Google today announced the Pixel 9a, its latest midrange smartphone. The Pixel 9a comes with significant upgrades over the Pixel 8a, including a redesign, AI features powered by Gemini, and the Google Tensor G4 chip.
Starting with the look, the Pixel 9a has a sleek, flat profile, rounded edges, and an upgraded 6.3-inch Actua display. At 2700 nits, the phone is 35 per cent brighter than the Pixel 8a and features a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate for a smooth viewing experience. Apart from the usual Porcelain and Obsidian colourways, Google has added two new colourways for the Pixel 9a: Peony and Iris.
The Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip, which brings Gemini AI. With Gemini built in, Pixel 9a’s personal AI assistant can help with various AI-powered tasks. Gemini on Pixel 9a works with Google apps like Maps, Calendar, and YouTube, ensuring multitasking.
Gemini Live is available on the Pixel 9a, and users can talk to Gemini in a free-flowing conversation — great for brainstorming new ideas or practising something you want to say. And soon, Google says Gemini Advanced subscribers will be able to use Gemini Live with video and screen-sharing capabilities on Pixel 9a. “You’ll be able to show Gemini Live your camera feed and talk to it about what you see around you. You can also share your screen with Gemini Live and talk about what you’re looking at on your screen.”
The camera department received a significant upgrade, and Google said the Pixel 9a has the best camera for smartphones under $500. There is no camera bump at the back, but the dual rear camera has been redesigned with a 13MP ultrawide and a 48MP primary shooter. For the first time on the Pixel A-series, Macro Focus comes to the Pixel 9a. The camera has AI-powered features like Add Me, which is carried over from the Pixel 9 series, Best Take, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and many more.
Google says the Pixel 9a delivers over 30 hours of battery life and over 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver, making it the best battery life on any Pixel smartphone. Google guarantees 7 years of OS updates, security updates, and Pixel Drops. Pixel 9a is IP68 certified for water and dust resistance.
The Pixel 9a will be available at the Google Store and through retail partners starting in April.
