A few weeks in the past, I advised you about (amongst different issues) the iPhone 16e, Apple’s newest “entry-level” smartphone and the pricier successor to the three-generation iPhone SE sequence:

I couldn’t resist noting that Google had responded to Apple’s information with a (non permanent, because it turned out) value minimize on its (then-)latest-generation entry-level smartphone, the Pixel 8a, to $399. That mentioned, I’d already suspected (rumor-aided) that this seemingly wasn’t simply a aggressive counterpunch. Google was most likely additionally performing some inventory-clearing upfront of a pending unveil of its personal next-gen entry-level smartphone, presumably to be known as the Pixel 9a.

The Pixel 9a reveal

I used to be proper; this 12 months Google didn’t even wait till the late Could I/O convention to disclose it (that mentioned, on reflection the haste could not have been smart). Behold the Pixel 9a, which begins at $499:

and which (at the moment, at the very least) is available in 4 shade choices:

I selected the above picture not solely as a result of it reveals the colour variants however as a result of it additionally highlights one of many key variations between the Pixel 9a and its most up-to-date three generational precursors. Look, for instance, on the bottom of the Pixel 8a:

Starting with the Pixel 6 household, Google had switched to a bottom model that grouped the digicam (or multi-camera cluster), scene-illumination flash LED, microphone, and different associated sensors right into a horizontal raised bar, persevering with that very same model with “a” variants. With the Pixel 9a, conversely, Google appears to have returned to the (near-)flush strategy exemplified by, for instance, the Pixel 4a 5G handsets I owned previous to my present Pixel 7s:

I dunno why…mebbe the raised-bar strategy made them extra breakage-prone? Or mebbe they needed it to appear to be an iPhone? Regardless, per Aalyia’s request , right here’s a broader comparability desk of the latest two “a” generations, in addition to the Pixel 9 launched in-between them late final summer time (to maintain issues easy, I omitted the 2 Pixel 9 Professional variants):

Pixel 9a observations

A number of notably fascinating bits bounce out at me:

• As I’d talked about late final summer time, Google had initially solely deliberate for Gemini deep studying help to be enabled for the Pixel 8 Professional with 12 GBytes of RAM; the corporate subsequently developed a “Nano” variant of Gemini able to being shoehorned into the 8 GBytes of RAM in different Pixel 8 variations. So, you may assume that the Pixel 9a, additionally with 8 GBytes of RAM, would even be Gemini-cognizant. And also you’d be proper…besides this time, Google’s referring to the Gemini model as “Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (additional additional small)”. Then once more, the model out there for Pixel smartphones with 12 GBytes or extra of RAM is not simply “Gemini Nano”, it’s “Gemini Nano XS (additional small)”. My guess as to what’s occurring is just a few rebranding of what already exists; as baseline Gemini turns into extra feature-filled, the necessity to differentiate it from the model(s) working on telephones and different resource-constrained gadgets subsequently turns into extra essential.
• The selective mixing-and-matching inside every machine’s SoC is fascinating. The Pixel 9a will get the Pixel 9’s CPU and different processing subsystems, however the mobile modem is a generational backstep, reverting to what was within the Pixel 8s (and 7s, for that matter). The modems and CPUs listed on this specific desk are literally all fabricated on 4 nm Samsung processes, however I’m guessing that every thing’s not built-in inside a single die. As an alternative, the CPU and modem die are seemingly side-by-side (or alternatively sandwiched) inside a standard bundle, simplifying the mix-and-match course of. Take into accout, too, that whereas Google (usually talking) is extra forthright about its telephones’ specs than is Apple, neither firm publishes clock speeds. Whereas my desk reveals the utmost documented speeds of assorted processing cores, it’s not assured that they run at that pace in a selected system-implementation configuration.
• In lots of respects, the Pixel 9a is the newest in an extended line of handsets derived from their earlier-announced, fuller-featured generational siblings. It swaps out the Pixel 9’s glass-and-aluminum body again for plastic, for instance, and its wi-fi charging help is typical in energy, subsequently speeds, not “supercharged”. That mentioned, there have been some stunning deviations from common type. The Pixel 9a is the one one of many three to explicitly listing as options each optical and digital picture stabilization, for instance, for its rear wide-angle digicam. And its wired charging power-therefore-speed was practically as quick as that of the Pixel 9, in addition to being a major enchancment on the Pixel 8a.
• Additional evaluating the Pixel 9a to its direct forebear, the Pixel 8a, the aforementioned rear huge digicam, for instance, has additionally decreased in decision by 25%, though each picture sensors have equal 0.8µm pixel pitch (i.e., light-gathering functionality). Plus, the brand new digicam’s most aperture is bigger, for improved low-light efficiency, additional aided by the already-noted enhanced picture stabilization help. The Pixel 9a affords barely improved mud and moisture resistance than its Pixel 8a predecessor, too. That mentioned, curiously, the 256GB model of the Pixel 9a prices $40 greater than the 256GB Pixel 8a, $599 versus $559, though the 128GB variations of each handset generations are identically priced at $499.
• And take a look at that comparatively sizeable battery within the Pixel 9a versus both of the others! It’s notably spectacular on condition that the Pixel 9a remains to be lighter than the Pixel 8a. However what’s with the cost capability variability; a number of battery suppliers, mebbe?

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 6e

Talking of comparisons (and of Apple), how does the Pixel 9a stack up in opposition to the iPhone 16e? This evaluation is concurrently simpler (from a {hardware} standpoint) and more durable (from a usability perspective). Specs first; the Pixel 9a has (for instance):

• A lower cost tag ($499 vs $599, in each instances for variations with 256 GBytes of storage)
• A barely bigger show (6.3” diagonal versus 6.1”) with a 2x greater peak refresh charge (120 Hz versus 60 Hz), albeit at barely decrease decision (1080 x 2,424 pixels/421ppi vs 1,170 x 2,532 pixels/460 ppi)
• Two rear cameras versus one, and
• A ~25% bigger battery (5,100mAh versus 4,005mAh), together with
• Barely extra superior Wi-Fi (6E vs 6) and Bluetooth (6 versus 5.3)

And now that Apple has indefinitely delayed the extra customized elements of its Apple Intelligence capabilities, Google (with Gemini) has a bonus right here as nicely, conceptually, at the very least. The factor is, although, AI doesn’t but appear to be tangibly propelling smartphone gross sales. Extra usually, the fierce loyalty divide between Android and iOS customers is akin to that between “blue” and “pink” states. Take my family for example; though initially a periodic “switcher”, I’ve settled on Android for some time now, though my tablets run iPadOS. Conversely, paraphrasing Charlton Heston, my spouse would seemingly solely hand over her iPhone if you happen to pried it from her chilly, lifeless palms. And talking of “indefinite delays”, Google (presumably pushed by a choice made on the final pre-launch minute) is not saying precisely when the Pixel 9a will begin delivery (solely a nebulous “April”, and isn’t even but accepting pre-orders for the handset, all attributable to an unspecified “part high quality subject”.

Swollen battery

Perhaps the issue’s with the battery? I jest (possibly), in transitioning (in closing) to the “distended” portion of this piece talked about within the title. Lengthy-time readers could do not forget that again in September 2020, I discussed that in-parallel (fortuitously) with their substitute by Pixel 3as, my unique Google Pixels have been starting to exhibit swollen-battery signs:

Effectively, take a look at what I observed a few weeks in the past on one in every of my Pixel 7s:

Lest you suppose that’s simply an artifact of the case or the display protector, right here’s a “bare” view:

The left-side swell isn’t as pronounced:

which is sensible when, as iFixit’s teardown information makes clear, you be taught that the battery’s placement is right-side dominant:

This was my “work” telephone, which was used much less typically (subsequently spent extra time simply sitting trickle-charging) than its “private” sibling. And though I had Adaptive Charging enabled, I hadn’t taken the additional step of limiting the height cost level to 80% of whole capability.

Plus, the telephone (bought in June 2023) was past its one 12 months of manufacturing facility guarantee help. That mentioned, I’d fortuitously additionally bought Asurion’s 36-month prolonged guarantee protection at that very same time. This writeup’s already in “additional innings”, so I’ll save the remainder of the (good ending, thoughts you) story for an additional publish at one other time to return. Till then, please share your ideas on what I’ve so-far mentioned within the feedback!

—Brian Dipert is the Editor-in-Chief of the Edge AI and Imaginative and prescient Alliance, and a Senior Analyst at BDTI and Editor-in-Chief of InsideDSP, the corporate’s on-line e-newsletter.

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