Google’s latest budget phone, $499 Pixel 9aArrived early this year, just from Apple’s “Affordable” product for high heels ($599) iPhone 16e. Very convenient time. this Pixel 9a will arrive at the store April 10, starting from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Pixel 9a is $300 cheaper than baseline Pixel 9 So when it comes to functions like cameras and RAM, it will be slightly smaller. However, it retains other properties such as display size, processor and AI capabilities – even higher battery capacity than its more expensive pixel counterpart.
So is pixel 9a suitable for you? This is everything to consider.
Camera and AI considerations
The Pixel 9a has a wide and super camera.
Being able to take good photos when buying a new phone is usually a top priority, because for most people, their phone is the only camera. The Pixel 9a has two cameras on the back: a 48-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel Ultrawide, and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. This puts the 9A’s rear camera specifications below the specifications on the Pixels 9 and 9 Pro, but the megapixels aren’t the only factor in getting high-quality shots. (You can check out the specification chart below to see how the camera compares on these phones.)
The Pixel 9A’s camera supports macro focus, which means you can get closer to your subject – if you capture a close-up of a delicious dish, for example – and put it in clear focus. With 9A, Google uses the main camera to enable macro focus, not like many other phones.
Watch the following: First look: Google’s Pixel 9a has a big battery and new design
The most notable thing about the Pixel 9a is the suite of AI editing tools you can still use, even if it is cheaper. Such as Magic Editing Can help you clean up the lens and change the background, The best Create an image where everyone in the group photos looks the best, and Add me Using AI and augmented reality, bringing photographers into the final image.
For those who bombard us with numerous AI-featured companies, the Pixel 9a can be a great device to dip your toes into these waters, hoping not to feel overwhelmed – without paying too much cash to see all the buzz. I found a photo editing tool The best use of AI Because they eliminate the need for expensive software and allow you to post photos directly on your device without special skills.
But if you meeting 9A still allows you to cover the AI field and enter the AI field more deeply. You can access Gemini Helps accomplish tasks such as writing across applications, brainstorming, and performing operations. You’ll get it too Circle search So you can learn more about the content on the screen – I rely heavily on its capabilities. These features are great because they feel like a natural approach, as they are very deep and seamlessly used.
and AI is a staple food In almost all new phones, these features can be leveraged without breaking the bank, and it’s an attractive option for someone who is still unsure of what a big deal is – and then see if the Pixel 9a changes its mind.
For those holding phones
The 6.3-inch display of the Pixel 9a is similar to the Pixel 9 – although the Pixel 9’s screen has a higher maximum brightness.
While carriers may want you to upgrade your phone every two years, manufacturers like Google and Samsung The window for mobile phone software and security upgrades has been expanded to seven years. This also applies to low-priced phones like Pixel 9a, which provides more reasons for budget-conscious consumers to feel that they have reached a deal.
Not buying flagship devices can also mean less susceptible to upgrade pressure. Often, it’s more premium phones (usually small adjustments) that will actively push to those who are keen on buying the latest technology. If it’s all that matters if you just have a phone with key features, then pixel 9a may be a great way to avoid all the noise.
This can also make the Pixel 9a a great option for kids who may not need the most gorgeous equipment. Such as Family Links Allow parents to manage privacy settings, screen time limits, and location sharing, and also silence notifications and disable apps during school hours.
The pixel 9a has flat sides.
The Pixel 9a packs the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but with 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB and 16GB, you’ll use these premium phones. This is still enough for everyday use, such as scrolling on social media, taking photos and browsing the web. If you are a heavy mobile gamer, 8GB of RAM may not be ideal, but for most people, it’s not a problem.
The Pixel 9A’s 6.3-inch OLED display matches what you get on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, so you don’t have to narrow down your viewing experience – especially with a variable refresh rate of 60hz to 120Hz, which should make scrolling seamless.
With a 5,100-MAH battery, the Pixel 9a should be able to last all day. Like the iPhone 16E, the Pixel 9A actually has a higher battery capacity than its more expensive peers touted, and each product has a 4,700-MAH battery. This can also help you feel like you are getting the most out of your money.
Pixel 9a comes in four colors: obsidian, porcelain, peony and iris.
What this phone won’t get is Pixel 9’s Satellite SOS Features, it uses satellite to contact emergency services when you are out of battery signal or Wi-Fi range. But if you don’t usually find yourself in places without cell services, such as on remote hiking trails, you hope you shouldn’t feel it’s absent.
With all this in mind, if you have last year’s Pixel 8athere may not be enough reason to upgrade to 9A, as they have many of the same features, specifications and AI capabilities.
But if you have one Pixel 7a And want to take advantage of some newer AI features, the 9A might be tempting. Again, if you have Pixel 6a Or older, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in the 9A’s camera, battery life and overall performance.
And if you want to hold on to your phone and keep stretching your dollar, there will be more power for you.
Google Pixel 9A vs. Pixel 8A vs. Pixel 9 vs. Pixel 9 Pro
| Google Pixel 9a | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 9 | Google Pixel 9 Pro | |
| Display size, technology, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424×1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels, 60-120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424×1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED; 2,856×1,280 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 422 ppi | 430 ppi | 422 ppi | 495 ppi |
| Dimensions (in inches) | 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches | 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches |
| Dimensions (mm) | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm | 152 x 74 x 10.2 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight (g, ounces) | 186G (6.6 oz) | 193 g (6.7 oz) | 198G (7 oz) | 199G (7 oz) |
| Mobile software | Android 15 | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| camera | 48 megapixels (width), 13 megapixels (speeding) | 64 megapixels (main), 13 megapixels (speeding) | 50 megapixels (width), 48 megapixels (speeding) | 50 megapixels (width), 48 megapixels (overspeed), 48 megapixels (5x telephoto) |
| Front camera | 13 megapixels | 13 megapixels | 10.5 megapixels | 42 megapixels |
| Video Capture | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM + Storage | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Scalable storage | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing |
| Battery | 5,100 mah | 4,492 mah | 4,700 mah | 4,700 mah |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under display | Under display | Under display | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing |
| Special features | 7 years of operating system, security and pixel function decline; Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass; IP68 dust and waterproof; 2,700-NIT peak brightness; 1,000,000:1 comparison; 23W fast charging (excluding chargers); 7.5W wireless charging QI certification; Wi-Fi 6e; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (Nano Sim + ESIM); Add me; Best Magic Eraser; Magic Editing; Photo Unblur; Super Res Zoom; Circle Search | IP67 grade dust and waterproof; 18W fast charging; 7.5W wireless charging; 5G (5G sub6/mmwave); VPN for Google One; Circle Search; 7 Years Android OS Update; 7 Years Security Update; Best Audio Magic Eraser; Wi-Fi 6e; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (Nano SIM + ESIM) | Satellite SOS; 7 years of operating system, security and pixel function drops; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dust and waterproof; 2,700-NIT peak brightness; 45W fast charging (excluding charger); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second generation); 12W wireless quality charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (ESIM + NANO SIM); add me; the best magic eraser; magic editor | Satellite SOS; 7 years of operating system, security and pixel function drops; IP68 dust and waterproof; Video boost 8K upgrade; Macro attention to speeding; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-NIT peak brightness; 45W fast charging (excluding charger); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second generation); 12W wireless quality charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; Dual-SIM (ESIM + NANO SIM); add me; the best magic eraser; magic editor |
| US prices from | $499 (128GB) | $499 (128GB) | $799 (128GB) | $999 (128GB) |
| UK prices from | Convert to £385 (128GB) | £499 (128GB) | Convert to £640 (128GB) | Convert to £780 (128GB) |
| Australian prices from | Convert to $780 (128GB) | AU $849 (128GB) | Convert to AU $1,210 (128GB) | Convert to AU $1,510 (128GB) |
