Latest news with #PixelA
The Sun
26-04-2025
- The Sun
I tried the best new budget Android phone for 2025 – three reasons to STOP wasting hundreds on fancy, expensive mobiles
IT seems 2025 is the year for budget friendly smartphones - and the Google Pixel 9a might be the best I've tried yet. Only a couple of weeks ago, I was singing the praises of Samsung's new Galaxy A56. 5 Google Pixel 9a - buy now for £499 from Argos But now Google has come to steal some of its thunder. I'm all for this mid-range mobile race, as prices for smartphones seem to have spiralled out of control. As The Sun's main Android reviewer, Google's Pixel A series has always been up there as a favourite. This time, the Google Pixel 9a should be enough to lure more users - and hopefully make others realise you don't need to break the bank for high quality. Reviewing last year's Pixel 8a, I described it as "Google's best budget smartphone yet". Now I think we've found the best budget smartphone around for 2025 so far of all brands - find out why below. Google Pixel 9a: Look and feel The Pixel 9a stays true to form with a consistent evolution from last year's model. However, there is one instantly big difference and it's a positive change. Google has drastically slimmed down the camera set-up, ditching the huge imposing bar on the 8a so it's almost perfectly flat against the surface now. In a world full of bulky cameras, I think this is a good step. The body of the 9a is also a lot more rounded, which gives it a more premium feel. So much so, I sometimes mistakenly pick it up thinking it's my main iPhone 16 Pro Max handset which I keep alongside test devices. Google has also managed to increase the display size ever so slightly too, up to 6.3-inches wide compared with 6.1-inches last year. However, the bezel black border around the edge is a bit thicker than I'd like. I love how light the 9a is too, coming in at 186g. 5 Google Pixel 9a: Performance and features The Google Pixel 9a runs on Android 15, which is the company's very latest version of the software. Given that Google owns Android it means you'll be pretty much first in line to most new features and updates. And the firm has committed to provide a whooping seven major updates - as these are usually released annually this means the 9a should last you seven years, giving you good value for money. The best thing about having a Google made phone is getting the purest version of Android, as the creators intended it to be with little meddling and no bloatware apps you don't need. Who offers free updates longest? The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free. Samsung For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates. OnePlus At the launch of the OnePlus 13, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. Xiaomi Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates. Google For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven versions, which is about seven years of support. Google also has its own Tensor G4 chip inside to keep things smooth, which is the same as the ones found on the other, more expensive Pixel 9 models. The key difference is that the RAM is left at 8GB instead of 12GB used on the others, but when trying it with games I had no troubles. An under screen finger print sensor to unlock your phone fast is used once again, with the option of facial recognition if preferred. In terms of features, there isn't anything hugely different from last year. But with Android 15 there are some handy AI tools at your disposal such as spam call detection. And there are some really useful AI photo features too, which I go into below. Google Pixel 9a: Camera Pixels have always had pretty solid cameras. The 9a has a decent dual rear camera system, with a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 48-megapixel main camera. Google has thrown in Macro Focus for the first time on its cheaper A series Pixels too. In terms of features, you now have Best Take to pick the perfect face in those group shots and the magical Add Me tool puts you in group shots after taking a photo. The results are decent enough as you can see below with a portrait shot and photo from the main camera. 5 5 Google Pixel 9a: Battery Google has beefed up the battery with the 9a, measuring in at 5,100mAh - bigger than its own Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, it doesn't necessarily last longer. I could easily get through a whole day on a single charge after fair use browsing the web, watching videos on YouTube, messaging and taking the odd photo, with some juice to spare the next day. The Pixel 9a does support wireless charging but this will always be slower compared to wired. When using a wire, the charging speed is 23W which is quite slow compared to rivals - expect to wait more than an hour to get a full charge from zero to 100 per cent. Google Pixel 9a: Pricing The Google Pixel 9a costs £499 which is vastly cheaper than most big name phones you'll find. That's also the same price as last year's 8a, so the company hasn't increased it like others. Google Pixel 9a: Verdict I love the slightly revamped look of the Pixel 9a and the fact I mix it up with my existing iPhone 16 Pro Max says a lot. Namely, that you don't need to spend more than a thousand pounds to own a decent smartphone. The camera on the Pixel continues to impress and the performance hits the spot too. There are fewer AI tools but the most useful ones are all there, particularly for photography. This is my favourite budget-friendly smartphone of 2025 so far. Rating: 5 / 5 Always do your own research before making any purchase.
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
I tried the best new budget Android phone for 2025 – three reasons to STOP wasting hundreds on fancy, expensive mobiles
IT seems 2025 is the year for budget friendly smartphones - and the Google Pixel 9a might be the best I've tried yet. Only a couple of weeks ago, I was singing the praises of 5 Things look quite different on the back of the Pixel 9a Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 5 Android 15 at its finest Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun But now Google has come to steal some of its thunder. I'm all for this mid-range mobile race, as prices for smartphones seem to have spiralled out of control. As The Sun's main Android reviewer, Google's Pixel A series has always been up there as a favourite. Read more about Google This time, the Google Pixel 9a should be enough to lure more users - and hopefully make others realise you don't need to break the bank for high quality. Now I think we've found the best budget smartphone around for 2025 so far of all brands - find out why below. Google Pixel 9a: Look and feel The Pixel 9a stays true to form with a consistent evolution from last year's model. Most read in Phones & Gadgets However, there is one instantly big difference and it's a positive change. Google has drastically slimmed down the camera set-up, ditching the huge imposing bar on the 8a so it's almost perfectly flat against the surface now. In a world full of bulky cameras, I think this is a good step. The body of the 9a is also a lot more rounded, which gives it a more premium feel. So much so, I sometimes mistakenly pick it up thinking it's my main Google has also managed to increase the display size ever so slightly too, up to 6.3-inches wide compared with 6.1-inches last year. However, the bezel black border around the edge is a bit thicker than I'd like. I love how light the 9a is too, coming in at 186g. 5 The camera bulge has been drastically reduced Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Google Pixel 9a: Performance and features The Google Pixel 9a runs on Android 15, which is the company's very latest version of the software. Given that Google owns Android it means you'll be pretty much first in line to most new features and updates. And the firm has committed to provide a whooping seven major updates - as these are usually released annually this means the 9a should last you seven years, giving you good value for money. The best thing about having a Google made phone is getting the purest version of Android, as the creators intended it to be with little meddling and no bloatware apps you don't need. Who offers free updates longest? The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free. Samsung For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates. OnePlus At the launch of the OnePlus 13, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. Xiaomi Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates. Google For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven versions, which is about seven years of support. Google also has its own Tensor G4 chip inside to keep things smooth, which is the same as the ones found on the other, more expensive Pixel 9 models. The key difference is that the RAM is left at 8GB instead of 12GB used on the others, but when trying it with games I had no troubles. An under screen finger print sensor to unlock your phone fast is used once again, with the option of facial recognition if preferred. In terms of features, there isn't anything hugely different from last year. But with Android 15 there are some handy AI tools at your disposal such as spam call detection. And there are some really useful AI photo features too, which I go into below. Google Pixel 9a: Camera Pixels have always had pretty solid cameras. The 9a has a decent dual rear camera system, with a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 48-megapixel main camera. Google has thrown in Macro Focus for the first time on its cheaper A series Pixels too. In terms of features, you now have Best Take to pick the perfect face in those group shots and the magical Add Me tool puts you in group shots after taking a photo. The results are decent enough as you can see below with a portrait shot and photo from the main camera. 5 Example of portrait mode in action Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 5 Garden shot using the main camera Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Google Pixel 9a: Battery Google has beefed up the battery with the 9a, measuring in at 5,100mAh - bigger than its own Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, it doesn't necessarily last longer. I could easily get through a whole day on a single charge after fair use browsing the web, watching videos on YouTube, messaging and taking the odd photo, with some juice to spare the next day. The Pixel 9a does support wireless charging but this will always be slower compared to wired. When using a wire, the charging speed is 23W which is quite slow compared to rivals - expect to wait more than an hour to get a full charge from zero to 100 per cent. Google Pixel 9a: Pricing The Google Pixel 9a costs £499 which is vastly cheaper than most big name phones you'll find. That's also the same price as last year's 8a, so the company hasn't increased it like others. Google Pixel 9a: Verdict I love the slightly revamped look of the Pixel 9a and the fact I mix it up with my existing iPhone 16 Pro Max says a lot. Namely, that you don't need to spend more than a thousand pounds to own a decent smartphone. The camera on the Pixel continues to impress and the performance hits the spot too. There are fewer AI tools but the most useful ones are all there, particularly for photography. This is my favourite budget-friendly smartphone of 2025 so far. Rating: 5 / 5 All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Pixel 9a just leaked entirely, and it's a better bargain than the iPhone SE 4
Google's Pixel A series has been a template for good affordable phones and has upheld this responsibility consistently — and much better than the flagship Pixel phones — since the Pixel 3a's launch almost six years ago. This year, the Pixel 9a could bring some sizable upgrades to the last generation and a sleeker design without breaching the previously attractive price point. The latest leak uncovers the Pixel 9a fully and suggests it might be a more compelling purchase than the soon-to-launch iPhone SE 4. The Pixel 9a has been generously leaked by WinFuture, revealing the entirety of the upcoming budget phone. That includes digital renders at different angles and in all previously leaked colors. Starting with the innards, the Pixel 9a runs off a Google Tensor G4 — although expectedly a less powerful variant of the one we found on the Pixel 9 series that launched last year. That's not much of a mystery either, but the report says we will get 8GB of RAM and two storage variants with 128GB or 256GB. For added security, Google bundles the Titan M2 co-processor, as it does with other Pixel devices. In terms of battery, the Pixel 9a could likely get a big boost with a new 5,100mAh pack that's about 13% bigger than the Pixel 8a. Like its previous generation, the Pixel 9a also gets wireless charging, while a boost is expected in terms of charging speeds when using a cable. The new design, the Pixel 9a also gets a smaller camera bay along with new sensors inside. The primary camera is now 48MP, down from 64MP last year. The sensor has also physically shrunk to a smaller 1/2-inch format, so Google might justify it with better processing, bolstered with AI. Meanwhile, the secondary and the front cameras are both 13MP, seemingly unchanged from the Pixel 8a. Outside, the Pixel 9a is suggested to move to a glass back along with a metal frame — a reasonable upgrade from the plastic back from last year's phone. The four new colors include an Iris purple, Obsidian black, Peony pink, and a Porcelain white. Besides the purple, all three colors have previously adorned the Pixel 9 series and appear to be of the same shade as before. The display is slightly bigger than before, at 6.3 inches diagonally, and has a 120Hz refresh rate along with an 1,800 nits of brightness and a peak value of 2,700 nits while outdoors or watching HDR10+ content, which the Pixel 9a is rated for. Talking of communications, the Pixel 9a should get sub-6GHz 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, and NFC. There's apparently no mmWave 5G, which means connectivity might be limited compared to a more expensive device. The phone will come with Android 15 out of the box and offer seven years of software updates. Per the report, European prices start at 499 euros for the 128GB storage variant. In the U.S., we can expect the same $499 pricing as last year, despite the upgrades, though there's no concrete evidence to back that yet. With these features, the Pixel 9a sounds like a better bargain than the iPhone SE 4 that is expected to launch later today. Let's find out why. The Pixel 9a gets a better screen with a faster 120Hz refresh rate, an additional rear camera, and a battery that's almost 60% bigger than what is rumored for the iPhone SE 4. The iPhone SE 4's charging speeds could also be lower than the Pixel's. While both phones are positioned at the bottom of their respective lineups, the Pixel 9a's base storage starts at 128GB while adds a 256GB option; the iPhone SE 4 gets 64GB and 128GB only. Next, while looks are subjective, the iPhone SE 4 is slated to don the same external design as the iPhone 14 while the Pixel 9a gets a slightly modern look. The iPhone SE 4 could appeal better with its MagSafe support and a dedicated Action button similar to the more premium iPhones. But by other parameters, the Pixel 9a might be a better choice if you don't restrict yourself to one ecosystem. The only limitation with the Pixel is that it may not launch until next month, which could end to the impatience, especially if you were looking to buy a new phone and are surrounded by those who might immediately get the new SE.
