Google is using the identical top-end Tensor G4 processor because the Pixel 9 sequence, although you get solely 8 gigabytes of RAM versus 12 on the Pixel 9 and 16 on the Pixel 9 Professional. For probably the most half, efficiency feels equivalent to Google’s flagship telephones. Apps launch shortly, multitasking is snappy, and it did not battle with the few cellular video games I attempted.
However the lesser RAM means a couple of Gemini-powered software program options from the Pixel 9 sequence aren’t out there, just like the Pixel Screenshots app and Name Notes, which routinely supplies a textual content abstract of your telephone calls. I discover these useful, so it is a disgrace they are not right here, however not sufficient to ding the telephone’s rating for it.
I additionally had some points with Assistant Voice Typing—the souped-up voice-to-text tech—although this will or might not be associated. It obtained a couple of issues incorrect as I spoke. That is widespread for different telephones, however I often have a virtually flawless expertise on Pixels.
The large enchancment over its predecessor is battery life. There’s now a beefy 5,100-mAh cell, the most important up to now in a Pixel telephone. You are not going to get two-day battery life, however I’ve usually ended most days with a snug 30 to 40 p.c left over. On the day of the Nintendo Change 2 announcement, I used to be posting stay for an hour on Bluesky, to not point out utilizing Slack and enabling the recent spot perform to edit and add some photographs from a pill. By 5:30 pm, the Pixel 9a was at 15 p.c. Heavy customers might must tote round a energy financial institution.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
I have never had many points with the remainder of the {hardware}. I like that I can wirelessly cost this Pixel even when it is utilizing the older, fundamental Qi commonplace. Wi-fi charging is not a given on low cost and midrange telephones, so this can be a plus. Google has upgraded the IP score to IP68 now, that means the telephone might be submerged for longer durations and nonetheless come out OK. The optical fingerprint sensor is quick and dependable, and this stays one of many solely Android telephones with a safe face unlock that works with banking and different delicate apps. It is a disgrace that Google’s face-scanning biometrics system nonetheless does not work effectively in the dead of night, and it is not as safe as Apple’s Face ID (it might be spoofed).
The Pixel Eye
The twin-camera system consists of a 48-megapixel essential sensor and a 13-MP ultrawide, with a 13-MP selfie digital camera on the entrance. As with just about each Pixel telephone, it is onerous to not be impressed with the digital camera high quality in comparison with its friends. This Pixel can also be aware about lots of the new AI software program options Google debuted on the Pixel 9, like Add Me, Finest Take, Reimagine, and Auto body. I explored numerous these options right here and in my Pixel 9 overview.
Photographs might not be as sharp as what you would possibly get from the iPhone 16e’s digital camera, however you’d solely discover if you happen to zoomed in. Whether or not it is through the day or at evening, you may count on a pointy, colourful, and shiny picture, one that may deal with high-contrast scenes decently. Even some 4K 60-frames-per-second video footage I shot in a dimly lit karaoke room got here out wanting completely usable, if a bit grainy.