Google's latest Pixel 9a offers compelling value in the Android phone market, arguably surpassing some models priced twice as high.
The Pixel 9a starts at £499 (€549/$499/A$849), matching the price of last year's similarly well-regarded model. This places it approximately £300 below Google's standard Pixel 9 and competes with mid-range options like the Nothing Phone 3a Pro and Samsung Galaxy A56.
Google has leveraged its proven A-series formula, incorporating high-end specifications, processors, and cameras while strategically reducing costs. The result is a highly competitive product.
The 6.3-inch OLED screen is sharp, smooth, and bright, outperforming many more expensive competitors. While the bezels are slightly thicker than on the Pixel 9, the premium aluminum band surrounding the phone is retained. The rear panel is made of high-quality plastic rather than glass, a difference that is subtle unless closely examined. The device also boasts full IP68 water resistance, matching industry leaders.
A notable change is the absence of the distinctive camera bar found on previous models. The dual cameras are now flush-mounted within a small black oval, resulting in a flatter profile and a more streamlined aesthetic. However, this design change has also led to a more generic appearance compared to Google's other phone designs.
Specifications
- Screen: 6.3in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (422ppi)
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128 or 256GB
- Operating system: Android 15
- Camera: 48MP + 13MP ultrawide, 13MP selfie
- Connectivity: 5G, Sim/eSim, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS
- Water resistance: IP68 (1m for 30 minutes)
- Dimensions: 157.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm
- Weight: 185.9g
Tensor G4 and Google's AI
The Pixel 9a incorporates the same high-performance Google Tensor G4 chip as other Pixel 9 models, although it utilizes 8GB of RAM, compared to the 12GB found in the more expensive versions. The chip delivers responsive performance, although it doesn't achieve top-tier benchmarks. It significantly outperforms most mid-range processors and handles gaming adequately.
The battery life is exceptionally long, offering up to 57 hours of use on a single charge with moderate use, including nine hours of active screen time and five hours of 5G usage. This surpasses the battery life of other Google Pixels, potentially lasting two days.
While the reduced RAM compared to the Pixel 9 may not be noticeable in everyday use, it limits the potential for running Google's AI systems entirely on the device. The 9a utilizes a scaled-down version of Google's Gemini AI tools, enabling only on-device text processing. This excludes certain advanced audio and image-based features, such as the Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes apps found on the Pixel 9.
Gemini features relying on web processing, such as Gemini Live, operate effectively. Similarly, photo editing and image generation tools perform well. The phone can also summarize voice recordings, but the maximum duration is approximately 15 minutes due to word processing limitations.
The overall Android 15 experience mirrors that of other Pixel phones, maintaining a high standard. A significant advantage is Google's commitment to providing seven years of software support for its Pixel devices, ensuring extended usability beyond the typical mid-range lifespan.
Camera
Google Pixels, including the 9a, are known for their exceptional camera capabilities. The 9a features a 48-megapixel main camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens, mirroring the previous year's model. The main camera consistently produces high-quality images comparable to many premium flagship phones, with only a slight performance difference in low-light conditions.
Images captured across various lighting conditions exhibit detailed and balanced results. The ultrawide lens remains a strong performer. The main camera offers a 2x optical zoom, expandable to 8x digitally.
A new macrophotography mode leveraging the main camera is included. While capable of producing excellent results, the mode may occasionally struggle with focus, resulting in sharpness primarily in the image center. The front-facing selfie camera and video recording quality are also strong.
The 9a retains popular AI features like Best Take and Add Me from the Pixel 9, plus various AI editing tools within Google Photos, including Magic Editor, unblur, and audio magic eraser.
Sustainability
Google states that the battery should endure approximately 1,000 full charge cycles, maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is repairable by Google and authorized third-party retailers with genuine replacement parts available from iFixit.
The Pixel 9a incorporates recycled aluminum, glass, plastic, and tin, contributing to at least 23% of the phone's weight. Google publishes an environmental impact report for the device and offers free recycling of old devices.
Pricing
The Google Pixel 9a is priced at £499 (€549/$499/A$849).
For comparative purposes, the Pixel 9 costs £799, the Samsung Galaxy A56 costs £499, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro costs £449, and the Apple iPhone 16e costs £599.
Verdict
The Pixel 9a demonstrates Google's proficiency in crafting a compelling mid-range flagship phone. The combination of a high-end processor, exceptional battery life, a superior screen, and a top-tier camera surpasses many more expensive models.
While some compromises have been made to achieve the competitive price point, these are largely unnoticeable in everyday usage. The absence of Wi-Fi 7, satellite messaging, or spatial audio, or the use of a plastic back, are acceptable trade-offs at this price.
While more advanced Pixel models offer additional features, the Pixel 9a remains a compelling choice. It stands out as a top mid-range option, ideal for users seeking a high-quality experience without a premium price tag.
Pros: Seven years of software updates, outstanding camera, excellent screen, high-performance processor, exceptional battery life, recycled materials, capable AI features, competitive pricing.
Cons: Generic design, lack of optical zoom, performance slightly below top-tier models, plastic back, no built-in spatial audio, no Wi-Fi 7 or satellite messaging, older Gorilla Glass 3.
