The new Google Pixel 9a is here, and it bolsters the ranks of the Pixel 9 series beautifully.Google’s Pixel A-series has always been about delivering flagship-like experiences at a fraction of the price, and the Pixel 9a is no exception.
Google’s new value proposition is easily the most complete one yet, with a friendly new design, the largest battery ever fitted on a Pixel phone, a promising camera setup, a brighter and larger screen, a flagship-grade chip, and most importantly, the same unchanged $499 price tag.
The newly announced Google Pixel 9A has big shoes to fill. The affordable phone is the follow-up to one of my favorite phones from 2024, the Pixel 8A, which earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. With the Pixel 8A, Google found a sweet spot in terms of features, battery life, long-term software support and overall value. Fortunately, on paper, the Pixel 9A seems like an upgrade in nearly every way to last year’s Pixel 8A.
But the Pixel 9A faces added pressure, as its launch comes on the heels of Apple’s “affordable” phone, the $599 iPhone 16E. The new iPhone, while being the cheapest one Apple sells, is still well beyond the $500 sweet spot that the best affordable phones manage to hit. Fortunately, Google didn’t follow Apple and kept the Pixel 9A’s price at $499 (£499, AU$849), which puts it more in reach for people with a tighter budget, especially as US tariffs take hold and drive the cost of goods higher.
I used the Pixel 9A for about half an hour and was impressed with its build (it feels incredibly solid) and aspects of its new design. I genuinely like that the Pixel 9A’s back is nearly completely flat. However, the phone lacks the distinctive camera bar found on the rest of the Pixel 9 series, diminishing some of the Pixel 9A’s Pixel-ness, at least in appearance. Otherwise, on the screen and under the hood, it’s as Pixel as they come.
The Pixel 9A will be available at the Google Store and at retailers beginning April 10.
Design: Minimalism Meets Practicality
The Pixel 9a ditches the iconic camera bar seen on its pricier siblings for a flush pill-shaped camera module, giving it a sleek, almost monolithic appearance. The flat edges and rounded corners align it with the Pixel 9 series, but the matte-finish plastic back (81% recycled) and lighter weight (6.6 oz) make it more pocket-friendly. While the thicker bezels might raise eyebrows, the IP68 rating (upgraded from the 8a’s IP67) ensures durability against dust and water61011.
Colors like Iris (lavender) and Peony (pink) add flair, though the absence of a camera bar might disappoint Pixel purists. Still, the design prioritizes function over flair—and for a budget phone, that’s a win1011.
Display: Bright and Smooth
The Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch Actua OLED display (2,424 x 1,080 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate, matching the Pixel 9. Its 2,700-nit peak brightness (35% brighter than the 8a) shines outdoors, though real-world testing is needed to verify Google’s claims. The variable refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, and while the bezels are noticeable, they don’t detract from the vibrant visuals5914.
Performance: Tensor G4 Powers AI Magic
Under the hood, the Pixel 9a runs on the same Google Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, paired with 8GB of RAM (vs. 12GB in the Pixel 9). While benchmarks don’t rival Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple’s A18, day-to-day performance is snappy for social media, multitasking, and light gaming.
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