Google, and that also applies to the camera system. The Pixel 9a features AI-powered Super Res Zoom (up to 8x), Add Me, and more. The smartphone features a Macro Focus Photo mode, Night Sight, Astrophotography, Portrait, Panorama, and Long Exposure modes. There are also AI-powered photo editing features like Magic Editor, Auto Frame, Reimagine, Magic Eraser, Best Take, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light. When it comes to video, the Google Pixel 9a can use either of its rear cameras to record 4K video at up to 60p and 4K/30p video using its self-facing camera. The phone supports Audio Magic Eraser, Cinematic Pan, slow-motion recording up to 240 frames per second, timelapse, and more. The Google Pixel 9a starts at $499 and comes in four colorways: Peony, Iris, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Google Pixel 9a announced: Specs, price, release date, preorder details

Google introduces a new Pixel phone for under $500, the Pixel 9a. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Just over six months after Google launched the new Pixel 9 generation of Android smartphones, a new model has joined the lineup. On Wednesday, Google announced the Pixel 9a. What is the Pixel 9a and where does it place among the other Pixel 9 devices? Let's break down everything you need to know about Google's latest Pixel phone. Pixel 9a price The Pixel 9a fits in as the most affordable of the Pixel 9 devices, which sets it up as an entry-level phone below the base Pixel 9 model. The Pixel 9a retails at $499, which makes it $300 less than the Pixel 9, the previous lowest costing current generation Pixel device. Pixel 9a specs: Everything you need to know Don't let the price difference between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 fool you. Google has packed the Pixel 9a with plenty of power. In fact, the Pixel 9a is powered by the same Google Tensor G4 processor that you'll find inside the Pixel 9. This is the same processor that was created specifically for Google's intensive AI capabilities, so you'll find all of the Pixel 9's AI features in the Pixel 9a, including Magic Edit and Gemini AI Assistant. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch scratch-resistant Actua display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass. When it comes to memory, the Pixel 9a has 8GB of RAM and provides two different storage options, 128 GB or 256 GB. Storage size isn't the only option you'll have to choose from when buying a Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9a comes in 4 different colors: Iris, Peony, Porcelain, and Obsidian. With over 30 hours of battery life and 7 years of guaranteed Pixel updates, the Pixel 9a is built to last. When it comes to the rear cameras, the Pixel 9a has a 48 MP main camera and 13 MP ultrawide camera. But, there's even more that sets Pixel 9a's cameras apart from the rest. So long, camera bump One of the most interesting features of the Google Pixel 9a isn't what it has, but what it doesn't. The Pixel 9a has a flat back design, meaning no camera bump. The Pixel 9a is the only Pixel phone to sport a flat back profile. In fact, the Pixel 9a doesn't have the now-classic Pixel camera bar either. Instead, the back of the device is flat with the cameras found within a rounded water droplet-like design on the upper left hand side of the Pixel 9a. Without the camera bump, the Pixel 9a is unique not only among other Pixel phones but other smartphones as well. Pixel 9a release date, preorder info Interested in a Google Pixel 9a? Pre-orders start now, March 19th, so get your order in now if you want the new Pixel 9a on launch day. The Google Pixel 9a will officially hit stores on March 26.

The Google Pixel 9a is here with a startling new look

The Google Pixel 9a is here and it has a brand new look, some new features, a tempting price, and a very tough time ahead of it. The curvy shape of the Google Pixel 8a has gone, replaced by a flat rear panel and flat sides. Not only that, but the iconic Pixel visor-style camera module has disappeared too, and the two cameras have been integrated into the back of the phone. That's right, there's no camera bump at all, making it look very unusual in 2025. Whether you already miss the best design Google has ever come up with on its phones will be down to your personal taste, but if you get the Pixel 9a in the right color, it'll still make a statement. Along with the ordinary Porcelain and Obsidian (white and black to you and me) models, there are two eye-catching versions: the purple Iris and the red-pink Peony. The Pixel 9a has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, the rear is made from plastic, and the chassis is aluminum. Recommended Videos On the front is a 6.3-inch Actua Display screen with a 1080 x 2424 pixels resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a higher peak brightness than the Pixel 8a at 2,700 nits. The phone has Google's Tensor G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and the option of either 128GB or 256GB of storage space. Android 15 is installed, and Google will deliver seven years of software and security updates, plus it's regular Pixel Drop updates too. The camera features an upgraded 48-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and 8x Super Res Zoom, plus a 13MP wide-angle camera, and for the first time on an A-Series Pixel phone, there's a Macro Focus mode and Timelapse for Astrophotography feature. Google's Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, and Magic Eraser AI features are also all onboard, plus Audio Magic Eraser and Macro Focus for video too. Please enable Javascript to view this content As you'd expect, Google Gemini is onboard with features including Circle to Search, the Pixel Studio image generator, and Call Assist. Gemini Live will be available on the Pixel 9a in the future. Google services like its theft protection, car crash detection, Find My Device, and Google VPN are also all part of the Pixel 9a. Other hardware features include a 5,100mAh battery for around 30 hours of use on a single charge, and an optical fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 9a is available to order today for $499 or 499 British pounds, and will be released at the beginning of April with the exact date still to be confirmed. It joins the Google Pixel 9, the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which were all released towards the end of 2024. Why does it face a hard time? It has some serious competition in 2025 from the Nothing Phone 3a, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, the Samsung Galaxy A56, the OnePlus 13R, and the Apple iPhone 16e which are all available for around the same price. We'll find put soon of the Pixel 9a can compete.

5 reasons Google's Pixel 9a is a victory lap around the iPhone 16e

The Google Pixel 9a is great news for users and bad news for Apple's iPhone 16e Google unveiled its latest phone this week: the budget-friendly Pixel 9a. On paper, it seems like a great deal. The Pixel 9a packs a lot of value into its $499 price tag, including a 6.3-inch Actua display, over 30 hours of battery life, a 48 MP wide/13MP ultrawide dual camera, 4K video, and Google's Gemini AI suite. It even outperforms the flagship Google Pixel 9 in some areas, like battery life, despite costing $300 less. If you're looking for a new midrange or budget phone, the Pixel 9a could be one of the best options. This is excellent news for anyone looking for a cheaper device. Unfortunately for Apple, it could be the last nail in the coffin of the iPhone 16e. Pixels have always been among the iPhone's toughest rivals, second only to Samsung. The Pixel 9a is an especially formidable competitor because it's arriving just weeks after Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, the replacement for its budget-friendly iPhone SE. There are 5 reasons why the Google Pixel 9A is a better choice than the Apple iPhone 16e for many people. 1. It's the money While the iPhone 16e may have taken the iPhone SE's spot in Apple's lineup, it didn't inherit the SE's low price. The 16e starts at $599, over $100 more than the iPhone SE, and features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, a single 48MP Fusion camera, 4K video, and up to 26 hours of battery life. There are some similarities between the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e. Still, the few differences stand out even more, considering that the iPhone 16e costs $100 more and lacks the full Apple Intelligence features that Apple promised at WWDC 2024. 2. There's better AI While Google's Gemini assistant has been widely available for months, Apple's critical Siri update remains bogged down by delays pushing its release back to 2026 or potentially even later. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a has fully featured AI assistant available right now (instead of a year or two from now). 3. Better camera For $100 less, the Pixel 9a delivers a better camera system, with a 13-megapixel camera instead of the 12 megapixels in the iPhone 16e. 4. Better battery life The Pixel 9a has up to 30 hours of battery life compared to the 26 hours in the Apple iPhone 16e. 5. More color options Pixel 9a comes in obsidian, porcelain, and peony. (Or black, off-white, pink, and light blue.) Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e comes in black or white. You're not sacrificing much at all by choosing the Pixel 9a over the flagship Pixel 9, which is a real testament to how much Google values its budget and midrange users. In contrast, the iPhone 16e seems overpriced when placed side-by-side with the Pixel 9a. The lack of a proper dual camera setup is an especially glaring drawback and one of the biggest sacrifices you make by choosing the 16e over the flagship iPhone 16. Unless you're dead set on getting a new iPhone, the Pixel 9a is a far better deal than the 16e and a major win for Google in the budget and midrange market. Google's timing for launching the Pixel 9a couldn't have been better. The phone arrived just as Apple was seemingly abandoning the budget market entirely, making Google's latest phone look even better. It begs the question, is Apple's move to leave its budget users behind a huge mistake? The tide has already seemed to turn against Apple lately, particularly in AI. With a Siri overhaul potentially years behind, one would think Apple would want to appeal to as wide a user base as possible. Appealing to budget users who might not mind missing out on AI features to save a little money could have potentially won over some people. However, now those budget users are left to wonder why they would bother paying more for the "budget" iPhone 16e when they can get more features on the less expensive Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9a isn't the only great alternative, either! Other Android phones, like the Nothing Phone 3a or 3a Pro, offer better value at a lower price. Apple may be betting on software to maintain the iPhone user base, including little things like the infamous blue bubbles. Unfortunately, as AI becomes a core part of smartphone software features, Apple's hold in that area may start to slip away. Only time will tell how Apple's decision to abandon budget users impacts its dominance in the phone market. However, if Apple's lead depends on rolling out its Siri update, Tim Cook's team may be in trouble.

Pixel 9a: The latest A-series phone with Google AI smarts at an unbeatable value

Pixel 9a is coming soon! Powered by our fastest, most efficient chip yet, Google Tensor G4, Pixel 9a comes with everything you expect from our Pixel 9 series -- complete with a sleek redesign, upgraded main camera and Gemini built in. At just $499, Pixel 9a brings value, helpfulness and AI smarts that are hard to beat. Pixel 9a has a fresh look, featuring a sleek, flat profile, rounded edges and an upgraded 6.3-inch Actua display. That's the brightest display on an A-series ever -- 35% brighter than Pixel 8a at 2700 nits -- and a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate for a smoother, more vibrant experience.

The Pixel 9a Finally Ditches the Camera Bar

Google's next Pixel phone, the Pixel 9a, has finally been announced. And for the first time in a Pixel since 2020's Pixel 5, it ditches the camera bar. It's also, as expected, a little cheaper and comes with a few additional AI tricks not available on the Pixel 8a, but really, it's the new look that's the biggest surprise here. That's because the 9a, unlike the 8a before it, really doesn't look much like the Pixel 9 or 9 Pro. Dimensions are roughly equivalent to the standard Pixel 9 (although it is a little more lightweight at 6.6 oz vs. 7 oz) and the screen has almost pound-for-pound the same specs except for a halved contrast ratio, but people familiar with the past half-decade of Pixel phones might not realize it's even part of the same family at first. Without the camera bar, the Pixel 9a instead looks much more like an iPhone than arguably even a Samsung Galaxy, with two rear lenses in the top-left corner inside a small ovular black bump next to a flash. This makes for a much thinner and flatter profile overall, even if the body itself hasn't changed much, and I'm excited to both get my hands on it and see how the cases turn out. I've never loved the camera bar, but this has me considering the Pixel again. As for the specs on those cameras, they're part of a trend of internal specs that don't really compare well to either the Pixel 9 or the Pixel 8a. The rear camera lenses are 48MP and 13MP, respectively, while the front is 13MP, although the various aperture details and field-of-view settings don't cleanly map onto an existing Google phone. I'm also curious to see how shots turn out once I get my hands on this phone. Similarly, another detail that doesn't have an outright comparison with an existing Google phone is battery life, which Google promises is 30+ hours on the Pixel 9a, a little longer than on either the 8a or the Pixel 9. RAM and storage is equal to the 8a at 8GB and a starting value of 128GB, respectively, although the processor has been bumped up to the Google Tensor G4, the same as on the Pixel 9. All of that adds up to make for a unique release with what could have simply been a pared-down Pixel 9, perhaps giving you additional reasons to get it over its more expensive cousin than simply saving a few dollars. That said, even with the lower cost, which is $500 vs. the Pixel 9's $800, Google is promising some extra software here than on the Pixel 8a. These include a Macro Focus mode and unique Pixel AI features like Add Me (which can put you into shots you weren't present for, albeit with mixed results). While you'll get the usual options for black, white, and pink, there's also a new purple color, which hearkens back to the Pixel 8's light blue color that I missed so much on the base Pixel 9. All in all, it's shaping up to be a surprisingly exciting release for an A-series model, and I'm hoping it's a hint at bigger things in store for the Pixel 10 when it inevitably comes out later this fall. An official release date is still TBA, so keep an eye on this space for more down the line.

Here's How the Pixel 9a Stacks Up Against the iPhone 16e

The most affordable iPhone, or the most affordable Pixel? Which one is right for you? Google's Pixel 9a comes in $100 cheaper than the iPhone 16e, and has many AI features and specs from its flagship big brother, the Pixel 9. And it's a similar story with the iPhone 16e. The Pixel 9a starts shipping in April, while the iPhone 16e is out already (and we've already compared it with Samsung's mid-range lineup). But, as always, the devil is in the details. Here's how Google's new Pixel 9a compares to the iPhone 16e. Both the iPhone 16e and the Pixel 9a have a similar design language. They have flat sides, flat fronts, and rounded edges. And unlike its flagship counterpart, the Pixel 9a does not feature a camera bump. This is a big departure for the Pixel line, but it does make it look more like an iPhone. On the front, the iPhone features a notch-style display instead of the Dynamic Island found on the flagship iPhones. The Pixel 9a, comparatively, has a circular cutout at the top for the front-facing camera. The Pixel 9a weighs 6.6 ounces, while the iPhone 16e is ever so slightly lighter at 5.9 ounces. The iPhone 16e only comes in Black or White, but the Pixel 9a comes in four different color options: Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony, and Iris. The Peony color is the light-pink option, while the Iris color looks like a mix of purple and lavender. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch OLED screen (2,424 by 1,080 pixels), supports variable refresh rate (between 60-120Hz), and has a max brightness of 2700 nits (1800 nits typical brightness). The iPhone 16e on the other hand a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display with a nearly identical resolution (2,532 by 1,170 pixels), and offers a fixed 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 1200 nits (800 nits typical brightness). On paper, it seems like the Pixel is out in the lead here, offering a high-refresh rate display that's slightly bigger, sharper, and much brighter than the iPhone. Both the iPhone 16e and Pixel 9a run on chips made by the same company, and are featured in their flagship counterparts. The iPhone 16e features an Apple A18 chip (minus one GPU core) that's found in the iPhone 16 series, while the Pixel 9a uses Google's Tensor G4 chip, same as the Pixel 9. Both devices feature 8GB RAM, which is a downgrade from the flagship. While the Pixel 9a benchmark scores aren't out yet, we can use the Pixel 9 as a comparison, as both devices share the same chip. In Geekbench, Pixel 9 scored 1,657 in single-core performance and 4,060 in multi-core performance. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, score 2,706 in single-core testing and 7,942 in multi-core testing. Based on raw numbers, it looks like the iPhone 16e's performance is far better than Pixel 9a's. Both devices should be plenty fast for day-to-day use, but the extra headroom from the A18 processor bodes well for iPhone 16e's longevity. The iPhone 16e famously has a single camera setup with a single 48MP lens at the rear, while the Pixel 9a has a 48MP ( f/1.7) wide-angle lens and an additional 13MP ( f/2.2) ultra-wide sensor. Apple's sensor lets in more light, however, which should make low-light photography better. Both devices capture 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second. The iPhone also has options for 24 and 25 frames per second. iPhone and Pixels are generally good at photography, and each have their own slightly different look that largely comes down to computational postprocessing. Both devices also come with their own AI photo editing features, although it's uncertain which will be more useful until the Pixel 9a releases. Both phones go big on battery life. Google has put in a massive 5,100 mAh battery in the Pixel 9a and is promising over 30 hours of battery life. The iPhone 16e, meanwhile, features a 4,004 mAh battery, and Apple says it has the largest battery life of any iPhone, promising 26 hours of offline video, or 21 hours of streaming video. In real life testing, PCMag found that the iPhone 16e lasted 21 hours and 39 minutes in a battery benchmark test, although Pixel 9a tests are still a question mark. With the Pixel 9a, you clearly get more for less. Google's budget phone starts at $499 for 128GB storage, and the upgrade to 256GB only costs $559. On the other hand, the iPhone 16e starts at $599 for 128GB, and goes up to $699 for 256GB, or $899 for 512GB. Although, it's worth reiterating that the iPhone 16e is available to purchase right now, while the Pixel 9a will start shipping sometime in April 2025. Your choice starts with the ecosystem. If you want a smartphone to work well with your Mac, the iPhone 16e might be the default choice for you. The same goes for Pixel 9a if you really want an Android phone. If you want the best AI features, the Pixel 9a might have an edge. It comes with Gemini Nano built-in, and the Gemini app adds support for AI features like Gemini Live, AI photo editing, and more. Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16e also supports AI features like Writing Tools, photo Clean Up, and more, but the AI-enhanced Siri largely isn't out yet. As for hardware, if you want a phone that will last for a longer time, the iPhone 16e's slightly stronger chip is a better bet. However, the Pixel 9a is the value for money pick. Not only is the base model $100 cheaper, the 256GB version is $140 cheaper than the iPhone 16e.

Google Pixel 9a Official at $499 With Tensor G4, New Look to Match...

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. The new phone from Google is here and it is indeed the Pixel 9a, a device that has been on our radar for months at this point. Made with Gemini in mind and an update design, this phone should slide right into the Pixel 9 series from the end of 2024 as the budget option for those needing the Pixel experience without the "Pro" price. Starting at $499, you can get into a Pixel 9a with 128GB of storage. Thankfully, like with the Pixel 8a, Google is once again giving us an upgrade to 256GB storage ($599), since the number of years of support here might make the phone worth keeping around for a while, which would mean you need all of the storage you can start with. The story here isn't about storage, though, and is instead about the Pixel 9a being powered by Tensor G4 and bringing your the AI experience you should find on the more expensive Pixel 9 series. You'll have access to Gemini out of the box, including Gemini Live. Aside from the AI stuff, the Pixel 9a is equipped with a 6.3'' display that refreshes up to 120Hz, has 8GB RAM, a large 5100mAh battery with both wired and wireless charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a metal frame with a flatter design to match the other Pixel 9 models. While it may lack the camera bar of the other Pixel 9 devices, this still meets the design language and will slot right in next to the others. You get a dual rear camera setup here that is led by a 48MP main wide lens, along with a 13MP ultra wide sensor. You'll find Macro Focus for the first time in an A-Series phone, all of the fun editing tools from other Pixel phones (like Add Me, best Take, Magic Editor, etc.), and Google's excellent Night Sight with Astrophotography (another first for the A-Series). For software, the Pixel 9a runs Android 15 out of the box and will see 7 years of security, OS, and Pixel Feature Drop updates. The 9a also offers spam and scam protection, access to Pixel Studio to create AI imagery, and basically the rest of the software you'll find on the other Pixel 9 models. Pixel 9a Specs (Official): The Pixel 9a comes in four colors (Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony) and will launch in April. There is no pre-order at this time.

Pixel 9a brings flagship-grade AI photography to a $499 budget phone

Alphabet Inc.'s Google has launched a redesigned budget Pixel phone, the Pixel 9a, priced at $499, just weeks after Apple Inc.'s iPhone 16e debuted at $599. The Pixel 9a, announced on Wednesday, will be available in stores starting in April. This new model comes with several upgrades, including a more efficient chip, improved battery life, and a refreshed design that mirrors the look of the higher-end Pixel 9 released last year. The Pixel G4 processor replaces the previous Tensor G3, marking the debut of the company's fourth-generation processor in the Pixel lineup. With a 6.3-inch display, the Pixel 9a features a screen that is slightly larger than the Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch screen and boasts a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, a substantial increase from the 2,000 nits limit of the 8a. The camera system includes a new 48-megapixel main sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, while introducing macro focus capabilities. Despite the reduction in megapixels from the Pixel 8a's 64-megapixel sensor, Google asserts that the camera system has been enhanced to allow greater light intake. The Pixel 9a's battery life has also improved; it now offers over 30 hours from a single charge, up from 24 hours on the previous model. Users can activate a battery-saving mode that extends the device's standby time to as long as 100 hours, surpassing the prior claim of 72 hours. The new smartphone will be available in four color options: black, white, light blue, and pink, with storage configurations of 128 gigabytes at the base price of $499, and 256 gigabytes for $599. The device also benefits from enhanced water and dust resistance, escalating its rating from IP67 to IP68. We compare the iPhone 16e, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and iPhone SE 3 Google highlights that the Pixel 9a will include advanced AI photography features like "Add Me" for combining photos, "Best Take" for selecting optimum facial expressions, and "Magic Editor." Functions such as "Magic Eraser," "Night Sight," and "Astrophotography" will also be available. Additionally, the Pixel 9a is equipped with Gemini, Google's personal AI assistant, facilitating seamless interactions with various Google applications, including Maps and Calendar. Future enhancements will allow Gemini Live to support voice interaction and video sharing capabilities, adding versatility to the experience. The phone's security features match those of the higher-end Pixel models, and it includes tools such as "Car Crash Detection" and "Theft Protection." It also incorporates Google VPN as a complimentary feature. For families, the Pixel 9a offers Google Family Link for managing children's accounts and the newly integrated Google Wallet for kids, facilitating safer transactions. The launch of the Pixel 9a aims to compete directly with Apple's iPhone 16e within the affordable smartphone market, as both devices present similar specifications alongside unique features distinguishing Google's offerings, particularly in camera technology.

Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: should you go mid-range or mainstream? | Stuff

We pitch the new mid-range Pixel 9a against the current base-level flagship Pixel 9 to see which is better value The Pixel 9a is the latest addition to Google's long-running A-series range, which continue to be some of the best smartphones around as far as bang per buck is concerned. But with the Pixel 9 sitting just above it in the line-up, might it be worth spending a little extra? Both phones offer top-tier features, bright OLED screens, and Google's Gemini AI smarts, as well as an impressive seven years of software support. They even share the same Tensor G4 chip at their core. But there are still a few key differences that might help you decide which one to buy. Here, we take a closer look at how the Pixel 9a compares to the Pixel 9, and help you figure out which Pixel phone is right for you. While we've reviewed the Pixel 9, everything about the Pixel 9a is based on specs. At first glance, it's not easy to tell the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 apart. Both phones share a flat-edge design with rounded corners, making them easier to grip than the curved edges seen on older Pixels. The 9a uses a composite material for its rear panel, giving it a matte finish that's resistant to fingerprints, while the Pixel 9 opts for a more premium polished glass rear. While the 9a is lighter, the Pixel 9's extra heft gives it a more solid, luxurious feel. The two phones also handle durability differently: while both have Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, only the Pixel 9 has it on the back as well. The camera housing is another area of difference. The Pixel 9a ditches the camera bar that has been a Pixel signature since the Pixel 6, replacing it with a more discreet, oval-shaped bump. The Pixel 9, meanwhile, sticks with a pill-shaped bar that stretches across the top of the phone. Both phones feature 6.3in Actua OLED displays, but they're not identical. The Pixel 9a's screen matches the Pixel 9's peak brightness of 2700 nits, which is plenty bright for outdoor use and a big step up from last year's 8a. You also get a 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate on both handsets, ensuring smooth scrolling and energy efficiency when you're just viewing static content. Where the Pixel 9 wins out is colour calibration and sharpness. Its slightly higher quality panel gives it the edge when you're streaming HDR content or playing games. Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, which is rare at this price point. That makes the Pixel 9a particularly impressive, bringing high-end protection to a more affordable device. Both phones are powered by Google's latest Tensor G4 chipset, which means you're getting the same core performance whether you opt for the Pixel 9a or Pixel 9. Everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, and watching videos run effortlessly on both devices, and both support Google's Gemini AI features. The G4 also brings faster app launches and better power efficiency compared to the previous Tensor G3 chip. Where things differ is memory. The Pixel 9a comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 9 bumps this up to 12GB. That extra headroom makes the Pixel 9 a better choice for anyone who frequently multitasks between demanding apps, such as photo editors or games. Storage options are otherwise similar: both phones offer 128GB and 256GB versions, with no option for microSD expansion. Both the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 run Android 15 out of the box and come with Google's promise of seven years of OS upgrades and security patches. That's industry-leading support and ensures either phone will stay secure and up to date well into the 2030s. Google's Gemini AI tools are available on both handsets, including Circle to Search, Gemini Live, Magic Editor, and Pixel Studio for generative image creation. The AI features don't differ much between the two models, so you won't miss out by choosing the cheaper 9a. Google's Pixel phones have built a reputation for excellent cameras, and neither of these phones disappoints on the hardware front. The Pixel 9a features a 48MP main camera with an f/1.7 aperture and optical image stabilisation, alongside a 13MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 9, meanwhile, keeps the same 50MP main sensor from the Pixel 8, paired with a higher resolution 48MP ultrawide lens that supports macro focus. The Pixel 9's macro mode gives it an edge for close-up shots, and its higher-res ultrawide sensor captures more detail. Super Res Zoom gets you up to 8x closer on the Pixel 9a, but the Pixel 9's image processing at higher zoom levels should produce sharper results. Both phones support 4K video recording, although the Pixel 9 lets you shoot 4K at 60fps on both the rear and front cameras, compared to 4K/30fps on the Pixel 9a's selfie cam. The AI-powered editing tools are present on both devices, including Magic Editor, Best Take, and Add Me, which lets you jump into group photos even after they've been taken. If you're looking for creative flexibility, both phones deliver, but the Pixel 9's more advanced hardware offers slightly better results. The Pixel 9a packs a surprisingly large 5100mAh battery - even bigger than the Pixel 9 Pro - and Google claims it can deliver over 30 hours of normal use or up to 100 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode. That's an impressive figure for a mid-range phone and makes the 9a one of the longest-lasting Pixel phones you can buy right now, at least on paper. The Pixel 9, by comparison, has a 4650mAh battery. While it's smaller, the more efficient hardware and extra RAM help keep power usage low. In practice, you'll still get all-day battery life from the Pixel 9, but it doesn't quite match the endurance of the 9a. Both phones support 45W wired charging, promising a 50% top-up in about 30 minutes with the right charger. They also both offer wireless charging, although Qi2 magnetic charging isn't supported on either model. If you rely on wireless top-ups, they'll work just fine, but they won't be as fast or as convenient as Qi2-equipped devices like the Pixel 9 Pro. With the Pixel 9a starting at $499/£499 and the Pixel 9 at $799/£799, the price gap between these two phones is substantial. But in everyday use, the differences look to be fairly minor. The Pixel 9a delivers nearly everything that makes the Pixel 9 great: a bright OLED screen, Google's latest AI tools, and excellent cameras. It should even outlast the Pixel 9 on battery life, and for hundreds less. The Pixel 9 does justify its premium with better camera hardware, more RAM for smoother multitasking, and a glass design that feels more premium in hand. If you're after the best Pixel experience and can afford the extra spend, the Pixel 9 is the one to go for. But if you're budget-conscious or just want the best value for money, the Pixel 9a looks hard to beat.

Google Pixel 9a launched with Tensor G4 chip. Check price, features and availability

Google has launched the Pixel 9a at ₹49,999, featuring a Tensor G4 chip, redesigned look, upgraded camera, and built-in Gemini AI. It has a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, IP68 durability, and 30+ hours of battery life. The 48MP dual rear camera introduces Macro Focus and AI-powered tools like Magic Editor and Best Take. The device offers seven years of updates and advanced security features. Google has announced the Pixel 9a, powered by the Tensor G4 chip, featuring a redesigned look, upgraded camera, and integrated Gemini AI, priced at Rs 49,999. The phone will be available in April through retail partners. Buyers can get a Rs 3,000 cashback and 24-month no-cost EMI with select banking and financing partners, including HDFC Bank, IDFC Bank, and Bajaj Finserv. The Pixel 9a features a sleek flat design with rounded edges and a 6.3-inch Actua display. It's the brightest A-series display yet -- 35% brighter than the Pixel 8a at 2700 nits -- with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Available in Iris, Porcelain, and Obsidian. Pixel 9a offers over 30 hours of battery life, extending to 100+ hours with Extreme Battery Saver. It has upgraded IP68 water and dust resistance, making it the most durable A-series phone yet. The device also gets seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drops updates. Pixel 9a features an upgraded dual rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor and 13MP ultrawide lens. Macro Focus debuts on the A-series for detailed close-ups. AI-powered photography tools include Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor with Auto Frame, and Reimagine. Other features include Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Astrophotography, and Panorama with Night Sight. Pixel 9a comes with built-in Gemini AI, offering assistance across Google apps like Maps, Calendar, and YouTube. Gemini Live enables conversational interactions, with future updates bringing video and screen-sharing capabilities via Gemini Advanced. Pixel 9a includes AI-powered features like Circle to Search and Pixel Studio. It shares the same high-security features as the Pixel 9 series, including Car Crash Detection, Theft Detection, and live location sharing via Find My Device. Pixel 9a is designed as a great first phone for kids, featuring simplified onboarding and Google Family Link integration. Parents can manage screen time, app usage, and enable School Time to limit phone access during school hours.

Pixel 9a: Google's new A-series phone offers AI capabilities and value By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is set to release the Pixel 9a, the latest addition to its A-series phones. The new model, powered by Google's fastest and most efficient chip, the Google Tensor G4, boasts a sleek redesign, an upgraded main camera, and built-in Gemini AI. Priced at $499, the Pixel 9a offers a range of features and capabilities that provide excellent value. The Pixel 9a sports a fresh design with a flat profile, rounded edges, and an upgraded 6.3-inch Actua display, making it the brightest A-series display to date. The display is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8a, with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate for a vibrant viewing experience. The phone is available in two new colors, Peony and Iris, as well as Porcelain and Obsidian. The Pixel 9a also features a best-in-class camera for phones under $500, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos. The upgraded dual rear camera system includes a 13MP ultrawide camera and a 48MP main camera. The phone also introduces Macro (BCBA:BMAm) Focus to the A-series, enabling detailed close-up shots. The Pixel 9a also comes with AI-powered photography features like Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Astrophotography, and the new Panorama with Night Sight. The Pixel 9a has a battery life of over 30 hours, and over 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver, making it the Pixel with the longest battery life currently available. The phone also comes with seven years of OS updates, security updates, and Pixel Drops. It has an upgraded IP68 water and dust resistance, making it the most durable A-series phone yet. The Pixel 9a is the only smartphone line under $500 to feature the Gemini Nano. With Gemini built-in, the phone's AI assistant can help with a range of tasks and works with Google apps like Maps, Calendar, and YouTube. The phone also includes access to Gemini Live, which enables voice interaction with Gemini, and soon, Gemini Advanced subscribers will have video- and screen-sharing capabilities with Gemini Live. The Pixel 9a also includes features like Circle to Search, Pixel Studio, and Call Assist features. The phone has the same highest-rated security features as the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, and includes a built-in VPN by Google at no extra cost. Users can also use Find My Device to share their live location with friends and family. The Pixel 9a also offers features aimed at young users. Google Family Link allows parents and guardians to manage a child's account and devices. The School Time feature reduces distractions by limiting phone functionality and silencing notifications during school hours. Google Wallet for kids, which allows safer, more convenient payments in stores with Google Pay, is also rolling out on the Pixel 9a in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland. The Pixel 9a, priced at $499, will be available at the Google Store and through retail partners starting in April.

Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Changes that are not immediately visible

The Google Pixel 9a refines the A-series with a brighter display, better battery life, subtle design tweaks, and AI-powered camera features, making it a worthy successor to the Pixel 8a. Google's Pixel A-series has always aimed to balance affordability with premium features, and the Pixel 9a takes that philosophy even further. While its design and core specifications suggest a minor upgrade over the Pixel 8a, there are several hidden improvements that make it a compelling choice for those considering an upgrade. A refined design with subtle improvements At first glance, the Pixel 9a might not seem drastically different, but Google has made important refinements to its design. The most noticeable change is the removal of the iconic camera bar, giving the phone a sleeker, more uniform appearance. Additionally, the IP rating has been upgraded from IP67 to IP68, meaning better resistance against dust and water. A brighter and more efficient display One of the biggest under-the-radar upgrades is the new pOLED display, which replaces the standard OLED panel on the Pixel 8a. This change allows the Pixel 9a to maintain the same 8.9mm thickness while housing a larger battery. The screen is also significantly brighter, with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits compared to the Pixel 8a's 2,000 nits. Performance and battery life improvements While both devices feature 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a introduces the Tensor G4 chipset, offering slightly improved efficiency and AI capabilities. The most tangible benefit, however, is a 13.5% increase in battery capacity, extending usage by up to six hours in normal conditions and even more in Extreme Battery Saver mode. Camera optimizations and new AI tools Despite the lower megapixel count of its main sensor (48MP vs. 64MP in the 8a), the Pixel 9a delivers better autofocus and low-light performance. It also introduces new AI-backed camera features like Macro Focus and Astrophotography mode, enhancing creative possibilities for users. Conclusion: Is the upgrade worth it? The Pixel 9a refines rather than reinvents, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize battery life, display quality, and subtle performance gains. While existing Pixel 8a users may not need an immediate upgrade, those coming from older models will find plenty of meaningful enhancements.

Google Pixel 9a with bigger display, upgraded camera launched in India: Check price, availability here

Google has officially launched the Pixel 9a in India, bringing its latest A-series smartphone packed with AI capabilities, a bigger display and an upgraded camera system, all at a more accessible price point than the flagship Pixel 9 (review) series, and last year's Pixel 8a (review). Google has positioned the Pixel 9a as its most durable A-series phone yet, featuring a metal frame and improved IP68 water and dust resistance, over the IP67-rated Pixel 8a. The Pixel 9a is available in three colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, and Iris. The Pixel 9a features a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and Full HD+ (1080 x 2424 pixels) resolution at 422.2 PPI. The 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling, while the scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers protection against daily wear. Google claims the display delivers brightness levels of up to 1800 nits for HDR content and peaks at 2700 nits, ensuring better sunlight legibility over the 8a. The Pixel 9a's dual rear camera system features a 48MP main camera paired with a 13MP ultrawide lens. It also includes Macro Focus capabilities for capturing details up close. The Night Sight feature, a Pixel favourite, enables low-light photography, while Astrophotography mode, another first for the A-series, allows users to capture star-filled skies and even short clips of the stars. Other standout camera features that trickle down from the flagship Pixel 9 lineup include: The Pixel 9a is powered by the Tensor G4 processor, the same as the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro phones, and has Google's Gemini AI assistant built directly into the device. Users can press and hold the power button to access Gemini, which helps with writing, planning, and learning on the go. The assistant can extract information from Gmail invitations and suggest relevant locations in Maps. For those who prefer voice interaction, Gemini Live enables natural, flowing conversations that can follow along even when users change topics mid-sentence. The Pixel 9a launches with Android 15 and comes with Google's promise of seven years of OS, security updates, and Pixel Drops from launch. This extended support means the 9a will remain relevant and secure through 2032. The battery life on the Pixel 9a also gets an upgrade to 5,000mAh with Google promising over 30 hours of use. Security features include the Titan M2 security coprocessor, Google VPN at no extra cost, and theft protection that automatically locks the device if suspicious activity is detected. The Pixel 9a comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage options to choose from. It is priced starting at Rs 49,999 for the base 128GB variant and Rs 56,999 for the 256GB variant. It will go on sale in April across offline and online stores.