I went hands-on with Google's $500 Pixel 9a - it makes the iPhone 16e look like a worse deal

Kerry Wan/ZDNET We've reached the point in the mobile industry where every new upgrade is a game of "Find the differences." Whether it's the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel, consumers need to dig a little deeper to uncover what's actually new among buzzwords that have existed for years. Also: There's one new Pixel 'upgrade' you might not love - here's how to fix it This is especially true with the new Google Pixel 9a, which sells for the same $499 starting price as last year's Pixel 8a. The display size is now different, but the quality of it is the same. The battery size is now different, but the charging speeds are the same. Even the new Iris color, which dances between blue and purple, is different, but its pastel hues are the same as any other Googlified finish. But that's always been the appeal of these midrange handsets, right? It would be an understatement to say that Google is playing it safe this year, at least with the A-series of Pixel devices. That's not necess ... Read full article.