Google Pixel 9a Set to Revolutionize Budget Smartphones with Satellite Connectivity!

The Google Pixel 9a, launching earlier than expected this month, is set to feature satellite connectivity, a first for the Pixel A-series. The FCC listing reveals model numbers GTF7P, G3Y12, and GXQ96, with one confirming satellite support. This feature, Satellite SOS, allows users to connect with emergency services when there’s no network coverage, a capability previously introduced on the Pixel 9 series. The Pixel 9a will be the first mid-range Android to offer this functionality. It’s expected to come with a Tensor G4 chip, 8GB RAM, a 48MP main camera, and a 5,100mAh battery. The phone will start at $499 for the 128GB variant, with sales beginning on March 26.

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• Google Pixel 9a to Introduce Satellite SOS Feature, First in Pixel A-Series!

Google Pixel 9a Set to Revolutionize Budget Smartphones with Satellite Connectivity!

A recent FCC listing has revealed some key features of Google’s upcoming Pixel 9a smartphone, with the most notable being support for satellite communication—a feature currently uncommon in affordable smartphones, especially within the Pixel-A series. If confirmed, this would position the Pixel 9a as one of the more budget-friendly phones with satellite capabilities, a feature first introduced by Apple in the iPhone 14 series.

The Pixel 9a is also expected to support Wi-Fi 6E for faster internet speeds. The listing mentions several model numbers, suggesting multiple variants for different regions or carriers. Leaks indicate the phone could be launched earlier than usual, with an announcement slated for March 19 and a release on March 26, deviating from Google’s typical May release for A-series phones.

In terms of design, the Pixel 9a is rumored to feature a minimalist, flush design, moving away from the bar-style camera island of earlier Pixel models. The phone will likely be available in four colors: Obsidian (black), Peony (pink), Iris (blue), and Porcelain (gold).

Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is expected to be powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and offer 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It will run Android 15 and likely come with up to seven years of software and security updates. The display is said to be a 6.28-inch panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,700 nits. The phone may also feature a 5,100mAh battery, the largest ever on a Pixel device.

For cameras, the Pixel 9a is rumored to have a dual-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, along with a 13-megapixel front camera. Google’s camera features like Night Sight and Astrophotography are expected to be included.

The Pixel 9a is predicted to start at €499 (around ₹45,700) for the 128GB version, with the 256GB model priced at €599 (approximately ₹54,900). In India, the pricing could be slightly higher, following the trend set by the Pixel 8a.

Google Pixel 9a to Introduce Satellite SOS Feature, First in Pixel A-Series!

The Google Pixel 9a is set to launch ahead of schedule this month, bypassing the usual announcement at the I/O Developer Conference in April. Recent certifications like FCC, IMDA, and EMVCo hint at its imminent release, with the latest FCC filing revealing that the Pixel 9a will feature a flagship capability previously unseen in the Pixel A-series.

The listing, including model numbers GTF7P, G3Y12, and GXQ96, highlights support for satellite connectivity, a feature that must be disabled during flights through airplane mode. This suggests the Pixel 9a will be the first mid-range Android device to support Satellite SOS, a function introduced on the Pixel 9 series. Satellite SOS enables users to connect with emergency services or contacts when there’s no Wi-Fi or cellular network available. Apple first introduced this feature with the iPhone 14 series, and it continues to be available on newer iPhone models.

Leaks and rumors have already revealed much about the Pixel 9a, which will reportedly feature a flat-frame design, ditching the rear camera bar. Powered by a Tensor G4 chip, it will come with 8GB of RAM and a 5,100mAh battery supporting 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. A 48MP main camera is also expected. The Pixel 9a is rumored to start at $499 (~₹43,605) for the base 128GB variant, with sales set to begin on March 26. In comparison, the Pixel 8a launched in India at ₹52,999 last May.