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The Google Pixel 9a had a rocky begin. A “part high quality situation” delayed its launch by weeks, and early experiences about an outdated Exynos modem and restricted Gemini Nano instruments had us involved it could fall in need of the A-series’ normal high quality.
That is why I targeted my Pixel 9a evaluation interval on stress-testing its obvious weak factors. I examined the modem’s efficiency and drain in distant areas, put Gemini by its paces, and checked for any Tensor efficiency points with overheating.
My final perspective? The Pixel 9a has saved up the A-series legacy as a strong worth flagship. I did discover compromises by way of digicam high quality and long-term AI viability, however they’re affordable cutbacks that solely energy customers will not settle for.
And the revamped Pixel 9a battery life is nice sufficient to even make Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional homeowners jealous.
Google Pixel 9a: Specs, worth, and availability
Pixel 9a vs. 8a
What’s new if you examine the Google Pixel 9a vs. 8a? Our in-depth information will clarify each distinction between these two price range telephones.
After a delayed launch, the Google Pixel 9a hits cabinets on April 10 within the U.S., U.Okay., and Canada, adopted by 27 different nations on April 14–16. You will discover the Pixel 9a on the Google Retailer, provider websites, and retailers like Greatest Purchase.
The 8 GB/128 GB variant prices $499 / £499 / €549 / CA$679 / Rs 49,999; we do not have an official worth for the 8GB/256GB mannequin but, although T-Cellular costs it at $599.
As with most Pixel A-series telephones, the Google Pixel 9a has the identical processor, show, and storage because the mainline Pixel 9 however with different cost-cutting variations. If the Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 9 variations are too stark, chances are you’ll wish to take into account an improve.
|
Class |
Google Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
|
OS |
Android 15, seven OS updates to Android 22, seven years of safety updates by 2032 |
|
Show |
6.3-inch pOLED, 20:9 facet ratio, 2,424 x 1,080 (422 PPI), 60–120Hz, as much as 1,800 nits (HDR) or 2,700 nits (peak brightness), Gorilla Glass 3, Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colours |
|
Chipset |
Google Tensor G4 (4nm), Arm Mali-G715, Titan M2 |
|
RAM |
8GB LPDDR5X |
|
Storage |
128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 |
|
Rear digicam 1 |
48MP Quad PD Twin Pixel, ƒ/1.7, 82º, 1/2″ picture sensor, Tremendous Res Zoom as much as 8x, OIS, 4K at 60fps |
|
Rear digicam 2 |
13MP UW, ƒ/2.2, 120° FoV |
|
Entrance digicam |
13MP, ƒ/2.2, 96.1º |
|
Ingress safety |
IP68 mud and water resistance |
|
Connectivity |
5G bands, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
|
Safety |
Optical in-screen fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
|
Audio |
USB Sort-C 3.2, stereo audio system, 2 mics |
|
Battery |
5,100mAh, 30+ hour battery life, 100 hours with Excessive Battery Saver |
|
Charging |
23W wired, 7.5W Qi-certified wi-fi |
|
Dimensions |
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, 185.9g |
|
Colours |
Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, Iris |
Google Pixel 9a: Design
The Pixel 9a has the identical machine-cut, flat-sided aesthetic as most Android telephones and iPhones today. Its solely declare to fame is the ultra-slim, teardrop digicam sensor that is a bit too refined, squeezed into the nook of a flat, matte slab.
The basic Pixel digicam housing catches on pockets however retains your cellphone regular on flat surfaces. I used to be apprehensive the left-aligned 9a sensor would deliver again the imbalanced wobble so frequent with different manufacturers, but it surely does not! It is simple to browse and faucet the 9a on a desk or wi-fi charger, and it is a lot easier to slip it into my denims pocket.
Google justified eradicating its trademark digicam bar by explaining it was essential to “eradicate battery nervousness” with extra capability and make the 9a vapor chamber bigger for higher thermals.
This naturally made the 9a thicker, so that they needed to slim down the show and digicam sensors to maintain it on the identical 8.9mm thickness because the Pixel 8a. Frankly, that is not very slim, and the 8a has softer edges to ease the grip a bit.
Picture 1 of 4
Eradicating the digicam bar was the precise choice: Battery life is the trademark function the 9a wanted, the cooling chamber appears to be efficient, and it offsets the additional weight. The trade-off is that the thicker 9a widens your grip a bit, which takes slightly getting used to.
Nonetheless, it is lighter and simpler to carry than most 6.7-inch price range telephones; the 9a is not a “small cellphone,” but it surely falls into an honest candy spot.
I additionally respect that the Pixel 9a has IP68 mud and water resistance, a slight bump within the normal IP67 normal. Sadly, Google caught with Gorilla Glass 3 for defense, saving Victus 2 for the mainline Pixel 9s. I haven’t got any scratches but, but it surely’s solely a matter of time with no display screen protector.
Caseless daredevils will benefit from the Pixel 9a’s matte end that does not present fingerprints (at the least on my Porcelain mannequin). I additionally appreciated that the quantity rocker and energy button have a extra refined click on than the Pixel 8a when pressed.
Google Pixel 9a: Show
Google basically transplanted the Pixel 9 show onto the Pixel 9a. You get the identical 6.3-inch measurement, FHD decision, non-LTPO 120Hz refresh charge, and as much as 2,700 nits of brightness open air or 1,800 nits with HDR.
Pixel 9a PWM sensitivity check
The Pixel 9a (left) and 8a (proper) each use flicker-heavy PWM dimming (240Hz), which may trigger complications and nausea.
Virtually talking, no cellphone hits its peak brightness rating exterior of cherry-picked pixels and settings trickery. Nevertheless, that 1,800 high-brightness mode (HBM) rating is reputable: the 9a is comfortably readable with first rate colour saturation in direct California daylight, whereas the Pixel 8a (1,400 nits) is dimmer and fewer nice to make use of open air.
Evaluate the Pixel 9a towards the OnePlus 13R (1,600 nits HBM) or Galaxy A56 (1,200), and it is clear that it is the mid-range cellphone to beat for outside use.
Regardless of the 9a’s tradeoffs in different areas, it is visually uncompromised from the Pixel 9 — apart from its lesser Gorilla Glass safety, barely thicker bezels, and 1,000,000:1 distinction ratio. I watched vivid YouTube nature movies side-by-side on the Pixel 9 and 9a, and I could not see any clear distinction in colour accuracy or distinction.
Except you are used to QHD+ decision or have PWM sensitivity, you ought to be completely glad with the 9a show expertise. Simply be prepared to purchase a display screen protector.
Google Pixel 9a: {Hardware} and efficiency
The basic A-series attraction is getting a “flagship” chip in a mid-range cellphone. Tensor chips have fallen behind the highest Snapdragon and Dimensity chips for uncooked energy — although the TSMC-made G5 could change that — however the Tensor G4 looks like a significantly better match for a $499 cellphone than a $999 Pixel 9 Professional.
|
Benchmark |
Google Pixel 9a |
Google Pixel 9 |
Google Pixel 9 Professional / Professional XL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Geekbench 6 (single-core) |
1,702 |
1,728 |
1,941 |
|
Geekbench 6 (multi-core) |
4,310 |
4,407 |
4,770 |
|
Geekbench GPU (Vulkan) |
7,805 |
8,572 |
6,906 |
|
3DMark Wild Life Excessive (Rating) |
2,661 |
2,627 |
2,676 |
|
3DMark WL Excessive (FPS) |
15.94 |
15.73 |
16.03 |
Previous A-series telephones confirmed refined Tensor downgrades or thermal points in post-launch teardowns, however that does not appear to be the case right here. The redesign to squeeze in correct vapor cooling paid off within the benchmarks: the Pixel 9a is the slowest of the three telephones, however not by a major margin, and its graphical efficiency is correct within the combine regardless of having 4–8GB much less RAM.
This yr’s Snapdragon flagships could crush the Pixel 9 and 9 Professional, however with regards to mid-range telephones, the Tensor G4 simply destroys the competitors for looking, gaming, and AI.
My colleagues resented that the Pixel 9 & 9 Professional default to 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, with no UFS 4.0 choice for sooner knowledge switch and sport loading. That is a good grievance for flagships, however this storage degree is an affordable default for mid-tier telephones.
In any other case, the {hardware} perks I’ve favored on different Pixels apply right here, notably the refined however sturdy haptics and pretty wealthy stereo sound every time I am not utilizing wi-fi earbuds.
When it comes to particular 9a downgrades, the 8GB of reminiscence has little noticeable impression on day-to-day looking or Android gaming, other than some occasional lag whereas enhancing photographs. Nevertheless, it does limit a number of Gemini Nano-powered options that require on-device AI, which I am going to deal with within the software program part.
You additionally get Wi-Fi 6e, although the 9a provides extra antennas with 2×2 MIMO. Whether or not I used wi-fi or mobile over the Exynos modem, I did not discover any connectivity points, dropped calls, or gradual downloads over Google Fi. Your mileage could range primarily based in your community and area; in case you’re in any respect involved, snag a Pixel 9 for Wi-Fi 7 and a more moderen modem.
As a closing level, my colleague Brady Snyder has had points with the 9a under-display fingerprint sensor, even after rescanning his prints. I have not had a single failed studying all week, however I’ve included his grievance since it is a acquainted chorus for the previous couple of generations of Pixel fingerprint sensors.
Google Pixel 9a: Battery life & charging
Battery life is the star of the Pixel 9a present. Google estimates 30+ hours, a 6-hour increase over the 8a. We known as final yr’s A-series “disappointing” for battery life, whereas the Pixel 9a simply lasts a day with heavy gaming, streaming, digicam, and AI use, with juice to spare.
Each Brady and I discovered that we may stretch the 9a to 2 days with extra informal use and first rate standby battery life. Your mileage will range in case you toggle the Easy Show choice, however not like with the 8a, it will not wreck your battery life in case you do flip it on.
Many different price range telephones have 5,000mAh+ capability however a lot bigger shows and fewer environment friendly chipsets than the Tensor G4. I’m wondering if individuals who purchase telephones just like the Moto G Energy 2025 will just like the 9a’s compact endurance or if they’re going to discover it too costly.
The Pixel 9a’s longevity mitigates its downside with gradual 23W charging. As a result of it will simply final a full day and night time with capability to spare, it won’t matter that it takes about 20 minutes to hit 25%, 46 minutes to 50%, or 105 minutes to hit 100% with a 30W charger. Pixel 9 charging is barely any sooner, so you are not lacking out on something.
I hardly ever use wi-fi charging, however let’s be frank: at 7.5W, it is solely fitted to in a single day charging the place pace does not matter. In any other case, it is so gradual as to be nearly pointless.
Google Pixel 9a: Software program and Gemini
Let’s get the plain stuff out of the best way: the Pixel 9a will get seven years of OS updates and safety patches, forsaking most mid-range telephones with two or three OS variations at most.
The Pixel 9a makes use of inventory Android 15, with the entire Pixel touches you are used to. It has been a completely regular expertise, however I have to acknowledge Google’s… spotty observe report with Pixel Drops that introduce efficiency points. The present patch is nice, however long-term A-series patrons ought to be ready to come across occasional points.
Gemini is the star of the present, and once I put my Pixel 9 and 9a side-by-side and had them carry out AI duties, the 9a was identically speedy and proficient due to the Tensor G4.
That held true when Gemini 2.0 Flash described enjoyable manatee info and the historical past of pizza-making, once I used Magic Editor so as to add enjoyable backgrounds to boring selfies, when Pixel Studio generated foolish Android mascot photographs, and once I held conversations with Gemini Dwell.
When it comes to new options over the Pixel 8a, Google gave the 9a help for Add Me, Astrophotography, and Macro Focus, serving to you are taking higher photographs. I used to be even in a position to strive the brand new Superior Dwell video streaming function on the 9a.
That stated, the Pixel 9a has a barely watered-down model of Gemini Nano for on-device AI duties, due to its 8GB of RAM.
Which means no entry to Pixel Screenshots or Name Notes, and different future Nano-powered AI methods are unlikely to work with out at the least 12GB of RAM. Which will damage the 9a’s potential longevity to some. You may in all probability expertise some FOMO at future Google I/O occasions once they describe AI methods that the 9a is not able to dealing with.
Google Pixel 9a: Cameras
Google saved the Pixel 9a ultrawide and selfie cameras unchanged, and its new 48MP major sensor is smaller than the 64MP sensor on the Pixel 8a — although it has a bigger aperture. It is near-identical to the first Pixel 9 Professional Fold digicam, one other system that Google strove to maintain comparatively skinny.
My colleague Brady performed an in-depth Pixel 9a vs. 8a vs. 7a digicam comparability that actually showcases the 9a’s strengths — colour accuracy, Macro Focus — and weaknesses — no optical zooming, low-light photographs.
Picture 1 of 12
His outcomes mirrored my very own. I discovered that the Pixel 9a captures vivid colours the place different telephones (just like the 8a) are likely to oversaturate, however that you simply want vibrant situations and to get near your topic to seize sufficient element.
Picture 1 of 6
I particularly loved the Macro Focus pictures, as proven above. It normally does a very good job of recognizing what ought to stay in focus or be blurred out, and the viewfinder will robotically swap to this mode if you get shut sufficient to your topic, making it straightforward to make use of.
Typically talking, the Pixel 9a outperforms nearly any mid-range cellphone for digicam high quality, even in case you can see its apparent shortcomings in comparison with a Pixel 9 Professional with higher optical zoom, a bigger sensor that captures extra gentle, and extra professional settings.
Google Pixel 9a: Competitors
The Pixel 9a claims the highest spot on our greatest low cost Android telephones checklist. One cheaper various is the Samsung Galaxy A56, which has a dimmer 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED with higher Victus+ safety. It will get six years of OS updates, and its 5,000mAh battery is paired with sooner 45W charging. However its Exynos 1580 chip is not as highly effective because the Tensor G4.
The OnePlus 13R prices $100 extra for a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with extra uncooked energy paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, plus a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED, 6,000mAh battery with 80W charging, and a 50MP telephoto lens. This can be a true worth flagship, however once more, it’s kind of costly, fairly heavy, and solely will get 4 years of OS updates.
The Nothing Cellphone 3a Professional is one other various. At $459, you get 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, twin 50MP sensors with a 3X periscope lens for good digicam high quality, a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED show, and 6 years of help. However you additionally get a slower Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, Wi-Fi 6, a heavy design with a cumbersome digicam island, and IP64 water resistance.
Do you have to purchase the Google Pixel 9a?
You can purchase the Google Pixel 9a if…
- You need the very best battery life paired with Pixel smarts.
- You see Gemini AI as an thrilling novelty (however possibly not a each day necessity).
- Google’s trademark software program help and digicam processing attraction to you.
You should not purchase the Google Pixel 9a if…
- You care about Wi-Fi 7, Gemini Nano, or telephoto lenses.
- You need a bigger show or blazing charging speeds (particularly wi-fi).
- You need the very best benchmarks or professional digicam instruments.
I do not know what Google fastened with its part high quality delay, but it surely appears to have labored.
I am going to proceed to check the Google Pixel 9a over the following couple of months to see if I missed any apparent ache factors, however up to now, I have not had any points, and Brady’s solely grievance together with his 9a loaner is with the fingerprint sensor and low-light pictures.
It is simple to take the A-Collection as a right, but it surely’s fairly darn uncommon to get a $499 cellphone with a “flagship” chip and wonderful AI-backed pictures. Now that we get epic battery life too, the Pixel 9a is hard competitors for any mid-range cellphone. I nonetheless kinda miss the digicam bar, however I can dwell with that.
New look, new energy
The Google Pixel 9a is barely a downgrade on the Pixel 9, with the identical chip, storage, and show and significantly better battery life. You should still choose the unique for higher on-device AI, cameras, and connectivity, however the 9a is extraordinarily tempting in case you’re trying to economize with out compromising on high quality.
