Pixel 9a: The Budget Phone You’ve Been Waiting For at an Unbeatable Price

The leaks were accurate. As always, it seems, Google’s upcoming budget phone, the Pixel 9a, has been revealed to have the key features and improvements we were expecting. After spending some hands-on time with it, there are a few things that stand out right awayo some of which are quite exciting. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.

Price Remains the Same at $499

First and most important, the price is the same as the previous model, the Pixel 8a, coming in at $499. In a market where inflation, tariffs, and other financial factors can lead to price hikes, the fact that Google has kept the price stable is refreshing. This makes it one of the best-value phones in the budget category.

Design: A Mixed Bag

About the design, people have mixed opinions. On one side, the look feels a little boring. It doesn’t excite the way previous Pixel phones have, particularly with the more distinctive “visor” design that became a signature of the brand. It’s easy to feel like the Pixel 9a doesn’t have that unique identity.

However, there is one notable design choice that’s worth celebrating: the absence of a camera bump. It’s not just a small bump or a set of rings; there is no bump at all. This might seem like a small thing, but it’s something that users have been asking for for years. Many people asked phone makers to stop making phones too thin. They want phones a little thicker to remove the camera bump and put a bigger battery inside. Google has clearly listened to this.

The Pixel 9a is 8.9 millimeters thick and features the largest battery ever found in a Pixel device 5,100 mAh. That’s even bigger than the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s battery. This design choice is a win, offering better battery life without sacrificing other key features.

Hardware and Performance

ITalking about hardware, the Pixel 9a is not very different from what you expect. It’s powered by the same Tensor G4 chip that is found in the flagship Pixel 9 series, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It’s essentially the same size as the Pixel 9, sporting a 6.3-inch display with a hole-punch front camera and an under-display fingerprint sensor.

In terms of build, it feels very close to a flagship device. The frame is made of flat aluminum, while the back is made of plastic instead of glass. Some users might notice this difference, especially if they don’t use a case, but for most people, it probably won’t be a major concern. In fact, some might even prefer the added durability of plastic over glass.

Additionally, the Pixel 9a is now fully IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, which is an improvement over last year’s Pixel 8a that had an IP67 rating.

What Sets the Pixel 9a Apart?

Last year’s Pixel 8a had some problems and felt less good compared to the flagship Pixel 8. The Pixel 8 cost a little more but was a better choice because of its better features. But the Pixel 9a has now found a better balance.

This year, the Pixel 9a has much fewer compromises. It clearly gives good value: the phone feels very close to the Pixel 9 but costs less. It even has the same 120Hz max refresh rate screen, though it usually stays at 60Hz. The brightness and resolution are also as good as the Pixel 9. The contrast is a little lower, and it uses Gorilla Glass 3 instead of the stronger Victus 2. But overall, the screen is still good.

On software side, the Pixel 9a doesn’t miss the special features that make Pixel phones different. It has all the famous software tools like Gemini, Magic Eraser, photo unblur, call screening, and more. Also, you will get seven years of software updates and Pixel drops, which make Pixel phones popular.

The 9a also includes basic Qi wireless charging, though the large battery means it will charge slower than the flagship models. But the bigger battery is worth it. The Pixel 9a is a budget phone with a big 5,100mAh battery that will probably last longer than many other phones in the same price range.

Camera Features

The Pixel 9a’s camera setup is another highlight. It comes with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide sensor, both of which are impressive for a budget phone. It also includes the ever-popular Night Sight feature, ensuring your photos look great in low-light conditions. While it doesn’t have the top-tier camera capabilities of the Pixel 9, the 9a still provides excellent performance in everyday shooting scenarios. For many users, the slight reduction in camera quality won’t be a dealbreaker.

Comparing the Pixel 9a to the Pixel 9

In general, the Pixel 9a can be seen as a budget version of the Pixel 9. It’s not missing any of the essential features like the Pixel-exclusive software or the powerful battery. It sacrifices a bit of the high-end camera features, but the vast majority of people will find the Pixel 9a’s photography more than adequate.

The Pixel 9a also comes in four colors: black, white, Peony (a light pink), and Iris (a shade that shifts between purple and blue depending on the light). Of these, Iris is arguably the most attractive.

A Great Value for the Price

At $499, the Pixel 9a gives great value. It is a complete phone with many features people like in Pixel phones, plus a big battery. The Pixel 9 costs more and has some better features, but the difference between them is bigger now. So, the Pixel 9a is a better choice for people with a budget. It gives almost the same experience as the Pixel 9 but costs much less.

Looking Ahead: The Pixel 10

While the Pixel 9a is a great phone, it’s also worth noting that the Pixel 10 series is likely just a few months away. The Pixel 10 will probably be more expensive than the A-series, but some early rumors suggest that it will feature a major performance increase thanks to the Tensor G5 chip. For those looking for top-tier performance, the Pixel 10 might be worth waiting for. However, if you’re focused on getting the best value for your money now, the Pixel 9a is still an excellent choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Pixel 9a offers a solid, budget-friendly alternative to its flagship counterparts. It has a large battery, a solid camera system, and all the software features that make the Pixel experience stand out. The design may not be as exciting as some would like, but the overall package provides a great user experience at an affordable price. For those looking for a reliable budget phone that doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of features, the Pixel 9a is hard to beat.

With the Pixel 9a entering the market alongside competitors like the iPhone 16e, it’s clear that Google has positioned this phone to offer exceptional value for the price. It may not be the most flashy phone out there, but it’s one that will likely meet the needs of many users at a great price.