Battery life has traditionally been a weak level on Google’s Pixel A-series telephones, so Google has stuffed a 5,100-mAh cell into the Pixel 9a. That is the largest battery capability we have seen on a Pixel but, and Google claims 30-plus hours on a single cost. Additionally in tow is wi-fi charging, although it is nonetheless the essential Qi variant and never the new and improved Qi2.
On the coronary heart of the telephone is the Tensor G4 processor, the exact same that is contained in the flagship Pixel 9 Professional sequence, with 8 GB of RAM. That ought to imply wonderful efficiency, particularly in comparison with what you will discover on different sub-$500 Android telephones, to not point out 7 years of software program assist. This chip additionally drives most of the telephone’s synthetic intelligence options, and permits the Pixel 9a to reap the benefits of all the identical AI digicam tips launched on the Pixel 9 smartphones in 2024.
That features Add Me, which lets the particular person taking the picture take part on the motion by switching locations with the topic. The software program stitches two photos in order that each events are in the identical picture regardless of not standing subsequent to one another at that exact second. The Pixel 9a may also create a brief astrophotography timelapse, and there is even Macro Focus, which allows a macro mode through the primary digicam to take crisp photographs of objects up shut, like bugs or vegetation. The digicam system is pushed by a revamped 48-megapixel main digicam joined by a 13-MP ultrawide, and a 13-MP selfie digicam.
{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Brenda-Stolyar.jpg){kind=tracking}
{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar
Naturally, Google is touting all of its Gemini AI options on this telephone, one in every of which is a brand new addition introduced at Cell World Congress just a few weeks in the past and rolling out quickly—dwell video in Gemini Reside conversations. This allows you to ask Gemini something in regards to the topic you’re by the telephone’s digicam, powered by the corporate’s Astra expertise (although this function is restricted to individuals on Google’s Gemini Superior subscription).
Additionally new, however not strictly solely accessible on the Pixel 9a, is the flexibility to generate photos of individuals within the Pixel Studio app. This was a self-imposed restriction Google had earlier than however now it’s gone, although it has stored sure guardrails on what you may generate. Lastly, should you’re transferring over from one other telephone like an iPhone, you may deliver your audio recordings with you and the Google Recorder app will robotically transcribe them. One much less barrier to transition.
Within the Android world, the Pixel 9a is competing in opposition to Nothing’s newest Cellphone (3a) sequence, which prices rather less. Nothing’s units lack some capabilities—like no wi-fi charging and never as highly effective efficiency—however additionally they have some perks, just like the 3X optical telephoto digicam. Samsung additionally not too long ago introduced a midrange telephone, the Galaxy A56 for $500, although it isn’t arriving till later this yr.
We’ll replace this story when Google shares a exact preorder and launch date for the Pixel 9a.
