Google has officially launched the Pixel 9a, a redesigned smartphone priced at $499. The new model brings several key upgrades over its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, including a larger battery, AI-powered features, and improved camera capabilities.
The Pixel 9a follows the success of the Pixel 8a, which won a CNET Editors’ Choice Award in 2024. Google’s latest budget smartphone aims to deliver a balance of features, performance, and long-term software support at an affordable price.
Meanwhile, Apple has launched its own “affordable” iPhone 16e at $599, putting additional pressure on Google’s pricing strategy. Fortunately, the Pixel 9a maintains the sweet spot of $499, making it a competitive option amid rising tech prices.
Bigger Battery for Longer Life
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9a is its 5,100mAh battery, the largest ever in a Pixel A-series phone. This marks a significant upgrade from the 4,492mAh battery in the Pixel 8a. Google has historically lagged behind competitors in battery life, but the combination of a larger battery and the more power-efficient Tensor G4 chipset should improve longevity.
In tests, the Pixel 8a lasted nearly 11.5 hours in continuous web browsing over cellular. While this is respectable, it still falls short of competing budget models like the Moto G Power (2025) and OnePlus 13R. The Pixel 9a is expected to deliver better results, but real-world performance will be confirmed through testing.
Interestingly, the Pixel 9a’s battery capacity is even larger than some flagship models, including Samsung’s premium Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Google promises up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, slightly more than Apple claims for the iPhone 16e.
AI-Powered Call Notes
A major software enhancement in the Pixel 9a is Call Notes, a feature previously available on the Pixel 9 Pro. This AI-driven tool allows users to record, transcribe, and summarize phone calls automatically.
This feature is especially useful for business or personal calls where users need to recap key details without manually taking notes. While the previous version of Call Notes had some transcription accuracy issues, Google’s AI improvements may enhance performance in the Pixel 9a.
Additionally, the Pixel 9a comes with other AI-powered features found in the flagship models, such as Best Take, Magic Editor, and Photo Unblur. It even includes “Add Me,” an AR-driven feature that lets users insert themselves into group photos.
Camera Upgrades
The main camera on the Pixel 9a has been downgraded in megapixel count from 64MP (Pixel 8a) to 48MP, but it comes with a wider aperture, allowing more light to enter. This change is expected to improve low-light photography and image sharpness.
Additionally, the Pixel 9a introduces Macro Focus mode, making it the first A-series Pixel to support macro photography. It also adds support for astrophotography, enabling users to capture clearer images of the night sky.
Despite the lower megapixel count, Google’s computational photography ensures that the Pixel 9a can still deliver flagship-level image quality. The phone’s camera setup includes a 13MP ultrawide sensor, and all of Google’s signature AI-powered camera features remain available.
Display and Design
The Pixel 9a adopts a flat-sided design, making it look more like the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Unlike previous A-series models, it lacks the signature camera bar, which may make it appear less distinctive. However, the absence of the camera bar means the phone can lay completely flat on a table without wobbling.
The Pixel 9a features a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a 120Hz refresh rate, similar to last year’s Pixel 8a. With up to 2,700 nits of peak brightness, visibility in direct sunlight should be excellent.
The display is now larger than the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch panel, making it more immersive. Its brightness increase from 2,000 nits to 2,700 nits should make a noticeable difference when using the phone outdoors.
Google has also emphasized sustainability in its design, using 81% recycled plastic in the Pixel 9a’s construction. It boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, an upgrade from the Pixel 8a’s IP67 rating.
Google is offering four color options: black, white, Peony (pink), and Iris (purple). The Iris variant, in particular, stands out with its vibrant look.
Performance and Software
The Pixel 9a runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, the same processor found in the flagship Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. While the chip isn’t the fastest in benchmark tests, it enables Google’s AI features, such as real-time language translation and improved voice recognition.
The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, slightly lower than the Pixel 9 (12GB) and Pixel 9 Pro (16GB). Despite this, Google guarantees seven years of Android OS and security updates, ensuring long-term software support for users.
Unlike its pricier siblings, the Pixel 9a does not include Satellite SOS connectivity, a feature reserved for the higher-end models. However, it still includes Google’s security features, like Theft Protection and Family Link.
Availability and Deals
Unlike previous Pixel models, which were available for pre-order, Google is launching the Pixel 9a directly for sale in April. The phone will be available through Google’s online store and participating carriers.
T-Mobile has announced a special offer: customers can get the Pixel 9a for free when adding a line or trading in a device on select data plans.
Google is also offering additional perks, including three months of Google One, three months of YouTube Premium, and six months of Fitbit Premium.
At $499, the Pixel 9a competes directly with Apple’s iPhone 16e, which costs $600. Both devices offer flagship-level features in a budget-friendly package, with Google focusing on AI-driven software and camera capabilities, while Apple leverages its ecosystem.
