When the leaks start rolling in, you can tell that a device is getting closer and closer to its eventual launch. That’s exactly what happened with the Google Pixel 9a, and finally, the device is here and ready to take on the world. However, as a “budget” Pixel, it is going to be under a lot of scrutiny.
The Google Pixel 9a brings quite a few upgrades to the hardware, but that’s certainly not what Google wants you to pay attention to. At a fraction of the price, you’ll get the chance to get some of the new and high-end software features of the Pixel 9 series. All of that for $500? Let’s talk about it.
The Google Pixel 9a Sets Itself Apart From the Rest of the Family
The Google Pixel 9a is finally here, and at less than half the price of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it is bound to attract a lot of attention. The device takes very little inspiration from the Pixel 9 design language, which isn’t the typical strategy for Google’s “a” models. It has to cut some corners to be less expensive, but it does a good job of that.
The Design
The design might be the most exciting thing about the Google Pixel 9a, especially compared to previous “a” models. Google entirely ditches the visor and opts for a camera setup that is essentially flush with the plastic back panel. The LED flash sits outside the little camera section. The screen is flat, and the sides of the phone are flat with a sort of metallic satin finish. It’s a different look, but I like it a lot.
The device will be available in the usual Porcelain and Obsidian colorways, but you will also be able to get it in the deep pink Peony or the somewhat lavender Iris colorway. The phone is also IP68 certified.
The Screen
Just like the Pixel 9 series, the Actua display is upgraded significantly. The size gets bumped up to 6.3 inches, and it can also hit 2,700 nits of brightness (35% brighter than its predecessor). The screen remains with a 120Hz max refresh rate. It’s a solid display. Be careful, though, since Google stepped back to Gorilla Glass 3 for protection. That’s one way costs are being cut.
The Hardware
One of the things that makes the Pixel “a” lineup so nice is that you don’t have to compromise on performance, just like the compact flagships of old. With this phone, you get the same Tensor G4 that you’ll get in the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and for so much less money.
The phone comes with 8GB of RAM and you’ll have the choice for either 128GB or 256GB of storage.
The Battery and Charging
Inside the Google Pixel 9a is a 5,100mAh battery, which makes it the largest battery to have been put inside a Pixel smartphone. With that, Google says you will get 30+ hours of battery life, and with Extreme Battery Saver on, that stretches to 100 hours.
The phone comes with “fast” charging and wireless charging, but if we know Google, neither of those will be particularly speedy.
The Cameras
Even though you’re paying a whole lot less, the budget Pixel devices have always had very dependable cameras. In many cases, they’ve come with the exact same module as the mainline devices.
Here, that’s not quite the case. Regardless, you get a 48MP primary camera paired with a 13MP ultrawide. And considering that ultrawide also doubles as a macro shooter, you get a little more versatility out of the two cameras. On the front is a 13MP selfie shooter.
The Software
Needless to say, with how much the Pixel 9 keynote focused on the software, the Pixel 9a sort of follows in those footsteps. First off, you’ll get a bunch of AI-powered tricks that were shown on the mainline phones, like Add Me, Best Take, and Magic Editor. The usuals, like Astrophotography, Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and more will show up too.
You’ll be getting Android 15, with the promise of seven years of major OS updates, Pixel Drops, and security updates. Oh, and of course, you get Gemini more tightly integrated with the phone in the form of Gemini Nano, which runs on-device.
The Pricing and Availability
The Google Pixel 9a is going to start at $499, which isn’t a bad price at all, especially considering that you’re not having that many corners cut at the end of the day.
You won’t be able to get your hands on it just yet, though, as its availability will commence next month.
