A few weeks ago, Apple released its flagship phone with the iPhone 16E for a more affordable price. But now, Google is hitting with the Pixel 9a, which looks better from what I’ve seen.
From the front, 9a looks very similar Standard Pixel 9. Its screen size is the same in the 6.3-inch range, while also offering a refresh rate of 120Hz and a surprising intensity of 2,700 columns of peak brightness. Inside, the 9A packs a tensor G4 chip, just like you get more expensive siblings, along with other handy features including IP68 ratings for dust and waterproofing, as well as Google’s standard OS OS updates, features, and security patches.
But Google does something surprising by giving the 9A a 5,100mAh battery, which is technically the largest power pack in any member of the Pixel 9 family. Among them is the Pixel 9 Pro XL (5,060mAh), though only a little bit. Regardless, Google says this gives the 9A the best lifespan of any pixel today.
If you flip your phone over, there are some other changes, such as the new Iris Purple Hue, which connects existing peony, porcelain and obsidian colors. But the biggest thing to jump out is the lack of a camera bar, the stick is actually already on all Google phones, traceable to Pixel 6. Instead, you get a simple window that is almost flush against the back of the device – the window Google says is inspired by the shape of water droplets.
Unfortunately, you don’t get dedicated optical zoom (although it does support up to 8x digital super zoom). There is a 48MP main sensor, but with Pixel 9 Pro Fold and a 13MP sensor for its ultra-wide cam. The 9A also includes a built-in AI macro focus feature, so you can really get close to things, in addition to supporting a large number of Pixel-specific camera tools like Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, and more.
It is worth noting that since it is powered by the tensor G4, the 9A has access to all the same AI features available for the rest of the pixel 9 lines. This includes Gemini Live videos, Pixel Recorder apps, and Pixel Studio, not to mention security and security products like Google VPN, crash detection. Sadly, I only had a short time on my phone, so we couldn’t test many of its new features.
Google seems to be very confident about the phone, and the company says $500 on any phone will have the best camera. This is a pretty big statement, but it’s not entirely weird, as Google’s camera processing has been around for a while. The Pixel 9a starts at $499 and skates under the line.
So, what is the capture volume – all of which $300 less than the regular pixel 9? From what I’ve seen so far, the biggest difference between the standard pixels 9 and 9A is that Google has not improved the latter’s 23-watt wired or 7.5-watt wireless charging speed, both of which are rather slow compared to the full-price flagship. You also have less RAM, 9A is 8GB instead of 12GB. While 9a’s Gorilla Glass covers its screen in the front, there is a plastic panel made of about 85% recycled material at the back. But again, for three fewer Benjaminsu than the Standard Model, these are compromises that I mostly willing to endure.
The Google Pixel 9A will use 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage sometime in April for $499 (the 256GB model is an optional upgrade). Purchases include a free three-month subscription for Google One and YouTube Premium and a six-month trial for Fitbit Premium.
