Google Pixel 9a hands-on review

Introduction

The Google Pixel 9a is the company's newest mid-range Android smartphone. Part of the A-series, the Pixel 9a continues the tradition of being the most affordable offering in the latest generation Pixel lineup, starting at a relatively modest $499.

The Pixel 9a features several changes over last year's Pixel 8a. There is an updated design, which is more in line with the other Pixel 9 devices. The chipset has been updated to the latest generation Tensor G4. The main rear camera has been upgraded and there is now a larger battery, the biggest on any Pixel smartphone.

Google Pixel 9a specs at a glance:

• Body: 154.7x73.3x8.9mm, 186g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame, plastic back; IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.30" P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak), 1080x2424px resolution, 20.2:9 aspect ratio, 422ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm): Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520); Mali-G715 MP7.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• OS/Software: Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1/3.1", 1.12µm.
• Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 5100mAh; 23W wired, PD3.0, 7.5W wireless, Bypass charging (w/ "Limit to 80%" option enabled).
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi region; BT 5.3; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers; Circle to Search.

As we have seen with previous A-series devices, Google does not push the boat out on the Pixel 9a in terms of features and specifications. Instead, the focus is squarely on providing the core Pixel experience, whether it is in the form of the camera performance or the software suite. But with rising competition, it remains to be seen whether this once-winning formula continues to be effective.

Unboxing

The Pixel 9a ships in rather paltry packaging. Inside the slim cardboard box, the only thing of note is the phone and the USB-C data cable. If you are expecting a case or even a basic charger that you'd find on competing devices, then you won't find them here.

Google does sell a case, however, which it was kind enough to send us. The soft silicone case offers good coverage with a comfortable grip and sufficient tactility for the physical keys. However, at $30 a pop, these cases are on the pricier side, and you can get something very similar elsewhere for half the price.