Technologies

The Pixel 9A Arrives Soon. Should You Buy It?

Google’s $499 budget phone shares many similarities with its pricier counterparts. Here’s what you’ll get — what you’ll miss — for that lower price.

Google’s latest budget phone, the $499 Pixel 9A, has arrived early this year, fresh off the heels of Apple’s «affordable» offering, the $599 iPhone 16E. Very convenient timing. The Pixel 9A will arrive in stores on April 10, starting in the US and UK.

The Pixel 9A is $300 cheaper than the baseline Pixel 9 and, therefore, scales back a bit when it comes to features like cameras and RAM. However, it maintains other attributes like display size, processor and AI features — and even touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier Pixel counterparts.

So is the Pixel 9A a good fit for you? Here’s everything to consider.

Camera and AI considerations

Being able to take good photos is usually a top priority when buying a new phone since, for most people, their phone is their only camera. The Pixel 9A has two cameras on the back: a 48-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel ultrawide, along with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. That places the 9A’s rear camera specs below those on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but megapixels aren’t the only factor in getting quality shots. (You can check out the spec chart below to see how the cameras compare on these phones.)

The Pixel 9A’s camera supports Macro Focus, meaning you can get closer to your subject — like if you’re snapping a close-up of your delicious meal — and have it be in crisp focus. With the 9A, Google uses the main camera to enable Macro Focus instead of the ultrawide camera, as with many other phones.

What’s perhaps most notable about the Pixel 9A is the suite of AI editing tools you’ll still have access to, even with that lower price. Features like Magic Editor can help clean up your shots and alter backgrounds, Best Take creates an image where everyone in a group photo looks their best, and Add Me employs AI and augmented reality to incorporate the photographer in the final image.

For people who are curious about the myriad AI features companies are bombarding us with, the Pixel 9A can be a good device for dipping your toes in those waters, hopefully without feeling inundated — and without shelling out too much cash to see what all the buzz is about. I find photo editing tools among the best uses of AI because they eliminate the need for pricey software and let you touch up photos directly on your device, with no special skills needed.

The Pixel 9A’s Design: Google Takes Minimalism to the Extreme

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But if you would rather venture deeper into AI territory, the 9A’s still got you covered. You’ll have access to Gemini to help with tasks like writing, brainstorming and carrying out actions across apps. You’ll also get Circle to Search so you can learn more about whatever’s on your screen — a feature upon which I’ve become heavily reliant. Those features are great because they feel like a natural way to ease into AI since they’re so deeply integrated into your device and seamless to use.

With AI being a staple of almost every new phone, tapping into those capabilities without breaking the bank can be an enticing option for someone who still isn’t sure what the big deal is — and then see if the Pixel 9A changes their mind.

For those who hold onto their phones

While carriers may expect you to upgrade your phone every two years, manufacturers like Google and Samsung have extended the window for software and security upgrades on their phones to seven years. That applies to lower-priced phones like the Pixel 9A as well, giving budget-conscious consumers even more reason to feel like they’ve scored a deal.

Not buying a flagship device can also mean feeling less susceptible to the pressures of upgrades. It’s typically more premium phones — usually with minor tweaks — that are aggressively pushed onto those keen to purchase the latest tech. If simply having a phone with key features is all that matters, then the Pixel 9A can be a good way to dodge all that noise.

This can also make the Pixel 9A a good option for kids, who probably don’t need the flashiest devices. Features like Family Link allow parents to manage privacy settings, screen time limits and location sharing, and they can also silence notifications and disable apps during school hours.

The Pixel 9A packs the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro but has 8GB of RAM instead of the 12GB and 16GB you’ll get on those premium phones. That should still be more than enough for everyday use, like scrolling through social media, snapping photos and browsing the web. If you’re a heavy mobile gamer, 8GB of RAM might not be ideal, but it won’t be an issue for most people.

The Pixel 9A’s 6.3-inch OLED display matches up with what you’ll get on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, so you don’t have to scale back your viewing experience — especially with a 60Hz to 120Hz variable refresh rate that should make scrolling seamless.

And with a 5,100-mAh battery, the Pixel 9A should be able to last you throughout the day. Like the iPhone 16E, the Pixel 9A actually touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier peers, which each have a 4,700-mAh battery. That can also help you feel like you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

What you won’t get with this phone is the Pixel 9’s Satellite SOS feature, which uses satellites to contact emergency services when you’re out of range of a cell signal or Wi-Fi. But if you don’t often find yourself in places without cell service, like on a remote hiking trail, then you hopefully shouldn’t feel its absence.

With all that in mind, if you have last year’s Pixel 8A, there’s probably not enough reason to upgrade to the 9A, as they share many of the same features, specs and AI capabilities.

But if you’ve got a Pixel 7A and want to tap into some newer AI features, the 9A might be enticing. Similarly, if you have a Pixel 6A or older, you could see a noticeable improvement in the 9A’s camera, battery life and overall performance.

And if you’d rather hang tight to your phone and keep stretching your dollar, more power to you.

Google Pixel 9A vs. Pixel 8A vs. Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro

	Google Pixel 9A	Google Pixel 8A	Google Pixel 9	Google Pixel 9 Pro
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate	6.3-inch OLED; 2,424×1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate	6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels, 60-120Hz variable refresh rate	6.3-inch OLED; 2,424×1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate	6.3-inch LTPO OLED; 2,856×1,280 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate
Pixel density	422 ppi	430 ppi	422 ppi	495 ppi
Dimensions (inches)	6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 in	6 x 2.9 x 0.4 in	6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in	6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in
Dimensions (millimeters)	154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm	152 x 74 x 10.2 mm	152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm	152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)	186g (6.6 oz)	193 g (6.7 oz)	198g (7 oz)	199g (7 oz)
Mobile software	Android 15	Android 14	Android 14	Android 14
Camera	48-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide)	64-megapixel (main), 13-megapixel (ultrawide)	50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide)	50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto)
Front-facing camera	13-megapixel	13-megapixel	10.5-megapixel	42-megapixel
Video capture	4K	4K	4K	4K
Processor	Google Tensor G4	Google Tensor G3	Google Tensor G4	Google Tensor G4
RAM + storage	8GB + 128GB, 256GB	8GB + 128GB, 256GB	12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB	16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storage	None	None	None	None
Battery	5,100 mAh	4,492 mAh	4,700 mAh	4,700 mAh
Fingerprint sensor	Under display	Under display	Under display	Under display
Connector	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	None	None	None	None
Special features	7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio; 23W fast charging (charger not included); 7.5W wireless charging Qi certified; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor; Photo Unblur; Super Res Zoom; Circle To Search	IP67 rating dust and water resistance; 18W fast charging; 7.5W wireless charging; 5G (5G sub6 / mmWave); VPN by Google One; Circle to Search; 7 years Android OS updates; 7 years security updates; Best Take; Audio Magic Eraser; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM)	Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor	Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor
US price starts at	$499 (128GB)	$499 (128GB)	$799 (128GB)	$999 (128GB)
UK price starts at	Converts to £385 (128GB)	£499 (128GB)	Converts to £640 (128GB)	Converts to £780 (128GB)
Australia price starts at	Converts to AU$780 (128GB)	AU$849 (128GB)	Converts to AU$1,210 (128GB)	Converts to AU$1,510 (128GB)

Technologies

Google Making AI-Powered Glasses With Warby Parker, Gentle Monster

Google revealed its first two partnerships with eyeglass brands, with more to come.

The tech world has rarely been called stylish. But at Google’s annual I/O developers conference on Tuesday, the company took one step into the fashion world — kind of. The company revealed that the first eyeglass brands to carry Android XR AI-powered glasses will be Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, with more brand partners to be revealed in the future. Android XR is Google’s upcoming platform for VR, AR and AI on glasses and headsets.

Yes, there was a Superman joke as the company joked that unlike Clark Kent, who hid his superpowers behind nerdy glasses, the Android XR glasses will give you superpowers. That remains to be seen, although NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo did show up at Google I/O wearing the XR glasses.

Warby Parker, founded in 2010, was originally an online eyeglass retailer that gained fame for its home try-on program, where customers could order five frames sent to their home to try on and then return. It also allowed customers to upload photos to see how they would look wearing different frames.

South Korean eyeglass brand Gentle Monster, founded in 2011, is known for its luxury eyeglasses and sunglasses. The company’s celebrity customers include Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish.

Technologies

Tariffs Explained: I Have Everything You Need to Know as Walmart, Subaru Hike Prices

Technologies

Google I/O Announcements: The Latest AI Upgrades Coming to Gemini, XR and More

From its new Project Aura XR glasses to Chrome’s wants-to-be-more-helpful AI mode, Gemini Live and new Flow generative video tool, Google puts AI everywhere.

As you’d expect, this year’s Google I/O developer’s conference focused almost exclusively on AI — where the company’s Gemini AI platform stands, where it’s going and how much it’s going to cost you now for its new AI Ultra subscription plan (spoiler: $250 per month). Meanwhile, a new Flow app expands the company’s video-generation toolset, and its Android XR glasses make their debut.

Plus, all AI usage and performance numbers are up! (Given that a new 42.5-exaflop Ironwood Tensor processing unit is coming to Google Cloud later this year, they’ll continue to rise.)

Google’s Project Aura, a developer kit for Android XR that includes new AR glasses from Xreal, is the company’s next step in the company’s roadmap toward glasses-based, AI-driven extended reality. CNET’s Scott Stein goes in-depth in an exclusive interview with Shahram Izadi, Google’s VP and GM for Android XR about that future. And headset-based Project Moohan, developed in conjunction with Samsung, is now available, and Google’s working with Samsung to extend beyond headsets.

For a play-by-play of the event, you can read the archive of our live blog.

Google already held a separate event for Android, where it launched Android 16, debuting its new Material 3 Expressive interface, updates to security and an update on Gemini integration and features.

A lot of the whizzy new AI features are only available via one of its subscription levels. AI Pro is just a rebranding of Google’s $20-per-month Gemini Advanced plan (adding some new features), but Google AI Ultra is a pricier new option — $250 per month, with half off the first three months for the moment — that provides access to the latest, spiffiest and least usage-limited of all its tools and models, as well as a prototype for managing AI agents and the 30 terabytes of storage you’re going to need to store it all. They’re both available today.

Google also wants to make your automation sound smarter with Personalized Smart Replies, which makes your generated answers sound more like you, as well as plowing through pieces of information on your device to provide relevant information. It’ll be in Gmail this summer for subscribers. Eventually, it’ll be everywhere.

Also, it includes lots of better models, better coding tools and other details on developer-friendly things you expect from a developer conference. The announcement included its conversational Gemini Live, formerly part of Project Astra, its interactive, agentic, voice AI, kitchen sink AI app. (As Managing Editor Patrick Holland says, «Astra is a rehearsal of features that, when they’re ready for the spotlight, get added to Gemini Live.») And for researchers, NotebookLM incorporates Gemini Live to improve its… everything.

It’s available now in the US.

Chrome AI Mode

People (that is, those over 18) who pony up for the subscriptions, plus users on the Chrome Beta, Dev and Canary tracks, will be able to try out the company’s expanded Gemini integration with Chrome — summary, research and agentic chat based on the contents of your screen, somewhat like Gemini Live does for phones (which, by the way, is available for free on Android and iOS as of today). But the Chrome version is more suited to the type of things you do at a computer rather than a phone. (Microsoft already does this with Copilot in its own Edge browser.)

Eventually, Google plans for Gemini in Chrome to be capable of synthesizing using multiple tabs and voice navigation.

The company is also expanding how you can interact with its AI Overviews in Google Search as part of AI Mode, with interactions with AI Overviews and more agentic shopping help. It’s a new tab with search, or on the search bar, and it’s available now. It includes deeper searches, Personal Context — which uses all the information it knows about you, and that’s a lot — to make suggestions and customize replies.

The company detailed its new AI Mode for shopping, which has an improved conversational shopping experience, a checkout that monitors for the best pricing, and an updated «try on» interface that lets you upload a photo of yourself rather than modeling it on a generic body.

Google plans to launch it soon, though the updated «try on» feature is now available in the US via Search Labs.

Google Beam

Formerly known as Project Starline, Google Beam is the updated version of the company’s 3D videoconferencing, now with AI. It uses a six-camera array to capture all angles of you, which the AI then stitches together, uses head tracking to follow your movements, and sends at up to 60 frames per second.

The platform uses a light field display that doesn’t require wearing any special equipment, but that technology also tends to be sensitive to off-angle viewing. HP is an old hand in the large-scale scanning biz, including 3D scanning, so the partnership with Google isn’t a big surprise.

Flow and other generative creative tools

Google Flow is a new tool that builds on Imagen 4 and Veo 3 to perform tasks like creating AI video clips and stitching them into longer sequences, or extending them, with a single prompt while keeping them consistent from scene to scene. It also provides editing tools like camera controls. It’s available as part of Gemini AI Ultra.

Imagen 4 image generation is more detailed, with improved tonality and better text and typography. And it’s faster. Meanwhile, Veo 3, also available today, has a better understanding of physics and native audio generation — sound effects, background sounds and dialogue.

Of course, all this is available under the AI Pro plan. Google’s Synth ID gen AI detection tool is also available today.