Introduction
The Google Pixel 9a is the company’s newest mid-range Android smartphone. Part of the A-series, the Pixel 9a continues the tradition of being the most affordable offering in the latest generation Pixel lineup, with a starting price of $499.
Pixel 9a hands-on review
The Pixel 9a features a number of changes over last year’s Pixel 8a. It features an updated design that more closely resembles other Pixel 9 devices. The chipset has been updated to the latest generation Tensor G4. The main rear camera has been upgraded and it now features a bigger battery, the largest in any Pixel smartphone.
Google Pixel 9a specifications at a glance:
- Body: 154.7×73.3×8.9mm, 186g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminium frame, plastic back; IP68 dust tight and water resistant (submersible up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes).
- Display: 6.30″ P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak), 1080x2424px resolution, 20.2:9 aspect ratio, 422ppi; Always-on display.
- Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm): Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A520); Mali-G715 MP7.
- Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
- OS/Software: Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
- Rear camera: Wide (main): 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/2.0″, 0.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; Ultra Wide Angle: 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1/3.1″, 1.12µm.
- Front Camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1″, 1.12µm.
- Video Capture: Rear Camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, Gyro-EIS, OIS; Front Camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps.
- Battery: 5100mAh; 23W wired, PD3.0, 7.5W wireless, bypass charging (w/ “Up to 80% range” option enabled).
- Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi Zone; BT 5.3; NFC.
- Miscellaneous: Fingerprint reader (under the display, optical); Stereo speakers; Circle to Search.
As we’ve seen with previous A-series devices, Google hasn’t skimped on the Pixel 9a in terms of features and specifications. Instead, the focus is entirely on delivering the core Pixel experience, whether that’s in the form of camera performance or the software suite. But with increasing competition, it remains to be seen if this once-winning formula remains effective.
Google Pixel 9A Unboxing
The Pixel 9a ships in very minimal packaging. Inside the thin cardboard box, the only thing noticeable is the phone and a USB-C data cable. If you’re expecting a case or basic charger that you get on competing devices, you won’t find it here.
Pixel 9a Hands-on Review
Google does sell a case, however, which it was kind enough to send us. The soft silicone case offers good coverage with a comfortable grip and enough tactility for the physical keys. However, at $30 per case, these cases are a bit expensive and you can buy similar cases elsewhere for half the price.
