New Pixel 9a already has quality issues, features downgraded Gemini AI

There’s a new Google Pixel in town. Perhaps, you already know about it, as it has been leaked many times already. Yes, I am talking about the Pixel 9a. If you wanna know about all the good things the 9a brings, you can read about that on any website. Today, I am summing up some Pixel 9a issues that have already come to light.

Firstly, Google shared with many prominent tech publications like The Verge, Android Authority, 9to5Google etc that they detected “a component quality issue” that is affecting “a small number of Pixel 9A devices.”

Google’s statement arrived after it came to light that despite announcing the phone, pre-orders didn’t go live. Further, it was also revealed that shipments will not begin until April, instead of the earlier reported March 26 date.

While it’s good that Google is already on it, it definitely doesn’t inspire confidence in a potential buyer that the product they are planning to buy has been detected with a quality control issue so close to the launch. I hope the units that ship in April are free from this problem.

Moving on, ArsTechnica is reporting that the 9a features a downgraded version of the Gemini AI assistant – Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS (extra extra small). This is because the new device comes with only 8GB RAM, which is too less to have the Gemini AI version Nano XS (extra small) that’s available on the other, more powerful Pixel 9 series phones.

This obviously has some major downsides. For example, apps like Pixel Screenshots and features like Call Notes will not be available on the Pixel 9a. And ArsTechnica also suspects that even the phone call scam detection feature will also be absent – though this is not yet confirmed. Plus, some of the other features that will be available will be less responsive because the toned down Gemini AI version won’t run continuously in the background to save resources.

Lastly, Android Police is reporting that although the Pixel 9a sees a wider launch than previous a-series launches, it won’t be available in the following countries at launch: Puerto Rico, Mexico, South America, as well as several European countries. The publication further says that even in the countries where the 9a will go on sale, not all color and storage variants will be available for purchase.

That’s it. If you are planning to purchase the Pixel 9a, I hope this information will help you make an informed decision.