Google’s Pixel A series has built a reputation as a solid mid-range option, especially in markets like the U.S., thanks to its sub-$500 price tag. Last year’s Pixel 8a performed well, maintaining its appeal over time. After numerous leaks and speculations, Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a as its latest and most affordable smartphone. Here’s a look at what’s new with the Pixel 9a.
Google Pixel 9a: Specifications
The Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. However, its chunky bezels reinforce its mid-range identity especially considering its price point. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and the phone carries an IP68 rating for water resistance. The back panel is plastic with a matte finish.
Notably, the Pixel 9a ditches the traditional camera bump, aligning with earlier leaks. While this design change removes some of the signature Pixel aesthetics, it’s great for those who dislike wobbly phones on flat surfaces. The device has an aluminum frame, with the power and volume buttons on the right side. At the bottom, you’ll find a USB 3.2 Type-C port, SIM card slot, microphone, and a speaker cutout.
The Pixel 9a is powered by a toned-down version of the Tensor G4, following Google’s usual approach for its A-series phones. While the Tensor G4 isn’t a major upgrade, it should handle everyday tasks smoothly. However, one notable downside is the absence of the latest Exynos 5400 modem instead, it retains the older 5300 modem, meaning it misses out on improved connectivity, better efficiency, and most importantly, Satellite Connectivity.
For cameras, the Pixel 9a features a 48 MP (1/2″, f/1.7) wide sensor and a 13 MP (1/3.1″, f/2.2) ultrawide camera on the back. The front camera is a 13 MP sensor. The camera app comes with features like Add Me, Macro Focus, and Best Take, all introduced with the Pixel 9 (review) series.
Battery life gets a solid boost with a 5,100 mAh battery, a 12% increase over the Pixel 8a’s 4,492 mAh capacity. The phone runs Android 15 out of the box and is promised 7 years of updates. Charging speeds remain the same at 23W wired and 7.5W wireless.
Colors, Pricing & Availability
The Pixel 9a is available in four colors: Iris Purple, Peony, Obsidian, and Porcelain. It comes in two storage variants 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB, featuring UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM.
Pricing remains similar to last year, with the 128GB variant priced at $499 and the 256GB variant at $559. The phone is now available for pre-order in the US, Europe, Japan, India, and more, with shipping starting on March 26.
What do you think of the latest Google Pixel? Let us know in the comments!
