Smartphones

Google Pixel 9a reinvents what the Pixel A-series looks like

But it’s still just as powerful

Published

March 19, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

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.

Hands-On

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series Hands-on

And everything announced during Apple’s September 2026 Event

Published

September 13, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

The latest Apple event isn’t just about the shiny new Apple Duo. There’s a lot to talk about!

In this video, we break down everything Apple has announced during their September 2026 keynote.

First, there’s the updated iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. That’s alongside their design and color changes, battery and performance improvements. Even that massive camera upgrade.

There’s even the ANC-infused AirPods 5 alongside the newer Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Plus, the latest software updates coming to both these wearables.

So, are these worth the upgrade?

First Look

First Look: Apple iPhone Duo

The foldable we’ve been waiting for!

Published

September 11, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

Apple’s first ever foldable is finally here! Say hello to the iPhone Duo.

In this video, THE Michael Josh shares his first impressions.

Those include the design, display, cameras, performance, and what it’s actually like to use Apple’s latest iPhone.

Is the iPhone Duo the future of the iPhone or just an interesting experiment?

We take a closer look and share everything that stood out during our hands-on experience.

News

iPhone Duo: Price, availability in the Philippines

As listed on the Apple website

Published

September 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone. It uses a passport-style design that opens into a larger display while retaining a more conventional smartphone experience when folded.

Price and availability

The iPhone Duo starts at PhP 159,990 in the Philippines for the 256GB model as listed on the Apple website.

Here’s the full local pricing:

256GB — PhP 159,990
512GB — PhP 175,990
1TB — PhP 207,990
2TB — PhP 254,990

The iPhone Duo comes in Star White and Night Sky.

Actual availability in the Philippines has yet to be officially announced.

A foldable design with two displays

The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display when folded and expands to a 7.6-inch main display when opened. Both orientations use the same aspect ratio, allowing iOS to transition between them seamlessly.

The rear chassis uses Ceramic Shield, while the front display gets Ceramic Shield 2. The device is also IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.

Its hinge uses carbon fiber supports and magnets that produce an audible click when the phone is folded.

A20 Pro brings flagship performance

The iPhone Duo is powered by the A20 Pro, the same chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro series. Apple says the chip delivers 35 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro.

It also comes with the new C2 cellular modem, which provides up to 50 percent faster uploads. Like other foldables, the Duo can be used in different configurations, including tent mode and a partially folded book-like position.

48-megapixel camera system

The iPhone Duo gets a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera alongside a 12-megapixel 2x telephoto camera.

For selfies and video calls, it has a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera. The inner display also uses an under-screen camera for a cleaner look.

Battery life goes beyond a day

The iPhone Duo offers up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display and up to 44 hours using the outer display.

Charging is also quick. Apple says a 20-minute charge can replenish half the battery, while a five-minute charge can provide up to five hours of video playback.

For the complete specifications and first-look details, check out our main iPhone Duo launch coverage.