Google has just annunciate the Pixel 9a , its latest mid - range phone that ’s fructify to go head - to - header with the iPhone 16e .
As has become standard for Pixel phones , the 9a has been leaked hard ahead of release . However it ’s now official and we have all the facts including all the big spec particular , the software hope and price / release date selective information .
We ’ll hopefully have a revue of the Pixel 9a coming presently and that ’ll factor into whether it sits atop ourbest mid - range phonelist – an honour former A - serial Pixel phone have attain .
We ’ve got loads more coverage of the Pixel 9a , so determine out :
Google Pixel 9a release date and price
In the US , the Pixel 9a starts at $ 499 for the al-Qaeda good example and it ’ll be available through the Google Store , other retail partners , and Google Fi . In the UK , price set about at £ 499 – the same as the 8a . It ’ll be uncommitted in April .
This terms puts it below theiPhone 16e(£599/$599 ) but above the very goodNothing Phone 3a Pro(£449/$459 ) .
Google Pixel 9a Specs and Battery Life
As its mid - range monetary value suggests , the Pixel 9a is n’t extend to be outperforming thebest phonesandbest Android earphone . But there should be enough here to get the problem done , and as common with Google Pixel phone , that chipset is more focused on AI skills than gaming prowess .
The phone is powered by the sameTensor G4 chipas the Pixel 9 Pro , paired with 8 GB RAM . you may read ourPixel 9 Pro reviewfor a look at how the chip performs in that earphone . remark that the 9 and 9 Pro have more tup , so that could have an impact on performance and longevity .
There are two storage options uncommitted : 128 GB and 256 GB and you ’ll require to choose sagely , as there ’s no expandible storage .
The battery inside is slightly magnanimous than the one in the 8a at 5100mAh up from 4500mAh , but there is a larger screen door to power so keep that in thinker . There ’s faster 23W charging , wireless charging ( Qi2 supportseems MIA ) and , as common , you ’ll need to provide your own charger . There will be a USB - C to USB - C cable television .
Google Pixel 9a Design and Screen
The Pixel 9a count quite different from its predecessors and more like one of its Pixel 9 siblings . Gone is the curved eubstance , replaced by a flavourless back and sides and a far more pernicious camera module that sits flush with the dead body . The camera bar has gone , and the Pixel 9a looks all the cleaner for it .
Does it look like an iPhone 16 in images ? Yes . Does that matter ? Not really , as the flat look is more eye - enamour than the shopworn curved look we ’ve seemingly had on Pixel devices for ages .
A small , but famed update , is the leap from anIP67 to IP68rating for some added protection from water supply . Google says this relieve oneself it the most lasting A - serial publication speech sound yet .
The screen – which remain an OLED dialog box – measures 6.3 column inch , slightly larger than the Pixel 8a . The phone is marginally larger as a result , but it ’s actually a tad light at 185.9 K as opposed to 188 g. We ’ll need to get the phone in our hands to see whether that makes any difference , although we ’d wager it does n’t .
Like the 8a , the 9a has a 120Hz display – double the 60Hz iPhone 16e – for that add smoothness , plus a Gorilla Glass 3 natural covering . distinctly , some sacrifices have been made there , as GG 3 is far from the latest variation .
There ’s HDR financial support and an impressive 1800 nits of luminosity in everyday use . In certain case , likely watching HDR content , the screen can evidently hit 2700 nits . That ’s impressive for a Google phone at this price .
Google Pixel 9a Colours
The Pixel 9a comes in four colour . Two of them are standard black and livid , or Porcelain and Obsidian , as Google calls them . We ’re sure they ’ll be the most pop colours , but they ’re boring .
Thankfully there are some more colours . Peony ( bright pink ) returns from the 8a and is for those who want something strike , and then there ’s Iris – which is a nice shade of purpleness . The latter is our pickax as it ’s elusive , yet stands out enough .
Google Pixel 9a Camera
It ’s a Pixel , so of course the 9a is going to pile some decent specs in the tv camera section . The flagship Pixels have always been near the top of ourbest tv camera phonelists , and the mid - range option have often contend above their price tags .
Google say that there are internal upgrades on both the 48MP primary camera and 13MP ultrawide , and the 9a is the first A phone to get Macro Focus for those up skinny and personal guessing , but the focal point here really is AI .
Best Take mix shots together ( again ) to ensure everyone in a picnic is smiling at the same time . Classic features like Night Sight , Magic Eraser and Audio Magic Eraser are also here .
See below for the full camera spectacles .
Rear camera – widely
Rear camera – Ultrawide
Front camera
telecasting
Google Pixel 9a Software
The Pixel 9a ship with a lot of the AI features that debuted on the 9 and 9 Pro . There ’s Gemini baked in , plus Gemini Live for in reality very unspoilt back - and - Forth River AI conversation .
Gemini Live TV sharing capability are coming soon too , so you ’ll be able to show Gemini your camera view for extra help . Circle to Search , the genAI Pixel Studio range creator and call feature article like Hold For Me are here too .
The biggest software newsworthiness is that the Pixel 9a will get seven year of OS , security and Pixel Drop update . Excellent word for a phone under £ 500/$500 .
Opinion
Trusted Take – Enough of an upgrade?
As has become the average with most phones , the updates to the Pixel 9a are minimal . A lot of the focal point is on pushing AI features above notable hardware changes and if these are n’t for you , you might contend to spot what is new .
But , the Pixel 9a looks – on composition , I must add – a good telephone . The designing is a footstep forrard , especially with the minimal photographic camera caparison and having the same chip in a $ 500 phone as $ 1000 one is always welcome . The updates to the IP rating and larger assault and battery are good to see , too .
