Google's Pixel 9a serves as a dependable ally, guiding users through the realm of artificial intelligence
Google has released the latest addition to its mid-tier smartphone series, the Pixel 9a. This device offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, and is poised to deliver a polished and capable experience at an affordable price point.
Key Improvements
The Pixel 9a boasts a larger 6.3-inch OLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing fluidity and visual experience compared to the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch OLED also at 120Hz but smaller. The device is powered by the newer Tensor G4 chip, providing better performance and AI capabilities over the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a. This underpins faster app handling and enhanced AI features such as Magic Editor and Call Screen.
The Pixel 9a sports a 48 MP main camera with a bigger sensor and brighter lens, improving photo quality, especially in low light, compared to the Pixel 8a’s lower-spec camera setup. It also retains a 13MP ultrawide camera. Reviewers note the camera is preferred over the 8a and competitive with some flagship phones.
In terms of battery life, the Pixel 9a offers a generous 5100 mAh battery, though charging speed is slow at 23W. It also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, slightly better than its predecessor.
Additional Features
The Pixel 9a comes with a range of additional features to enhance the user experience. These include Google's latest stock Android with advanced AI-powered software features found in the Pixel 9 flagship series, and benefits from extended software support of up to seven years, a substantial boost over typical midrange phones.
Google offers a three-month subscription to Google One cloud storage with the Pixel 9a purchase, and provides ad-free YouTube premium for a limited time. The device also comes with a six-month subscription to Fitbit Premium content.
Design and Durability
The Pixel 9a is available in new colorways: Iris, Peony, Porcelain, and Obsidian. The camera bump on the Pixel 9a is smoother and less prominent than on its pricier siblings, making for a sleeker design. The device is eligible for seven years of "Pixel Drops," software and security updates, ensuring it remains secure and up-to-date.
Approximately a quarter of the Pixel 9a’s mass is made up of recycled plastic and aluminum, reflecting Google's commitment to sustainability.
Price and Availability
The Pixel 9a is priced at £499, making it an accessible option for many consumers. The device is eligible for Google's "Trade-In" programme, allowing users to trade in their old devices for a discount on the Pixel 9a.
In summary, the Pixel 9a is a meaningful upgrade over the Pixel 8a with improvements in display size, processor power, camera quality, battery, build quality, and software features, making it a more polished and capable midrange phone option. It's not just a device, but part of Google's ongoing efforts to conquer various domains.
The Pixel 9a, nestled within Google's mid-tier smartphone series, boasts an enhancement in technology, featuring a 6.3-inch OLED screen, a superior Tensor G4 chip, and a 48 MP main camera, all of which outperform the Pixel 8a's specifications. This device also showcases a range of smartphones, complemented by Google's latest stock Android, a triple subscription offer for Google One cloud storage, ad-free YouTube premium, and Fitbit Premium content.
