Technologies

The Already Affordable Google Pixel 9A Just Dropped to a New Low at Amazon

It’s our favorite budget-friendly Android on the market, and this $100 discount drops it to a record-low price of $399.

If you’re looking for an Android phone that won’t break the bank, the Pixel 9A is one of the absolute best options on the market right now. Released just this spring, it quickly earned a spot on our list of the best phones for 2025 as one of our favorite budget models thanks to its affordable $499 starting price. And right now, you can get your hands on one for even less.

Amazon has knocked $100 off almost all configurations, which means you can grab the 128GB model for just $399 or upgrade to the 256GB for just $499. These are the absolute lowest prices we’ve seen at Amazon, so we’d recommend taking advantage of these savings while you can.

At just $399, the Pixel 9A is now available for half the price of the basic Pixel 9. But even though it’s significantly cheaper, it offers many of the same specs and features, making it an unbeatable value. Both have a vibrant 6.3-inch OLED display, as well as the same Google Tensor G4 processor, which supports Gemini AI features. Plus, the Pixel 9A actually has an improved 13MP front camera and boosts the battery life up to 30 hours. You’re only getting 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB, and the rear ultrawide camera isn’t as impressive, but for those who really only need the basics, the Pixel 9A is an absolute steal and one of the best phones you’ll find for less than $500.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

$350 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked AI Phone (Gray):

$525 (save $125)
Moto G Stylus 5G 256GB Unlocked Phone(2024 Model, Caramel Latte):

$300 (save $100)
Apple iPhone 14 128GB Unlocked Phone (Refurbished, Midnight):

$334 (save $295)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

The Google Pixel 9A is already our favorite budget-friendly Android, and a great value at full price. It matches — or even exceeds — the $799 Pixel 9 in some categories, so a chance to grab one for just $399 is a serious bargain. Especially since this deal doesn’t require a trade-in, carrier contract or any other special conditions.

For Apple users, there are plenty of deals to be had on the new and more affordable iPhone 16E as well.

Technologies

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Might Come in 5G and 4G Cellular Models

If the rumor proves true, the 5G Galaxy Watch Ultra would rival the 5G-enabled $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3 that debuted last fall.

Samsung’s next high-end Galaxy Watch could support faster 5G speeds, but if this leak is true, it will depend on where you live. The rumored Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 might come in 5G and 4G cellular models, with availability for each smartwatch depending on the country.

According to the Dutch website Galaxy Club (and spotted by SamMobile), Samsung’s servers may have revealed a series of model numbers that point to 5G, 4G and Wi-Fi-enabled editions of the next Galaxy Watch Ultra, which would succeed the original model that debuted in 2024.

A representative for Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Galaxy Club website speculates that the 5G edition would be sold in the US and Korean markets, while the 4G edition would sell in the rest of the world. In the US, a 5G version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra would rival the 5G-enabled $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3, which debuted last fall. The 4G edition would have broader compatibility worldwide, since the earlier network is far more established.

It will likely be a few months until we hear anything official about the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Samsung typically unveils its new watches in the summer alongside its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable phones. Last year, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, but otherwise left the prior 2024 Ultra in the lineup for those looking for a larger 47mm smartwatch.

Technologies

2 Cases Show Supreme Court Isn’t Holding ISPs Responsible for Piracy

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for April 8, #1032

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for April 8, No. 1032.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is kind of tough. The purple category is a fun one, once you see the connection. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: In the group.

Green group hint: Appearance details.

Blue group hint: Often found in gyms.

Purple group hint: They help you see.