It’s not usually a high-level leak or a retailer’s mistake of publishing information too soon that causes the world’s largest firms to struggle to keep their new devices under wraps. Occasionally, this occurs because the corporation producing the product begins filming advertisements months before the product is scheduled to be released, and a passerby witnesses the commercial shoot in progress and, fortunately, has a decent enough camera with them to record the entire event.
It is typically not a high-level leak or a retailer’s error of releasing information too soon that makes it difficult for the biggest companies in the world to conceal their new technologies. Sometimes this happens when the company that makes the goods starts making commercials months before the product is supposed to be introduced, and a bystander happens to be watching the commercial shoot and, thankfully, has a good enough camera with them to capture the entire thing.
A humorous little video slideshow featuring narration of the user’s experience filming Google’s Pixel 10 Pro was posted on Twitter by @MarksGonePublic. According to their photos, Google was filming an ad featuring the Pixel 10 titled “Ask more of your phone.” Indeed, the phone is referred to as the “Pixel 10” in the storyboard, but it is actually a Pixel 10 Pro with an additional camera and temperature sensor.
I’m not sure what else can be learned from this video because the Pixel 10 series is anticipated to resemble the Pixel 9 series in every way except for the inclusion of Google’s Tensor G5, which should be their best chip ever as it replaces Samsung Exynos as the base. This ad only indicates that a Pixel 10 is on the horizon and will appear remarkably similar; it doesn’t necessarily disclose any new specifications, features, or costs.
And here’s the real smartphone in a person’s hand during the photo session, which once more displays a Pixel 10 Pro that appears to be a Pixel 9 Pro. And it’s okay! We adore the Pixel 9 series’ look.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro with Gemini is the most powerful Pixel yet, and now comes in two sizes; it has a pro-level camera and it’s engineered by Google, so it gets the best of Google AI first
Under Google’s Advanced Protection Program, Samsung’s One UI 8, which is based on Android 16, will offer strong privacy and security protections to protect users of Galaxy phones and tablets from theft, fraud, and scams.
The security improvements of Android 16 will be sent out to Samsung Galaxy devices via One UI 8.0, anticipated in the summer of 2025, as announced on May 14 at Google’s The Android Show. Strong protection against unwanted access is ensured by the Advanced Protection Program (APP), which combines features like Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock and requires user credentials to disable. These were first created for Google apps, but they will eventually be extended to third-party apps.
Uneditable secure device records that allow users to verify for tampering are among the key characteristics. One UI 8 thwarts fraudster tactics by blocking dangerous actions during talks, such as installing untrusted apps or changing important settings. With UK banks like Monzo and NatWest on board, banking apps are also made more secure by requiring screen-sharing talks to terminate before access.
AI is a major factor in this, in case you haven’t guessed it already. It detects apps that conceal icons, filters fraudulent messages, and does virus checks.
Remote Lock adds a security question and conceals one-time passwords from alerts, while enhanced factory reset safeguards make stolen phones inoperable without the owner’s consent. These are compatible with One UI 6.1.1’s Samsung Auto Blocker.
With a beta in June and a July release alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, One UI 8 may make Galaxy smartphones safer than before. Are flaws like delayed third-party app support a concern, or will these features outsmart scammers? More will be revealed during the summer launch.
While there won’t be any significant UI changes in the impending Android 16 update for Pixel devices, it will finally provide a long-awaited feature: support for Auracast. Devices can initiate or listen to adjacent audio streams thanks to the Bluetooth LE Audio standard’s Auracast functionality, which is the marketing name for broadcast audio. Despite Google’s announcement that the latest Pixel smartphones will support Auracast in Android 16, if you install the beta, the capability is not yet available. Here’s how to turn on Auracast on an Android 16 beta-powered Pixel device.
To put things in perspective, Google said in March that owners of Pixel 9 devices could receive Auracast broadcasts straight to their hearing aids. The Pixel 9 must be running the Android 16 beta and have LE Audio-compatible headphones in order to use this feature. Google emphasized the accessibility advantages of Auracast, although the capability works with any audio device that can receive LE Audio broadcasts, not only hearing aids.
Auracast isn’t actually enabled in the current Android 16 Beta 4 version, even though Google previously stated that it will work on Pixel 9 devices running the Android 16 beta. The “Audio Sharing” page was missing from Settings after I factory reset my own Pixel 9 and updated it to this beta. I know how to make this settings page available, but I’m not sure why it’s hidden by default.
To activate Audio Sharing on your Pixel device, you need to first enable Developer Options. Then, navigate to Settings > System > Developer options and scroll down until you find “Enable Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast UI preview.” Toggle this setting on, and then reboot your phone. Once your phone boots back up, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences, where you’ll find the “Audio sharing” page.
By connecting a headset that supports Auracast and turning on the “share audio” feature from this page or the Bluetooth panel, you can now begin an audio broadcast. You can set a password for your broadcast to keep undesirable listeners from joining. Tap the “find an audio stream” option to look for streams in your area if you would prefer to listen in on a broadcast.
Make sure Bluetooth LE Audio is turned on for that particular device if Android still prevents you from starting or listening to adjacent broadcasts even when you have an Auracast-capable audio device connected. You may need to manually activate LE Audio via the Bluetooth device details page for a lot of audio items. As an alternative, you can compel Android to automatically enable Bluetooth LE Audio for any compatible audio device by turning on the “bypass Bluetooth LE Audio Allowlist” toggle in Developer Options.
Finally, your Pixel device does not support Auracast if you do not see the “Enable Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast UI preview” toggle in Developer Options. At the moment, the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are compatible with Auracast.
This toggle won’t show up for devices like the Pixel 7 series, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8a, and Pixel 9a, even though they theoretically support Bluetooth LE Audio. However, they don’t support Auracast. Since the Pixel 6 series does not support LE Audio, it does not meet the requirements to use Auracast and will not display the toggle.
Remarkably, the most recent stable version of Android 15 for Pixel smartphones with Auracast support does have the “Enable Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast UI preview” button. Accordingly, installing the Android 16 beta is not strictly required in order to utilize the Audio Sharing feature. You might anticipate that Audio Sharing would be enabled by default in the Android 16 beta, given Google’s announcement, but it might not be the case with the next stable release of Android 16. Google is anticipated to release the stable Android 16 version next month, so we’ll have to wait and see.
In order to provide Android users a 15-minute opportunity to remove an RCS text that shouldn’t have ever left the phone in the first place, Google Messages is now testing a “Delete for everyone” option. The most recent beta version has led to early complaints that when you long press on a message, two options would appear: “Delete for everyone” and “Delete for me.” When the first option is selected, the chat replaces the text with a tiny label that reads “Message removed,” which is visible to all participants.
The feature is currently limited to chats in large groups. While the option remained hidden in smaller groups and one-on-one talks, one tester was successful in a thread with twelve participants. Even though it’s in beta, it’s good to see this feature finally being released after it was first discovered in March.
It should be mentioned that the recall is dependent on RCS Universal Profile 2.7, therefore all conversation participants must have the most recent version of Google Messages installed, else the delete request would silently fail. Furthermore, it appears that Google is already turning off its servers for a small group of beta users to ensure the system is stable before expanding.
Google Messages
Safety starts with understanding how developers collect and share your data. Data privacy and security practices may vary based on your use, region, and age. The developer provided this information and may update it over time.
It is not surprising that the rollout was so limited. This safety net has been provided by rival apps for years, and each one has its own boundaries. For a generous two days, WhatsApp allows you to retrieve a message. You have fifteen minutes to modify and two minutes to undo in iMessage. Telegram takes one step further by enabling users to delete texts whenever they want without leaving any evidence behind. Google’s 15-minute limit is tiny when compared to that lineup, but it still fills the largest hole in its flagship chat service.
Given that Apple intends to switch to the same RCS profile that supports these additional functions later this year, the timing is crucial. Google has also been working hard to improve Messages’ quality of life features, such as AI reply suggestions, reaction effects, and a long-overdue edit button that took four months to move from beta to stable last year. By the end of 2025, delete for everyone could reach the majority of phones if the firm keeps up its current pace.
When you consider the time that comes with Apple’s release, I think this is a significant move. Android owners will have the same peace of mind that WhatsApp and iPhone users currently have while keeping their chats organized if Google expands support prior to the stable release.
While Pixel phones offer many beneficial features by default, altering these specific settings can drastically affect The Google Pixel 9a could be the best-value phone of 2025, especially now that it has flagship-level AI capabilities, a dazzling 120Hz display, and a large battery at a more inexpensive price. However, like with every Pixel phone, the most useful functions are frequently disabled by default.
These suggestions are for a Pixel 9a running Android 15. The specific menu locations may differ slightly depending on the Pixel model and Android version you’re using, but the settings are broadly available throughout recent Pixel generations.Enhance your user experience.
Use smooth display
Pixels continue to ship with a dazzling Actua 120Hz OLED panel, which is set to a more cautious 60Hz by default. It’s fine for battery conservation, but if you prefer buttery-smooth scrolling and animations that showcase the screen’s full capability, enable Smooth Display.
Go to Settings > Display > Smooth Display and turn it on. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in responsiveness when scrolling through social networks or navigating the UI.
Use “At a Glance”
When you enable the Pixel’s smart widgets, the lock screen may transform into a small command center. At a Glance displays travel information, weather alerts, calendar events, and more.
All of this happens via the Pixel Launcher. Tap and hold any available space on the home screen, then pick Home settings, followed by the At a Glance settings button. There, you may control what kind of information display and what data sources it uses (with your permission, of course).
As an added bonus, the At a Glance widget on your home screen will display this information, increasing your chances of receiving notifications and updates.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro with Gemini is the most powerful Pixel yet, and now comes in two sizes; it has a pro-level camera and it’s engineered by Google, so it gets the best of Google AI first
Pixel phones actively filter out spam and unrecognized numbers. Google’s Caller ID and Spam feature detects robocalls and other unwanted calls before you answer.
Open the Phone app and navigate to Settings > Caller ID and Spam. Enable See caller and spam ID, and incoming calls will have a vivid red alert that cannot be ignored. If your Pixel has the option to filter spam calls, I recommend turning it on, as this prevents those calls from ringing your phone and instead sends them directly to voicemail.
Dismiss notifications across Pixel devices
This one is for the Pixel fanatics out there. If you have multiple Pixel devices signed in with the same Google account, you can sync notification dismissals between them.
Go to Settings > Notifications > Dismiss notifications from all Pixel devices. Toggle Dismiss on this device, grant notification access, and select the apps you wish to sync. Repeat the process on all of your Pixel devices to ensure that you never see the same notice twice.
Enable app suggestions on the home screen
The Pixel Launcher may provide app suggestions based on personal information such as location, time of day, and usage habits.
Tap and hold an available space on the home screen to access Home Settings > Suggestions. Enable Suggestions on Home Screen, then remove at least one static symbol from the bottom row of your Home Screen. That location will turn yellow and begin to change dynamically based on usage trends. You may even do this on the entire row if you like.
Increase battery life using Adaptive Battery and Extreme Saver.
Pixels already have a long battery life, but Google’s battery-saving features extend it much further. Adaptive Battery learns which apps you use the most and reduces power to the others. Extreme Battery Saver turns down non-essential apps to save power for days.
Enable both under Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Adaptive Battery and Battery Saver > Extreme Battery Saver. You can also set schedules so that they activate automatically when needed.
Use Pixel Quick Tap feature
The Pixel’s Quick Tap function allows you to double-tap anywhere on the phone’s back to perform customized actions, but it is not activated by default. You can configure it to start the camera, take a screenshot, pause music, or open your preferred app.
Go to Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap, then enable it and select your chosen shortcut. Mine is set to toggle the flashlight, which is quite useful.
Enhance Now Playing on your lockscreen
Now Playing is a great tool that automatically recognizes songs that are playing around you. The phone displays that information on your lock screen in a passive manner. Even though the database is remarkable and entirely on-device, it cannot identify every song out there. This is where Google Search comes in.
Go to Settings > Display > Lock Screen > Now Playing and select Identify Songs Playing Nearby. Then, enable the Show search button on Lock Screen. The next time Now Playing fails, hit the lock screen icon to transmit the audio fingerprint to Google Search for a second viewpoint. It does not always work, but when it does, you will be glad you tried.
Change your lock screen privacy settings
By default, notifications appear on your lock screen, so others may view your messages. I always change this option on my new devices.
Go to Settings > Notifications and turn Sensitive notifications off. This keeps the sender and app visible while hiding the message contents. To ensure utmost privacy, go to Notifications on the lock screen and select Don’t show any notifications.
Make use of Live Translate and Interpreter Mode
Tensor-powered Pixels offer offline translation tools. Live Translate enables you to automatically translate text messages in real time.
Go to Settings > System > Live Translate, then Add a language. Depending on your choices, you’ll have access to services such as in-message translation, camera view translation, and live captioning for videos. Interpreter mode still requires Google Assistant, which is becoming less important now that Gemini has taken over.
A few small changes can help your new Pixel feel faster, smarter, and more personal. Whether this is your first Pixel or you’ve lost count by now, taking the time to explore these options unlocks some of the best of what Google has to offer.
There is currently a precarious scenario between the United States and China, with Huawei being the unlucky subject of trade sanctions. The constraints imposed on the erstwhile smartphone behemoth indicate that other Chinese corporations, like as Xiaomi, are not immune to incurring the same fate, which is why it is critical that these companies be well-prepared for any shocks. For the time being, the first order of business is a report that a HyperOS version devoid of Google Play apps and services, akin to Huawei’s HarmonyOS, is in the works, with BBK assisting with the changeover.
Huawei’s experience in dealing with hardship will help Xiaomi develop its latest HyperOS 3 version.
A highly speculative rumor from XiaomiTime claims that Xiaomi is collaborating with Huawei and the BBK Group, the parent company of OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus, to create a HyperOS 3 version that is free of Google’s apps and services. Xiaomi now has a license to use the Mountain View company’s smartphone operating system, but no one knows when the Trump administration may reconsider this collaboration.
The US government’s concerns about Xiaomi may have been exacerbated when it was revealed that the company had successfully taped-out its custom 3nm chipset and was on track to launch its first in-house solution, Xring, later this month, though the intended timeline may be pushed back. Unfortunately, the only market where Xiaomi can achieve the majority of its success if it abandons Android is China, unless it can provide millions of customers with a custom app store that includes all of the essential alternatives, which is extremely difficult.
It is likely that Xiaomi is keeping HyperOS 3 as a “ace up its sleeve” in case the Trump administration imposes a trade ban on the company, which would also prevent it from using Google Play services or apps. Until such an incident occurs, Xiaomi will most likely avoid losing a large number of consumers and millions of dollars in income.
Avoiding the newest models of consumer electronics, such as cellphones, headphones, or Bluetooth speakers, is a terrific method to save money. Purchase the prior model at a reduced price. For example, take a look at this: the Google Pixel Watch 2 fitness smartwatch is currently on sale for just $150, which is its lowest price ever. That is $250 cheaper than the list price of the Google Pixel Watch 3 and $100 less than its list price.
Google Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear
The Google Pixel Watch 2 strikes a mix between functionality and style. Although it comes in a wide range of vibrant hues, the gold case with the hazel band, the silver case with the bay blue band, and the silver case with the porcelain band are the only ones eligible for the $100 savings that are currently in effect. Fortunately, all three of these appear excellent.
These costs apply to models that are Wi-Fi only. There is good news if you were expecting to get an LTE model so you could put your phone away while working out. Additionally, several of those models are now only $200. The Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE model is available on Amazon in the following case styles: silver with the bay blue band, gold with the hazel band, black with the obsidian band, and silver with the porcelain band. Therefore, you will need to purchase the LTE model if you wanted it in black.
Google Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear
The watch serves as your personal fitness coach by utilizing Google AI. Depending on your objectives, running history, and level of readiness each day, it can suggest running exercises. As you follow these suggestions, you will see an immediate improvement in your running performance as you get more comfortable covering greater distances at faster speeds. You may even create your own runs that include pace training, cooldowns, and warmups. You can track your PRs as you repeat your exercises and access the ones you have saved.
The battery lasts a long time. You can use the watch continuously for up to 24 hours with the always-on display. Additionally, it just takes 75 minutes to charge from a dead watch to full power for the day.
Software updates are vital for keeping your Android smartphone secure, efficient, and compatible with the most recent apps. However, many users disable auto-updates, either to save data or to avoid unpleasant modifications. What is the good news? You can still manually check for and apply updates, rather than waiting for a system prompt.
In this extensive article, we will teach you how to manually check for Android system updates across many brands and what to do if no update appears – even if you assume one is available.
Why Android updates matter
There are several good reasons to check for Android updates manually:
1. Get Critical Security Patches Faster
Waiting for the automatic update prompt could expose your phone to known exploits. Manually checking allows you to keep ahead of security issues by ensuring that your device always has the most recent patch.
2. Access New Features Early
Android upgrades frequently include new interface modifications, battery optimizations, and system features. Manual updates allow you to try the latest enhancements as soon as they are published.
3. Fix Device Glitches or Bugs
Some updates contain stability fixes for specific devices. If your phone has been behaving up, a system update may fix crashes, poor performance, or connectivity issues.
4. Ensure App Compatibility
Many apps now require the latest Android versions to function properly. Without regular upgrades, your favorite apps may cease to function or lose essential features.
Check for updates via settings (standard Android)
This is the most common way to check for updates on Android, regardless of the manufacturer.
Steps:
Open your device’s Settings.
Scroll down and tap on System.
Tap Software Update or System Update (name may vary).
Tap Check for updates.
If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install.
What if it says “Your system is up to date”?
That alerting does not always indicate that there is no update; it could simply have not yet reached your region or device build. In that situation, consider the advanced methods listed below.
How to check updates on specific Android oems
Because manufacturers customize Android OS, the update settings may be in slightly different locations.
Samsung Devices
Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install
Samsung pushes monthly security patches and One UI feature updates through this panel.
Google Pixel
Go to Settings > System > System update
Pixel devices receive updates directly from Google — typically first among all brands.
Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO (MIUI)
Go to Settings > About Phone > MIUI Version
Tap on Check for updates.
For advanced control, use the Updater app found in system apps.
OnePlus (OxygenOS)
Go to Settings > About phone > OxygenOS version
Tap Check for updates
Alternatively, download the OnePlus Updater APK for sideloading updates.
Oppo / Realme (ColorOS & Realme UI)
Go to Settings > Software update
Tap on Check for updates
Oppo also has an “Early Access” program for beta releases.
Motorola
Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Updates
Tap Check for updates
Use Google Play system updates (separate from OS)
Since Android 10, Google has separated certain security and performance updates from full OS upgrades. These are delivered via Google Play system updates.
How to check:
Go to Settings > Security > Google Play system update
Tap Check for update
These are smaller updates that often improve background processes like biometric security, encryption modules, or system services.
Force update with OTA Zip files (advanced users)
If your manufacturer has released an official firmware update but it hasn’t reached your phone yet, you can manually install it using an OTA (Over-The-Air) zip file.
Steps (for advanced users):
Visit your manufacturer’s official website or trusted forums like XDA.
Download the correct OTA update file for your model and region.
Place the file in the root directory of your internal storage.
Boot into Recovery Mode (usually via holding Power + Volume Up).
Choose Apply update from SD card or Install update.zip.
⚠️ Caution: Flashing the wrong file or interrupting the process can brick your device. Always back up your data.
What to Do If No Update Appears?
If you’ve tried everything and your device still says it’s up to date, here are possible reasons:
Carrier Delay: Devices tied to mobile carriers often receive updates later than unlocked models.
Staged Rollouts: Updates are released in waves. Your device may be queued for later.
Region Restriction: Updates may reach some countries first. A VPN won’t help because updates are tied to device build numbers, not IP addresses.
Outdated Device: If your device is more than 2–3 years old, it may have reached its end of life for updates.
Pro Tips to Get Updates Faster
Enroll in beta programs if your phone supports them (Pixel, Samsung One UI Beta, etc.)
Use the manufacturer’s official updater app (like the Xiaomi Updater).
Keep at least 3–5 GB of free storage so updates can install smoothly.
Fully charge your battery before downloading any major update.
Final Thoughts
Checking for Android updates manually is a good practice, especially if you value efficiency, security, or new features. While auto-updates may manage this silently in the background, taking control ensures that you are always using the most recent and safest version of Android.
Whether you are using a Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, or Motorola, the steps are usually only a few taps away. Stay up to date and secure.
The Google Pixel phones are notable for their outstanding photography capabilities, even with their flaws. You may capture beautiful pictures with a Pixel by pressing the shutter button. No need for retakes. The Pixel Camera app is crucial in providing that experience because it has the ideal combination of functionality and a clear, user-friendly layout.
Even so, you have probably missed a number of the Pixel Camera app’s incredible features. Some make taking the ideal picture easy, while others streamline the image-sharing process.
#deal – Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 with Gemini gets the best of Google AI first, so you can take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier
The performance of their point-and-shoot cameras makes Pixel phones unique. The best results can be obtained without adjusting settings or switching to a specific mode. Remove your phone from your pocket, open the app, and begin taking pictures. To get the desired effect, you might need to change the brightness, shadows, or white balance.
To adjust these settings, you do not have to go into Pro mode in the Pixel Camera app like you would on other phones. Instead, go to the settings menu and enable Quick access controls. Then, by tapping the viewfinder, you may activate sliders to adjust the brightness, shadows, and white balance.
Panorama with audio
The Google Pixel supports panoramic photography, just like a lot of Android phones. In contrast to most, they have a remarkable 50MP resolution for taking panoramas. But that is not it. The latest Pixel phones have yet another secret weapon. Audio can be recorded while taking a panorama picture. Although this feature may seem like a gimmick to you, there are several situations in which it might be helpful.
Imagine recording a breathtaking panoramic scene and narrating it in the backdrop with your voice. After that, you can show it to your loved ones. This function is well-executed by Google, which makes sure the soundtrack plays in the background and fades in and out while you see the panoramic.
The only drawback is that it can be challenging to share panorama photographs with audio. The noise is eliminated when sending the picture via Instagram, Google Messages, or WhatsApp. The panorama cannot even be uploaded to Google Photos. Sending the photograph to another Pixel using Quick Share is your best bet.
Guided frame
Pixel phones have excellent photography. However, this does not imply that anyone can shoot beautiful photos with a Pixel phone. People with visual impairments may often find it challenging to frame their subjects correctly before taking a picture. This is where the Guided Frame function of the Pixel Camera is useful.
This accessibility feature offers auditory and visual cues to assist in appropriately framing subjects. It is intelligent enough to assist with framing by automatically recognizing faces, objects, and scenes. Your Pixel phone will automatically take a picture when it is properly framed.
When using the front camera to take selfies, Guided Frame is useful. You can move around until the Pixel Camera app recognizes better lighting circumstances after it recognizes your face. The picture is then automatically taken.
By pressing the Settings icon in the bottom-left corner of the Pixel Camera app and selecting More settings > Guided Frame, you may enable guided frame. When you turn on TalkBack mode on your Pixel, the feature is automatically enabled.
#deal – Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 with Gemini gets the best of Google AI first, so you can take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier
Enjoy posting quick videos on Snapchat or Instagram? For this, you do not have to put the Pixel Camera in video mode. Hold down the shutter button while using the camera app instead.
A video is being recorded by your Pixel phone. When you remove your finger from the shutter, it stops. As an alternative, you can continue recording even after you pull your finger off the screen by sliding it to the lock icon on the left of the viewfinder.
This tool is ideal for shooting video or swiftly taking brief clips. Additionally, you can export a full-resolution frame from the movie to share as a photo because Top Shot functions in this mode.
Palm timer
Sometimes you want to capture a picture with your Pixel propped up on a table. Or, when taking a group selfie, have your arm fully extended. It can be challenging to press the volume key or tap the on-screen shutter button in these circumstances without shifting the phone or readjusting your grasp. In these circumstances, the Pixel Camera’s palm timer function can be useful.
You may enable a three-second timer on your Pixel simply lifting your palm. You do not have to have it. Your Pixel automatically takes a picture after the countdown. It is helpful while taking solo photos with a tripod. Both the front and back cameras are compatible with the function.
I use the Palm timer to take selfies or group photos using the rear camera, as the larger sensor means better quality images. You can enable Palm timer from the Pixel Camera settings.
#deal – Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 with Gemini gets the best of Google AI first, so you can take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier
Despite a minor delay, the Pixel 9a is now available for purchase beginning today. I am still testing the phone myself, but so far, I am really impressed with what is clearly Google’s best A-series entry to date. Regardless of how you feel about the camera bar-less design or any of the missing functionality, the Pixel 9a has made me very enthused about Google’s latest value proposition. In fact, I believe it is the best Android phone to buy right now. Here’s why.
Google Pixel 9a with Gemini
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design
When I originally bought the Pixel 9a, I noticed myself resting my middle and forefinger on the bottom of the camera pill as a habit. I have since adjusted and do not touch the lens cover, which is reported to be slightly domed and inspired by “nature and water droplets,” similar to the Pixel Watch.
The new 48MP sensor is comparable to the one used in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it is significantly smaller. It is a Pixel Camera, as detailed in our video review.
In our tests, we found that the Pixel 9a takes crisper photographs than the 8a from last year. This is most likely owing to an enhanced main camera sensor. While most people will not use both phones side by side or compare photographs in this manner, our gallery shows that the Pixel 8a has more contrast, whilst the 9a is pin sharp throughout the frame.
A lesser camera bump
Look, this is a minor request, but my request from late last year was completely successful. I had not realized how much I missed having a bump-free smartphone until I started using this one. While the elevated camera lip causes it to rattle somewhat on a table — strangely, it is perhaps the most a Tensor-powered Pixel has ever rocked on a table, excepting the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – it helps to make the phone seem so much more comfortable in everyday use.v
Look, this is a minor request, but my request from late last year was completely successful. I had not realized how much I missed having a bump-free smartphone until I started using this one. While the elevated camera lip causes it to rattle somewhat on a table — strangely, it is perhaps the most a Tensor-powered Pixel has ever rocked on a table, excepting the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – it helps to make the phone seem so much more comfortable in everyday use.
A great Google experience
This is the most loaded A-series Pixel we have seen thus far. It is strange to think that the Pixel 7a, a device that felt cheaper to handle than its price tag suggested, was released only two years ago. No one will mistake the Pixel 9a for a flagship smartphone, but the handset itself feels excellent in the hand. The matte polycarbonate back improves on the already superb build quality of the Pixel 8a, and the flat frame feels just as wonderful as it did on the original Pixel 9.
Google Pixel 9a with Gemini
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design
But, in my opinion, what truly counts is the display. While it is still protected by Gorilla Glass 3 — and yes, when you use as many different smartphones in a year as I do, you can really notice the difference in newer Corning glass applications — it is as good as the panel found on the ordinary Pixel 9. Hell, it may be the same panel used in the Pixel 9, as almost every specification, from size to brightness ratings, is similar. Regardless, it is one of the nicest screens I have seen on a $500 smartphone.
However, the rest of the phone is equally impressive. The speakers are solid, the haptics are good, and the buttons are satisfyingly clicky—all of this adds up to a surprisingly durable smartphone. Sure, it lacks some of the more modern features of Google’s flagships, like as the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and the extra 4-8GB of RAM, but for $500, this is the most complete package we have ever seen from this firm.
A good design
Okay, I get it. I was not sold on the design from the time I saw it, whether in leaked renders or hands-on photographs from our staff. The choice to remove the camera bar in favor of a flat (or largely flat) back irritated many people in this sector, as many viewed the Pixel team abandoning an iconic design for no apparent reason. Combined with the wider bezels and flat frame, I was not sure how I would react when the Pixel 9a arrived in my hands.
The answer, of course, is “totally fine,” as I truly enjoy the design Google chose here. It seems funny to celebrate something as easy as slipping a phone into your pocket, but the lack of a camera bar makes a significant difference here — it never got snagged on the lip of a jeans pocket, for example, and felt considerably smaller in my pants as a result. In our hands-on images, the wider bezels appeared to be exacerbated by the flat frame, but once the device was turned on, I stopped noticing the bezels almost immediately.
Obviously, the look and feel of any phone will be determined by personal preference. But if, like me, you never quite clicked with the Pixel 9a no matter how many times it appeared in various leaks and renders, I would recommend that you check see the phone in person before dismissing it completely. And I would be negligent if I did not mention the colors – I love the Iris color on my unit, and the Peony looks excellent as well.
Missing ai features? not many that you will use
Due to its limited 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a lacks a number of AI-powered capabilities seen in the mainline Pixel 9 series. Apps like Pixel Screenshots are completely vanished, while Call Notes has been removed from the Phone app altogether. While Google’s 2024 flagships shipped with its on-device Gemini Nano XS LLM, the Pixel 9a has a modified “XXS” model that removes multimodal capabilities in favor of text-only inputs. The end result is a lower-quality experience, but I doubt most people will notice.
Pixel Screenshots is a nice app, and I hope Google continues to improve the experience on the Pixel 10 and future. But I would be lying if I said I would been using it or Call Notes on the ordinary Pixel 9 for the past eight months. Your mileage may vary, of course, but I do not believe the absence of these apps is very noticeable in day-to-day use. Most people will get their AI experience via apps like Gemini or ChatGPT, which work wonderfully on the Pixel 9a.
Overall a pretty great phone
Google Pixel 9a with Gemini
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design
It is easy to dismiss a $500 smartphone as wonderful, but in my opinion, this is something to rejoice. Google’s efforts with the Pixel 9a feel like the culmination of several years of work to elevate the A-series from “surprisingly good for the price” to simply excellent.
Obviously, there are reasons to choose the Pixel 9 over this device — and if the prices are close enough, going with the older, more powerful smartphone feels like the right move — but at its core, this is a fantastic smartphone that will only improve if and when (tariff madness pending) it sees deals throughout the rest of 2025. For me, that is sufficient.
