Smartphones
Google Pixel 9a reinvents what the Pixel A-series looks like
But it’s still just as powerful
Back in 2021, Google reinvented the Pixel by introducing a now-iconic camera bar. Over the years, the Pixel series largely stayed with a horizontal camera island. Today, Google is going back to its roots by going back to a camera situated on the top-left corner. Ladies and gentlemen, say hi to the new Pixel 9a.
A new but familiar look
Unlike the regular Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 9a features a smaller two-camera combination placed on the top-left corner with an LED flash just beside it. It also touts a flat profile with rounded edges.
Adding to the revamped design, the new smartphone will come in a new colorway option: Iris. The new color will join the usual three options consisting of Porcelain, Obsidian, and Peony.
Powerful hardware for less
As is typical of the Pixel A-series, the Pixel 9a sports the Google Tensor G4 chipset. Complementing this processor, Google promises that the smartphone will receive seven years of OS updates on launch — a huge win for the phone’s longevity.
The Pixel 9a is getting an upgraded 6.3-inch Actua display. The new display features 2700 nits of brightness, which is 35 percent brighter than the Pixel 8a, and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Additionally, the smartphone’s battery promises up to 30 hours of battery life on regular operations and up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver on. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance.
A duo to be jealous of
Now, let’s look at the camera. Behind everything, you can find a 48-megapixel main camera paired with a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera. Plus, for the first time on an A-series, it will come with Macro Focus for extreme closeups.
Naturally, the Pixel 9a comes with a host of AI-powered editing tools to help you get the best photo possible. This includes Magic Eraser, Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Astrophotography, and Panorama with Night Sight.
Gemini inside
As with the previous smartphones in the Google lineup, the Pixel 9a is powered by Gemini. The AI-based assistant can help make various apps more efficient, including Maps, Calendar, and YouTube.
The new phone is also getting Gemini Live, an upcoming feature which will enable users to have free-flowing voice conversations with Gemini in real time. It will also have Circle to Search, Pixel Studio, Call Assist for convenience. For security and safety, it has Car Crash Detection and Theft Protection.
Price, availability
In all four of its colorways, the Pixel 9a will start at US$ 499. It is available now for preorders. Through Google Fi Wireless, preorders can get you US$ 499 back through 24 monthly bill credits when you sign up for any plan.
After the preorder period, the Pixel 9a will be available through the Google Store and other retail partners starting March 26.
SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 + Pixel 9 Pro Review
News
Samsung brings back the Galaxy Z Trifold
The brand’s first trifold phone comes back after being pulled from stores.
Rumors of the Galaxy Z Trifold’s death have been greatly exaggerated. Recently, Samsung pulled its first trifold phone from its stores, heavily hinting that their three-screen experiment has ended. However, if you didn’t manage to grab one of these beasts during its first release, the Galaxy Z Trifold is back in stores.
At the start of this year, Samsung officially launched the Galaxy Z Trifold, ushering in its entry into the relatively infantile market. Naturally, the unique smartphone was a looker; however, with its eye-watering price tag, the demand is still low. Reflecting that, the brand reportedly pulled the device from the market last month.
Now, the phone is back once again. Interested users can grab the phone from Samsung’s website for the same US$ 2,899 price tag.
As with the other trifold phones (scant as they are), Samsung’s entry features three screens packed into one phone. Users can then fold the main screen in a variety of ways, introducing a lot of configurations to enjoy content. With how popular foldable phones are today, there’s certainly a market for flexible screens.
If you’re still in the market for Samsung’s first trifold phone, Samsung has not announced how long this latest batch will last, so get one while you still can.
SEE ALSO: Samsung has reportedly stopped selling the Galaxy Z TriFold
News
Report: ‘Accessible flagship’ smartphones might provide best value this year
Next-gen hardware, AI optimization among consumer demands to justify price hike
As global smartphone prices continue to rise, the “accessible flagship” segment could be the only bright spot for manufacturers this year.
But that’s only if they gamble and improve specs significantly for attractive devices. According to a recent Counterpoint report, taking into consideration MWC 2026 Barcelona insights, consumers are looking for significant upgrades for their next smartphone purchase instead of iterative updates.
This includes a combination of next-generation hardware, deeply optimized AI software, and affordability for a premium-grade experience.
The demand for these upgrades from one generation to another stems from a massive spike in memory costs. With smartphone manufacturers increasing their prices drastically, consumers in turn are demanding more in return to justify such adjustments.
As such, manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, HONOR, Motorola, and OPPO continue to democratize features once reserved for the most expensive handsets.
Chance for smartphone manufacturers to shine
It is clear that leading smartphone companies are focusing on next-generation chipsets, professional-grade imaging, and high-efficiency batteries, as well as AI adoption.
So those who successfully integrate cutting-edge hardware with deeply optimized AI software into such accessible flagship ((US$ 700 to US$ 999) devices will more likely win the battle.
According to the report, only Samsung and Xiaomi have released phones falling under the “accessible flagship” category so far this year. These are obviously the Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Xiaomi 17 series, although OPPO has also launched the Reno15 series.
This means there is an opportunity for other OEMs like Google, Motorola, and HONOR to launch better packages later in the year.
The report specifically mentions HONOR as a brand that has seen considerable growth in its accessible flagship tier (HONOR number series) sales outside of China in the last few years.
The report concludes by mentioning that in 2026, shipments are predicted to drop by 12% (year-on-year). Along with this, only improving specs significantly shall enable brands to stand out.
News
Apple’s iPhone Fold reportedly hits engineering delays
But it’s still supposedly on track for a September launch.
The foldable iPhone might be the most mythical device in technology today. Rumoured as far back as the launch of the very first Galaxy Fold, the so-called iPhone Fold has peeked in and out of the spotlight over the years but has yet to make its full debut. Sources today have speculated that Apple is readying its much awaited launch for this year; however, a few hitches might derail the expected unveiling.
According to Nikkei, Apple has pushed forward with the foldable iPhone’s test production phase, which marks an advanced stage in the device’s production. However, a source indicates that the device has encountered engineering issues, potentially pushing its launch back by an undisclosed amount of time. Apple is reportedly working on the issues now.
Opposite this report, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that the iPhone Fold can still reach its projected launch later this September. As any fan of the iPhone can attest to, September is the usual ground zero for the latest generation of iPhones. Should Apple meet its September launch, the iPhone Fold will launch alongside the iPhone 18 series. This also makes it possible to be Apple’s “one more thing” for September’s event.
There’s a lot riding on Apple’s foldable phone. Fans have been clamoring for the iPhone Fold for a while now, especially since Samsung remains an undisputed cornerstone in the foldable market. Despite the demand, it might take a while for the foldable to truly take off. If Apple’s gingerly approach to foldables is any indication, the iPhone Fold will likely take a few iterations to match Samsung in terms of supply and market share.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17e review
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