Following last week’s Amazon Big Spring Sale, key tech announcements surfaced this week. Google has confirmed the Pixel 9a’s US availability on April 10, starting at $500. The Pixel 9 is now priced at $650, featuring a superior camera setup and faster charging. Samsung introduced the Galaxy S24 FE at $550, highlighting a larger display and telephoto camera. The Galaxy A56 and Galaxy Tab S10 FE duo were also mentioned, with the latter available for reservation. Additionally, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, featuring upgraded specs and a release date of June 5 at $450. Game prices have increased compared to the original Switch.
After the bustle of last week’s Amazon Big Spring Sale, things have calmed down, but several noteworthy announcements have emerged this week that deserve attention.
First off, Google has confirmed the launch date for the Pixel 9a – set for April 10 in the US. The initial price will be $500 for the 8/128GB variant, while the cost for the 256GB option is yet to be revealed.
In the meantime, the standard Google Pixel 9 is currently available for $650 for the base 12/128GB model, with an additional $50 for the 256GB upgrade. This still results in a significant price difference between the 9 and 9a, even though both devices are powered by the same Tensor G4 chipset. The Pixel 9, however, offers better performance with a superior main camera (50MP 1/1.31” versus 48MP 1/2.0”) and ultra-wide camera (48MP compared to 13MP), as well as quicker charging – 27W wired and 15W wireless compared to the 9a’s 23W and 7.5W – albeit with a smaller battery (4,700mAh against 5,100mAh).
Samsung’s premium mid-range offering is also on the horizon – the Galaxy S24 FE will retail for $550 for the 8/128GB model, with the 256GB version available for an additional $60. This model is equipped with the more powerful Exynos 2400e and boasts a larger 6.7” display. Additionally, it features a dedicated telephoto camera – albeit an 8MP 3x (75mm). The 12MP ultra-wide camera is comparable to that of the Pixel 9a, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the Pixel 9. Its 4,700mAh battery supports both 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.
The Galaxy A56 is set to hit the US market, albeit at a later date. The Galaxy A36 is already available, currently bundled with a $50 gift card from either Amazon or Best Buy instead of a direct discount. The A36 sports a larger 6.7” display (compared to the 6.3” on the 9a), but its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip lags behind the Tensor G4 in performance capabilities. This model lacks a telephoto camera, offering only a 50MP main (1/1.96”) and an 8MP ultra-wide camera.
This week, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab S10 FE duo, though the tablets aren’t yet available in the US. You can reserve a unit on Samsung.com and receive a $50 credit. Pricing starts at $600 for the 10.9” Tab S10 FE, while the 13.1” Tab S10 FE+ starts at $650 (for the 128GB Wi-Fi versions).
The previous generation 2023 Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is available for just $300 for the base 128GB model, with a $70 upgrade option to 256GB. The Exynos 1380 processor is showing its age compared to the newer 1580, but both models come with a 10.9” 1440p+ 90Hz LCD and an 8,000mAh battery supporting 45W charging.
Similar chipset considerations apply to the Galaxy Tab S9+ FE, but keep in mind the size difference – the older model measures 12.4”, while the Tab S10 FE+ is slightly larger at 13.1”. Both feature a 90Hz LCD (with respective resolutions of 1600p+ and 1800p+). Note that the Tab S9+ FE has an 8MP main and 8MP ultra-wide camera, while the new model features only a 13MP main camera. Both tablets are equipped with a 10,090mAh battery supporting 45W charging.
For an additional $50 over the cost of a 128GB Tab S10 FE+, you can opt for a 256GB Galaxy Tab S9+ instead. This model is powered by the faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (notably better GPU performance) and features a 120Hz OLED display measuring 12.4 inches. The battery capacity remains the same at 10,090mAh with 45W charging, and this version includes an ultra-wide camera. Both the Tab S and Tab S FE tablets come with microSD slots.
The latest generation of Samsung tablet is the Galaxy Tab S10+. It utilizes a MediaTek chip, the Dimensity 9300+, which is the main distinction between the Tab S10+ and the Tab S9+.
Nintendo has unveiled details regarding the much-anticipated Switch 2 handheld console. It features a larger 7.9” LCD – a 1080p HDR10 panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR – powered by a new Nvidia chipset that supports DLSS and ray tracing. While it’s primarily designed as a portable device, the upgraded chip also promises 4K gaming at 120fps in docked mode.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release on June 5, but has already started appearing in stores for preview. The console itself is priced at $450, with a MarioKart World bundle available for an additional $50. Standalone games for the Switch 2 will cost around $80 (which reflects a price increase compared to the original Switch).
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