The lines have diverged in the A-series, but what differentiates the Pixel 9a from last year’s impressive but strange Pixel 8a? Here’s what you need to know.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: The A-series is all grown up [Video]
Author
Damien is 9to5Google‘s resident Video Producer and has over a decade of UK media experience. He worked within the sports industry and with numerous sports-focused publications — including golfing publication National Club Golfer — prior to joining the 9to5Google team.
After completing a BSc in Computer Science at the University of Hull with a major focus on data analytics and UX, he joined the Press Association (now PA Media), developing growing sports data products for the Barclay’s Premier League. These’s data packages included the now-defunct ACTIM Index which eventually evolved into the EA Sports Player Performance Index.
While working with the UK’s largest media agency, he attained a MA in Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University after completing his studies in 2014. This is where a love affair with all things videography surfaced after a brief stint in student TV. A major interest and constantly growing know-how of technology and videography have seen Damien lead 9to5Google’s official YouTube channel since 2018. He previously hosted the 9to5Google Daily podcast from 2019 to 2021.
Damien’s expertise and focus area lie in a number of beats including Android and OEM software updates, mobile applications, smartphone and accessory reviews, and just about anything that makes a modern mobile nerd tick. He says that he is “platform agnostic” despite primarily using Android devices and attempts to regularly test the iOS waters to better understand the nuances of the tech he covers on a day-to-day basis.
Outside of the tech space Damien is an avid supporter of his boyhood soccer team Hull City and is even a fully qualified Barista — with 3 years of experience making speciality coffee. Be sure to follow him on Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Instagram for insights and upcoming video updates and tidbits. If you are interested, you can also check out just what video gear he is currently using on his dedicated Kit.co page.
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 9: Better separated, but still siblings [Video]
The brand-new Pixel 9a has a lot of things that make the Pixel 9 a great entry-level Android phone, but how much of the formula has been retained or omitted? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8a discounted everywhere but US following 7a Google Store removal
With the launch of the Pixel 9a, the 7a has, as expected, left the Google Store in all regions. However, the Pixel 8a has been discounted almost everywhere except the US.
Expand Expanding CloseOne UI 7 begins rolling out widely in Europe
The One UI 7 rollout was slated for April 10, and Samsung has made good on that promise with a massive rollout now well underway in Europe.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 Beta now available for OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 is a fantastic phone backed by one of the biggest glow-ups to OxygenOS in recent years, but the next version is now available for testing with the launch of Android 16 Beta for the flagship device.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Live Video hands-on: The world-facing camera we’ve waited for [Video]
Google has been rolling out Gemini Live’s visual Astra-powered video functions super slowly, but it is starting to expand. Here’s what it’s like to use and what you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseGemini can be the biggest AI platform so long as Google integrates it in more areas [Video]
According to Google, we’re in the “Gemini era,” and although there are other players in the space, if the company can continue to integrate, we could be in this era for a long time to come.
Expand Expanding CloseLG TVs will lose the Google Assistant on May 1
Some months after confirming that upcoming LG smart TVs will get access to Copilot in the coming months, it appears that the Google Assistant is being removed from existing screens.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Discover rolls out questionable full-width redesign
Google is rolling out questionable changes to the Discover feed with a full-width, zero-margin layout now appearing across more and more devices.
Expand Expanding CloseOpenvibe 1.10 adds image crossposting and better profile sharing
As the open web develops, Openvibe 1.10 is leading the charge with several new features to enhance your experience, rolling out right now to Android and iOS devices.
Expand Expanding CloseAt a Glance bug causing weather sync issues, forecast delays on Pixel [U]
As one of the core components of the Google Pixel, a bug with the At a Glance widget is affecting weather updates and delayed forecasts.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 Beta 3.1 bug causing thicker lockscreen clock layout
Software previews aren’t always perfect, but a bug in Android 16 Beta 3.1 actually might be something we’d like to see as a custom option for lockscreen clock settings.
Expand Expanding CloseSamsung needs to start innovating again or face losing ground on Android [Video]
Samsung currently holds a commanding position in the Android market, but that complacency could and, in some ways, should threaten its long-term dominance.
Expand Expanding CloseMinimalist Light Phone 3 launches with a maximalist $799 price
Digital minimalists rejoice as the brand new Light Phone 3 is here, but temper those expectations slightly as the price might put you off.
Expand Expanding CloseThere has never been a better time to switch to Android [Video]
Given Apple’s growing problems with integrating Apple Intelligence into the iPhone lineup, there has never been a better time to switch to Android—here’s why.
Expand Expanding CloseBackbone One Xbox Edition is now available for Android
The new Backbone One Xbox Edition controller has officially launched and is designed to make streaming Xbox Game Pass titles on your Android phone even easier.
Expand Expanding Close[Update: Fix coming] Wear OS 5.1 update causing delayed notifications and other bugs
After no updates since November 2024, the March 2025 patch brought with it a sizable Wear OS 5.1 update to Pixel Watch hardware. However, it appears that the Wear OS 5.1 update has a few bugs in tow.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 Beta lets more Pixels use screen-off fingerprint unlock
The recent Android 16 Beta 3 (and Beta 3.1) release updates a feature limited to the Pixel 9 and allows all devices from the Pixel 6 and newer to use fingerprint unlock while the screen is off.
Expand Expanding CloseOnePlus has completed an incredible redemption arc [Video]
Of all the OEMs making Android phones, OnePlus has been completely reinvigorated over the past couple of years, both as a brand and as a choice for buyers.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 9a is available in these 32 countries
The Google Pixel 9a has now officially launched in 32 countries across the globe – making this the most widely available A-series phone ever.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 9 Pro XL is a steal at just $699 right now on Amazon
It seems that Amazon is outdoing the substantial $200 discounts offered on the Google Store these past few days, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a steal as it’s down to an astounding $699 right now.
Expand Expanding CloseDedicated ‘Podcast’ tab available more widely on YouTube for Android TV
We know that YouTube is becoming a new home for podcasts, but to help expand, the dedicated Android TV apps dedicated “Podcasts” sidebar tab is now rolling out widely.
Expand Expanding CloseOpenvibe 1.9 update now saves your timeline position, plus more
Openvibe 1.9 is now rolling out to Android and iOS devices. It includes one of the most requested features — timeline position saving — plus a number of other quality-of-life improvements.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel Watch 3 long-term review: Holding up after hefty expectations [Video]
It’s hard to believe the Pixel Watch 3 has been on the market for six months. Time flies, and after extensive daily use, it’s time to reflect on how this smartwatch has held up. Let’s dive into the features, build quality, fitness tracking, and overall experience.
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