Pixel 9a: Smart AI, smart deal! | Made by Google Podcast S7E3

Introduction to Pixel 9a [00:00]: The video highlights the new Pixel 9a, focusing on delivering a core Pixel experience with an amazing camera, Android features, and AI-powered helpfulness from Gemini, all for less than $500.

Design and Sustainability

New Design Language [02:31]: For the first time, the A-series departs from the design language of premium Pixel devices, giving the Pixel 9a its own unique personality.
- It features a short pill design with a slight dome for the camera bar, reminiscent of Pixel Watches, creating a smooth, flat design inspired by water droplets [03:08].
- Available in four colors: Iris, Peony, Obsidian, and Porcelain [03:51].
Sustainability Efforts [05:03]:
- Back cover contains 81% recycled plastic (highest for an A-series phone).
- Features a 100% recycled aluminum frame [05:26].
- Uses 100% plastic-free packaging, which is also lighter this year [05:39].

Largest Battery in A-series [05:55]: The Pixel 9a features a 5100 mAh battery, the largest ever in an A-series device, aiming to eliminate battery anxiety.
Real-World Performance [06:13]: Lasts over 30 hours based on Pixel’s day-of-use measurement, a 25% improvement over the 8a.
Engineering Challenge [06:37]: Engineers achieved this 13% larger battery (approx. 600 mAh more than 8a) while maintaining the phone’s thickness.
- This involved using a thinner plastic OLED display (similar to premium phones) instead of thicker glass OLED [07:09].
- Developing a new internal mechanical design combining a durable mid-frame architecture with a thin spine board layout to optimize for cost, reliability, and space [07:34].
Power Efficiency [07:51]: Additional gains in battery life come from power efficiency driven by Pixel and Android teams and the new Tensor G4 processor.

Award-Winning Camera [08:27]: The Pixel 9a has been awarded the best camera under $500.
Advanced Rear Camera System [08:55]:
- Brand new 48-megapixel main camera sensor.
- 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor.
- 8x Super Res Zoom capabilities with computational photography features.
AI-Powered Camera Features [09:10]:
- Macro Focus: A first for Pixel 9a, enabling incredible detail capture at close range in photos and videos.
- Add Me: Includes everyone in group photos by amalgamating Google’s augmented reality platform and 15 different on-device models, all powered by the Tensor G4 processor.
- Best Take: Intelligently blends faces from multiple shots to get the perfect group photo with no one blinking (a “family staple” for young kids).
- Editing Features: All amazing editing features from collaboration with the Google Photos team.
- Classic Pixel Features: Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and Astrophotography are also included.

Google Tensor G4 [10:55]: The Pixel 9a is equipped with Google’s fastest, most efficient silicon yet, the Google Tensor G4, custom-developed with Google DeepMind. This is the same chip found in Pixel 9 Pro phones, making the 9a the only phone at its price tier to bring Google AI.
Key AI Features [11:17]:
- Gemini: Your personal AI assistant, capable of assisting with tasks big and small, including Gemini Live Video (announced as part of the March Pixel drop).
- Pixel Studio: Google’s AI image generator for creating unique images using text-to-image prompts.
- Circle to Search: Allows users to search their screen without switching apps by circling something on the screen.
- AI-Powered Recorder: Transcribes and summarizes recordings, and labels different speakers in a transcript. This feature uses Gemini Nano, running locally on-device, a unique offering in this price tier.

Digital and Personal Safety [12:35]: All Pixel devices prioritize digital and personal safety.
- Car Crash Detection: Uses AI to detect accidents and can automatically call for help [12:50].
- Theft Protection: Secures sensitive data if the phone is lost or stolen (announced with Pixel 9) [13:03].
- VPN by Google: Built-in for secure online browsing [13:10].
Family-Focused Features [13:15]: The 9a is designed as a great first phone for kids, with long battery life, an amazing camera, and easy parental setup.
- Family Link: Gives parents control over screen time, app usage, and location sharing [13:48].
- School Time: A new feature to help minimize distractions during school hours [14:01].
- Google Wallet: Provides kids with financial freedom and responsibility, allowing them to make payments with their own Google Wallet [14:09].
Software Updates [14:28]: Offers seven years of software updates, including OS upgrades and security upgrades, ensuring the Pixel 9a continuously improves.

Gemini Live Video [14:49]: The most used feature during testing, allowing users to share what they are looking at (e.g., plants in a garden) and have a conversation with Gemini for planning and learning.
The Pixel 9a aims to bring powerful AI and premium features at an accessible price point.

For more information or to purchase a Pixel 9a, visit store.google.com or other retailers.