Google's Pixel A series has established itself as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, particularly in the US, where its price tag of under $500 appeals to budget-conscious consumers. The Pixel 8a, released last year, received positive feedback and solid sales.
After a wave of speculation and leaks, Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a, its latest and most affordable smartphone. Here’s a closer look at what the Pixel 9a has to offer.
Google Pixel 9a: Key Specifications
The Pixel 9a boasts a vibrant 6.3-inch OLED FHD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, capable of reaching an impressive peak brightness of 2,700 nits.
While the device features thicker bezels that contribute to its mid-range aesthetic, this design choice aligns with its budget-friendly pricing.
The display is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass 3 and carries an IP68 rating for water resistance, ensuring durability against the elements. The back of the phone is crafted from plastic with a sleek matte finish.
In terms of design, the rear of the Pixel 9a is flat and devoid of a camera bump, a departure from the traditional camera island seen in previous models. While this change may alter the iconic Pixel look, it offers practical benefits for users who prefer a stable phone when placed on flat surfaces.
The aluminum frame houses the power and volume buttons on the right side, while the bottom edge features a USB-3.2 Type-C port, a SIM card slot, a microphone, and a speaker cutout.
Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is powered by a slightly toned-down version of the Tensor G4 chip, consistent with Google's annual approach to its mid-range devices. While the upgrade may not be substantial, it should adequately support everyday tasks.
However, the Pixel 9a is equipped with the older Exynos 5300 modem instead of the latest 5400, which means it may lack some advanced connectivity features, including satellite connectivity.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera setup on the back, which includes a 48 MP f/1.7 wide camera and a 13 MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens. The front-facing camera is a 13 MP unit as well. The camera app introduces features like Add Me, Macro Focus, and Best Take, all of which were first seen in the Pixel 9 series.
Powering the Pixel 9a is a robust 5,100 mAh battery, representing a notable 12% increase from the Pixel 8a's 4,492 mAh battery. On the software front, the device ships with Android 15 and promises an impressive seven years of updates. Charging remains efficient at 23W, with the added convenience of wireless charging at 7.5W.
Colors, Pricing & Availability
The Pixel 9a is available in four stylish colors: Iris Purple, Peony, Obsidian, and Porcelain. It offers two storage options: 8 GB of RAM paired with either 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, utilizing UFS 3.1 and LPDDR5 technology for optimal performance.
Pricing for the Pixel 9a starts at $499 for the base model, while the 256 GB variant is priced at $559, maintaining a similar price point to its predecessor. The device is currently available for pre-order in the US, Europe, Japan, India, and several other regions, with shipping set to commence on March 26.
