Abstract
- Google Pixel 9a lacks a Satellite tv for pc SOS function attributable to an older modem, Exynos 5300.
- Pixel 9a’s 8GB RAM restrict restricts new options like Pixel Screenshots and Name Notes.
- Contemplate the constraints of Pixel 9a earlier than buying, and remember potential delays in pre-order availability.
The Google Pixel 9a is lastly right here as Google’s least expensive smartphone. It is fairly good because it packs most of the punch that the Pixel 9 sequence has, and it has the identical SoC and fairly good cameras. It is more and more trying like Google may need reduce extra corners than you’d suppose, although.
A few of the cost-cutting measures in Google’s Pixel 9a have develop into more and more evident over the course of the previous few days for the reason that cellphone was first introduced. Probably the most notable one is, maybe, the elimination of Satellite tv for pc SOS. This security function, which lets you connect with a satellite tv for pc to name emergency providers or get emergency assist if you’re stranded someplace with out reception, was launched with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold, and stays unique to these fashions.
This particular function depends on the Samsung Exynos 5400 modem, which debuted within the Pixel 9 sequence alongside the Tensor G4 processor. Whereas the Pixel 9a has the identical Tensor G4 processor, it makes use of the older Exynos 5300 modem, the identical one discovered within the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 sequence. The corporate additionally verified that the Pixel 9a is not going to obtain help for Satellite tv for pc SOS, and that is additionally mirrored within the cellphone’s absence from Google’s help pages for the function. Whereas it is a new function, it is also a vital omission since satellite tv for pc connectivity is changing into extra commonplace. It is not one thing you want, however it’s one thing that may save your life in circumstances the place the Pixel 9a will not be capable to step in. Samsung did apparently check satellite tv for pc connectivity on the Exynos 5300, however units utilizing this modem in the end lack the function.
It is not the one omission. The Pixel 9a is supplied with 8GB of RAM., and whereas that is an okay quantity of reminiscence for a mid-range cellphone, this limitation leads to the absence of two different new options options: Pixel Screenshots and Name Notes inside the Cellphone app. Google has acknowledged that due to RAM limitations, Pixel 9a operates on “Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS” (further further small). This model was launched with the Pixel 8 and 8a and it is far more restricted than the model we have seen on Pixel 9 telephones, “Gemini Nano XS” (further small).
The restricted mannequin and restricted RAM imply the Pixel 9a can not deal with picture processing, which is required for Pixel Screenshots, or audio processing, which is important for Name Notes within the Cellphone by Google app. They’re each fairly cool options I like from my Pixel 9 Professional, and it is a bummer that they don’t seem to be appropriate with the lower-end mannequin. As a reminder, the higher-end Pixel 9 telephones function 12GB to 16GB of RAM (with the Pixel 9 Professional supporting a full 16GB).
Google Pixel 9a
The newest Pixel has high-end cameras, nice battery life, and is essentially the most sturdy mannequin but—all for $499.
The Pixel 9a shall be obtainable quickly, but when you are going to purchase one, do preserve these limitations in thoughts. The cellphone will quickly be available for pre-order on the Google Store, however it would possibly take a bit extra time within the oven.