Google has made an exciting announcement, officially unveiling the Pixel 9a in India. This latest iteration of their A-series smartphone is equipped with advanced AI features, a larger display, and an enhanced camera system, all while being offered at a price point that is more budget-friendly compared to the flagship Pixel 9 series, as well as last year’s Pixel 8a.

Specifications and Features of the Pixel 9a

Targeted at delivering durability, Google has positioned the Pixel 9a as the most resilient member of its A-series yet. It features a sleek metal frame and an improved IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, surpassing the IP67 rating of the Pixel 8a. Consumers can choose from three elegant colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, and Iris.

Equipped with a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, the Pixel 9a boasts a 20:9 aspect ratio along with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, achieving a pixel density of 422.2 PPI. The remarkable 120Hz refresh rate ensures an incredibly smooth scrolling experience, while the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers protection against scratches and minor damage.

According to Google, the display is capable of reaching brightness levels up to 1800 nits for HDR content and can peak at a staggering 2700 nits, thereby significantly improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions compared to the Pixel 8a.

The rear camera system is another highlight, featuring a dual setup with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens. It also introduces Macro Focus capabilities, enabling users to capture intricate details from close range.

Fans of low-light photography will appreciate the Night Sight feature, a hallmark of Google’s cameras, while the Astrophotography mode makes its debut in the A-series, allowing users to beautifully capture starry night skies.

Additional noteworthy camera features that have transitioned from the flagship Pixel 9 series include:

• Add Me: This feature ensures the photographer is included in group shots, ensuring no one is left out.
• Real Tone: It accurately portrays diverse skin tones in photos and videos, promoting inclusivity.
• Magic Editor: Delivers AI-enhanced photo editing tools, allowing for automatic reframing and image expansion.
• Reimagine: Users can effortlessly modify certain aspects of photos by simply typing what they want to see.
• Best Take: This feature combines elements from multiple shots to create the perfect group photo.

Powering the Pixel 9a is the Tensor G4 processor, the same chipset utilized in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. Google’s Gemini AI assistant is integrated into the device, providing users with capabilities to assist in writing, planning, and learning on the move. With a simple press and hold of the power button, users can access Gemini, which even extracts information from Gmail invitations and offers relevant location suggestions via Maps.

For those who favor voice interactions, the Gemini Live feature allows for a natural and fluid conversation, accommodating changes in topics seamlessly.

Launching with Android 15, the Pixel 9a is backed by Google’s commitment to provide seven years of OS and security updates, as well as Pixel Drops from launch. This means the device will remain secure and relevant through the year 2032.

As for battery life, the Pixel 9a boasts an impressive 5,000mAh battery, with Google promising over 30 hours of usage on a single charge.

Security is also a top priority, equipped with features like the Titan M2 security coprocessor, Google VPN provided at no additional cost, and theft protection that automatically locks the device upon detecting suspicious activity.

Pricing and Availability of the Pixel 9a

The Pixel 9a comes with 8GB of RAM and offers two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. The pricing starts at Rs 49,999 for the base 128GB variant, while the 256GB variant is priced at Rs 56,999. It will become available in April through both online and offline retail channels.

Also Read: Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: What’s new?