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Google Pixel 9a Appears on EMVCo Certification Site, Revealing Model Number and Android Version

Google Pixel 9a Spotted on Certification Site, Hinting at Imminent Launch

The Google Pixel 9a has appeared on another certification website, suggesting that its official launch may be just around the corner. Google is reportedly preparing to introduce a new midrange smartphone powered by its Tensor G4 chipset. The device is also expected to ship with Android 15 out of the box, arriving before the release of Android 16, which is scheduled for late Q2 2025. Additionally, leaks indicate that the Pixel 9a will feature a 5,100mAh battery, offering a significant boost in battery life compared to its predecessor.

Pixel 9a Model Number and Android Version Revealed

According to a listing on the EMVCo certification website (via 91Mobiles), the Pixel 9a carries the model number GTF7P. While the listing does not explicitly mention the device’s name, it strongly suggests that Google is in the final stages of preparing the smartphone for release. The document, published on January 31, further strengthens speculation that the Pixel 9a could be launched sooner than previous A-series models.

Potential Early Launch Ahead of Google I/O

The listing also confirms that the Pixel 9a will run on Android 15 from day one. Previous reports suggest that Google might unveil the device as early as March 2025, making it the first Pixel A-series phone to launch before the annual Google I/O event in May. If true, this could indicate a shift in Google’s product release strategy, positioning the Pixel 9a as a strong competitor in the midrange smartphone segment.

Expected Specifications and Features

Leaked specifications from December 2024 suggest that the Pixel 9a will sport a 6.3-inch Actua display with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Under the hood, it is expected to be powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The device is also rumored to come with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, enhancing its durability. If these leaks hold true, the Pixel 9a could set a new benchmark for midrange smartphones, offering flagship-like features at a more affordable price.

Google Pixel 9 and Other Devices Gain Bypass Charging Support in Latest Update

Google Adds Bypass Charging Support to Pixel 9 and Other Models in December Update
The December Pixel Feature Drop introduced several new features for compatible Google Pixel devices, and one of the most notable is the addition of bypass charging support. This feature allows users to power their Pixel smartphones directly from the wall outlet, bypassing the battery. A recent discovery, shared by users on social media, reveals that the Pixel 9 series, along with other recent Pixel models, can now take advantage of this feature, which may help extend the lifespan of the battery by preventing unnecessary charge cycles.

How Bypass Charging Works on Pixel Devices
The new bypass charging feature is part of a broader effort by Google to enhance battery longevity on its devices. As part of the December update, users can now set a charging limit of 80 percent, which is part of the “Charging optimization” settings. This limit prevents the battery from reaching full charge, thus reducing the stress on the battery and potentially extending its overall life. When this limit is activated, the device will run directly off the AC power once it hits 80 percent, avoiding the need to draw power from the battery for routine operations.

Comparison to Other Devices Offering Bypass Charging
Bypass charging was previously available on select devices from Samsung and Asus, such as the Samsung Galaxy and Asus ROG phones. Now, Google has integrated this feature into its Pixel lineup, marking an important step toward giving users more control over how their phones manage battery charging. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 series models are among the first to support this feature, which could prove beneficial for users who frequently keep their devices plugged in, such as during long workdays or when using the phone as a media player at home.

User Experience with Bypass Charging
Users who have tested the bypass charging feature have reported that it works seamlessly once enabled. In practice, the phone will show the status as “not charging” when the bypass feature is active, even though it is plugged into the charger. If the feature is turned off, the device will show “charging” as usual, indicating that the battery is being used to power the phone. This addition provides Pixel users with a useful tool to optimize their device’s battery health and ensure a longer lifespan for their phones.

Pixel Studio 1.4 Update Introduces AI-Powered Sticker Creation and Gboard Integration

The Pixel Studio 1.4 update has begun rolling out to Google Pixel devices, bringing exciting new features to the app. One of the most notable updates is the integration of Pixel Studio with Gboard, Google’s popular keyboard app. This integration allows users to create and view AI-generated stickers directly within Gboard, making the process smoother and more convenient. Previously, stickers could only be created within Pixel Studio, and although they could be saved, they weren’t directly accessible in Gboard, limiting their practical use. The new functionality opens up greater usability for users by allowing them to both generate and share their custom AI stickers through the keyboard.

The Gboard integration was first teased in Google’s December 2024 Feature Drop, which introduced a series of enhancements for Pixel devices. While the announcement mentioned the integration of Pixel Studio with Gboard, it didn’t specify the ability to generate stickers directly within the keyboard app itself. The full details, including the sticker creation capabilities, were outlined in the Play Store changelog for the Pixel Studio app. Now, Pixel users can seamlessly create new stickers in Gboard’s “Stickers” tab or through the “My Projects” library, giving them more flexibility in how they create and store their content.

The My Projects library in Pixel Studio allows users to create and save stickers, though it is accessible only through the Pixel Studio app. Users can edit their stickers within this library, ensuring they have complete control over the final product. Once created, these custom stickers can easily be sent in any messaging app, thanks to their integration with Gboard. This feature makes it more convenient for users to personalize their messages with unique stickers without needing to switch between different apps or tools.

While this update adds significant functionality to Pixel Studio, it’s worth noting that the AI sticker creation feature currently supports English language prompts only. This limitation could change in future updates, but for now, users will need to ensure their prompts are in English to generate their desired stickers. Overall, the Pixel Studio 1.4 update represents a major step forward in enhancing the user experience on Pixel devices, offering more creative possibilities and improving the convenience of generating and sharing AI-driven content.