Google is using the identical top-end Tensor G4 processor because the Pixel 9 collection, 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 similar to Google’s flagship telephones. Apps launch shortly, multitasking is snappy, and it did not wrestle with the few cellular video games I attempted.
However the lesser RAM means just a few Gemini-powered software program options from the Pixel 9 collection aren’t obtainable, just like the Pixel Screenshots app and Name Notes, which robotically supplies a textual content abstract of your cellphone calls. I discover these useful, so it is a disgrace they are not right here, however not sufficient to ding the cellphone’s rating for it.
I additionally had some points with Assistant Voice Typing—the souped-up voice-to-text tech—although this may occasionally or will not be associated. It acquired just a few issues incorrect as I spoke. That is widespread for different telephones, however I normally have a virtually flawless expertise on Pixels.
The massive 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 cellphone. You are not going to get two-day battery life, however I’ve typically ended most days with a cushty 30 to 40 % left over. On the day of the Nintendo Swap 2 announcement, I used to be posting dwell for an hour on Bluesky, to not point out utilizing Slack and enabling the new spot operate to edit and add some photographs from a pill. By 5:30 pm, the Pixel 9a was at 15 %. Heavy customers might must tote round a energy financial institution.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
I have not 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, primary Qi customary. Wi-fi charging is not a given on low cost and midrange telephones, so it is a plus. Google has upgraded the IP ranking to IP68 now, that means the cellphone may 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 nicely at the hours of darkness, and it isn’t as safe as Apple’s Face ID (it may be spoofed).
The Pixel Eye
The twin-camera system consists of a 48-megapixel most important sensor and a 13-MP ultrawide, with a 13-MP selfie digital camera on the entrance. As with just about each Pixel cellphone, it is arduous 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, Greatest Take, Reimagine, and Auto body. I explored plenty of these options right here and in my Pixel 9 evaluation.
Pictures will not be as sharp as what you may get from the iPhone 16e’s digital camera, however you’d solely discover should you zoomed in. Whether or not it is through the day or at evening, you may count on a pointy, colourful, and vivid 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 trying completely usable, if a bit grainy.
