Google followed up The value of the ocean With the official announcement of its Pixel 9A smartphone, the retail price is $499. The biggest change to the new A-Series model is the appearance, with the camera bar removed on the back of the phone. In the 9A, the camera case is “slightly domed” and is almost flush with the rest of the frame, making this mid-range model look smoother. The collection also comes in new colors – a lilac dubbing iris and a vibrant pink called Peony – adding the usual porcelain and obsidian options. (Peony options are similar to More expensive pixel 9)
Our senior reviewer Sam Rutherford has been able to check out the new device in person, you can read why he thinks Pixel 9a may be the “new mid-range smartphone king”.“But before you reveal his impression, it’s the details.
In addition to what is already covered here, the Pixel 9a has also received a chip upgrade from G3 to Google’s Google tensor G4 processor, which is Google’s excellent Pixel 8a. The 8A’s performance is already good, so the G4’s control is even smoother. Like the 8A, the 9A comes with 8GB of RAM and comes with 128GB or 256GB of storage. The new A-series also promises “over 30 hours of battery life”.
Camera is a big reason why we like the Pixel 8a, name it our top pick Mid-range smartphone. The shells in 9a are different, but there are also slightly different specifications inside. The rear dual cameras in the 9A offer 48MP wide and 13MP super lenses, while the front is equipped with a 13MP selfie camera; the rear camera on the 8A is 64MP wide. It will support AI-powered features such as magic editing, magic eraser, best shooting and photo unblur. Google brings the macro focus option to the A Series for the first time, with many close-up details. There are also night scenes that can help you improve your night photography.
It is worth noting that since the announcement ARS Technica reported This is because the Pixel 9A comes with 8GB of RAM, so it is “forced” to rely on Gemini AI’s “extra small” model. The article also notes that this means “some of Google’s coolest AI features don’t work on 9A”.
9A will be available in the United States and Canada in North America, as well as many other countries in Europe and Asia Pacific. Google said the device will be available in April and there is no more details on a specific schedule.
Updated, March 19, 2025, 12:16 ET: The story has been updated to correct the last sentence, which says booking will be open in April. There will be no reservations.
Updated, March 19, 2025, 3:27 PM ET: The story has been updated to add a paragraph to inform readers of our Pixel 9a practices, as well as about ARS Technica Report limited AI capabilities.
