The Pixel 9a, Google’s newest mid-range smartphone, makes use of the identical successful system as its predecessors. It is probably the most reasonably priced Pixel telephone within the 9 collection, and when you’re somebody who likes to take photographs, the 9a is a superb possibility. There are a few adjustments this 12 months by way of design. Not like final 12 months’s Pixel 8a, which was rounded and resembled the Pixel 8, the brand new Pixel 9a seems to be considerably completely different. It has flat sides and the acquainted Pixel digicam bar, however it now sits flush in opposition to the rear.

Aside from the up to date design, which is now extra in sync with the Pixel 9 lineup, the 9a additionally will get a brighter and barely greater show, a more recent chipset, upgraded cameras, sooner charging, and the biggest battery to be ever packed in a Pixel telephone – 5,100mAh.

The matte end rear panel attracts fingerprints and smudges

 

In India, the Pixel 9a is accessible with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, priced at Rs. 49,999. You can even select between three color choices. We acquired the Obsidian variant for evaluate. In the event you’re contemplating buying one however need assistance deciding, learn on for our complete evaluate.

Google Pixel 9a Design: It is gone flat!

• Dimensions – 154.7×73.3×8.9mm
• Weight – 186g
• Colors – Iris, Porcelain, Obsidian Ingress score – IP68

The Pixel 9a includes a refreshed design that is noticeably flatter than its predecessors—and I fairly just like the change. As typical, Google has drawn design cues from its extra premium Pixel 9 collection. The telephone now sports activities a flat body, rounded corners, and a very flat entrance show. You will see thick bezels throughout, however at the very least they’re uniform now. There is a digicam cutout on the prime centre, and you will find an optical under-display fingerprint sensor positioned in direction of the underside.

The Pixel 9a includes a flat body

 

The ability button and quantity rocker are positioned on the fitting edge. The SIM tray is positioned on the backside, however it has been swapped with the underside loudspeaker grille. You will additionally discover a USB Kind-C port and a microphone on the backside. The highest of the telephone homes a single microphone.

By way of construct, the body is product of aluminium, whereas the again panel is product of plastic and includes a matte end. You possibly can mistake it for glass, which is what occurred to me. The matte end provides the telephone a premium feel and appear, however can appeal to fingerprints and smudges, particularly the Black (Obsidian) color variant. The entrance is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which is disappointing as most telephones on this value vary provide significantly better and newer glass safety. Nonetheless, the Pixel 9a now gives an IP68 ingress score.

The bezels on the entrance are fairly thick

 

There is a main design shift when in comparison with older Pixel A telephones, which turns into evident whenever you flip the telephone over. Google has changed its signature digicam visor with a pill-shaped digicam module that sits flush with the rear panel. Whereas it nonetheless retains a definite Pixel identification, it lacks the visible uniqueness that the older digicam bar supplied.

By way of in-hand really feel, the 9A is snug to carry and can be utilized one-handed and not using a case. It is barely bigger than the Pixel 9 and 9 Professional, however weighs much less.

Google Pixel 9a Show: Large and vibrant

• Measurement and determination – 6.3-inch POLED, full-HD+, 20.2:9 facet ratio
• Refresh charge – 120Hz
• Display screen safety – Corning Gorilla Glass 3

Google has included a barely bigger show on the Pixel 9a, in comparison with the 8a. You get a 6.3-inch POLED panel with 120Hz refresh charge, full-HD+ decision (1080 x 2424 pixels), and a pixel density of 422ppi. The corporate claims that the show gives a peak brightness of two,700 nits and roughly 1,800 nits in high-brightness mode. In my utilization, I discovered the panel to be loads vibrant each indoors and outdoor. The textual content is straightforward to learn, even in direct daylight.

Google gives two color modes on the Pixel 9a

 

As all the time, the 120Hz refresh charge mode is disabled by default. You should head to Settings > Show and Contact to toggle Easy show. The telephone will then swap to 120Hz and resolve when to make use of the total 120Hz for content material. By way of colors, the show has a really pure palette. There are two choices obtainable in Settings to regulate color output – Adaptive and Pure. The previous exhibits barely saturated colors. The viewing angles on the panel are nice, and also you get assist for HDR10+ and HLG. Streaming content material in excessive decision will not be an issue because the telephone gives an L1 Google Widevine DRM certification.

The 9a’s fingerprint scanner is not as quick because the ultrasonic sensor on the 9

 

The 9a options an under-display optical fingerprint scanner, which is positioned in an acceptable location. It is quick and labored effectively in the course of the evaluate. The sensor often struggled when my fingers had been moist, however in any other case, I did not encounter any points.

Google Pixel 9a Software program: Clear and sprinkled with AI

• OS model – Android 15
• Newest safety patch – July 5, 2025
• AI options – Pixel Studio, Add Me, Gemini AI

Like all Pixel smartphones, you may get the most recent Android OS on the 9a. Whereas it did not come pre-installed with Android 16, the replace was obtainable as quickly because it was publicly launched. Pixel telephones shall be among the many first to obtain the most recent Android replace, making certain you all the time have one of the best software program obtainable from Google in your system. The Pixel 9a will get seven years of Android OS updates and safety patches.

You’re going to get 7 years of Android OS updates with the 9a

 

You will discover a clear consumer interface and probably the most inventory Android expertise, however that does not imply there is no customisation. The UI gives AI wallpapers, icons, icon shapes, accent colors, completely different clock types, lockscreen shortcuts, and widgets. There are a few Pixel-exclusive options, akin to Now Enjoying and At a Look. Google may also provide new options with Pixel Drops.

The Pixel 9a will get a number of new AI options, akin to Add me in Digicam and the Pixel Studio, which helps you to create photographs primarily based in your creativeness. Google’s Gemini AI replaces the Assistant for all of your search and different wants, and also you additionally get Circle to Search. Nonetheless, Google hasn’t included the Screenshot app that is discovered on the opposite Pixel 9 telephones.

Pixel Studio is enjoyable to make use of and allows you to create photographs by way of textual content

 

All the AI options, together with Add me and Pixel Studio, labored as marketed. The telephone additionally options different AI digicam capabilities, together with Greatest Take and Magic Editor. You will be hard-pressed to seek out comparable options baked into telephones in the identical value vary. Whereas the customisation choices could also be extra restricted than on some Android skins, the clear, minimal interface stays a key spotlight of the Pixel expertise. There’s additionally no bloatware, which is one thing you may’t say with different telephones within the value bracket.

Google Pixel 9a Efficiency: Adequate

• Chipset – Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
• RAM – 8GB
• Storage – 256GB UFS 3.1

The Pixel 9a is supplied with the identical Tensor G4 that is discovered within the different Pixel 9 collection telephones. You might be restricted to a most of 8GB RAM, which may be considerably restrictive when multitasking or working sure AI options. In India, we’ve got a single 256GB storage variant, and there is no expandable storage possibility. The Tensor G4 is relatively slower on paper when in comparison with chipsets such because the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Exynos 2400e, MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Extremely or the Dimensity 8350. Nonetheless, that is not likely a difficulty in real-world utilization. I hardly ever observed any stutter or lag when navigating the UI.

Benchmark	Google Pixel 9a	OnePlus 13R	Oppo Reno 13 Professional	iPhone 16e	Poco X7 Professional
AnTuTu v10	9,97,063	19,14,550	13,73,029	13,86,440	16,02,933
PCMark Work 3.0	12,713	15,043	12,032	NA	14,628
Geekbench 6 Single	1,661	2,112	1,372	3,229	1,549
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,797	4,943	4,163	7,888	6,216
GFXB T-rex	120	60	93	59	120
GFXB Manhattan 3.1	118	60	120	59	118
GFXB Automotive Chase	83	60	120	59	89
3DM Slingshot Excessive OpenGL	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	NA	Maxed Out
3DM Slingshot	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	NA	Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out	Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Limitless	9,425	19,178	11,518	13,146	13,102

Gaming on the Pixel 9a can be satisfying, and most video games I attempted ran easily. I performed BGMI and Asphalt Legends, each of which ran completely fantastic.

The telephone additionally did not warmth as a lot throughout gaming or when utilizing the digicam. Nonetheless, it does are inclined to get heat when charging. To be trustworthy, the telephone carried out higher than the Pixel 9 by way of thermal administration. I additionally did not discover any thermal throttling, which was fairly evident on the 9.

The 9a can run any sport with ease

 

The Pixel 9a includes a twin hybrid speaker setup, with a devoted loudspeaker positioned on the backside and the earpiece serving because the second speaker. The telephone has respectable loudness, and the sound is obvious with no crackling. Nonetheless, it does lack bass.

The telephone options Bluetooth 5.3 with LE, NFC, tri-band Wi-Fi 6E, and assist for 5G Sub 6GHz and eSIM. Throughout my evaluate, I didn’t face any connectivity points and located the microphone to be clear for calls.

Google Pixel 9a Cameras: Nice for the value

• Most important rear digicam – 48-megapixel huge, f/1.7, OIS
• Secondary rear digicam – 13-megapixel ultrawide, f/2.2, 120-degree FoV
• Entrance digicam – 13-megapixel ultrawide, f/2.2

This 12 months, Google hasn’t made any main adjustments to the digicam setup on its A-series Pixel telephone. The first rear sensor is new and includes a wider aperture than final 12 months’s, permitting it to seize extra gentle. In the meantime, the ultra-wide and entrance digicam sensors are the identical as final 12 months. Google has additionally eliminated HDR video seize on the 9a, which is uncommon because it was obtainable on the 8a. Nonetheless, you continue to do get Extremely HDR assist for photographs and RAW picture seize.

The 9a will get a brand new major rear digicam

 

The consumer interface of the digicam app is easy, with entry to all modes and settings obtainable under the seize button. You’ll be able to swap between Photograph and Video modes with a fast faucet on the toggle on the backside.

By way of picture high quality, the photographs taken from the first rear digicam are spectacular in daylight circumstances. The pictures have loads of particulars, pure colors, well-balanced publicity, and wonderful dynamic vary. Eight out of ten photographs taken from the digicam will go away you very happy.

Daytime photographs shot with the first rear digicam at 1x [Tap to expand]

 

It is the identical story with the ultra-wide digicam, which takes detailed and colour-accurate photographs in daylight circumstances. Photographs from the ultra-wide additionally color match with the first digicam, however you’ll discover fewer particulars across the edges.

Daylight photographs shot utilizing the ultrawide digicam [Tap to expand]

 

The Portrait mode on the telephone is fairly good, and also you get to decide on between 1.5x and 2x. You get detailed photographs that provide correct pores and skin color and good edge detection with fairly sensible bokeh.

Portrait photographs: Prime at 1.5x, backside at 2x [Tap to expand]

 

Pixel 9a additionally options Macro focus, which helps you to take close-up photographs of topics. The telephone will mechanically allow the macro mode, denoted by a flower icon on the highest left nook, whenever you get near a topic. In daylight circumstances, the macro photographs provide loads of element and depth of area.

When the solar goes down, the first rear digicam continues to carry out effectively with and with out Night time Sight. The photographs provide a superb quantity of element with virtually no noise and correct color replica. The Night time Sight mode can mechanically activate when the telephone detects low gentle ranges. You can even manually allow it, and Night time Sight photographs are sharper with greater ranges of element.

Lowlight photographs with the primary rear digicam [Tap to expand]

 

Nonetheless, the ultra-wide digicam would not carry out in addition to the first sensor in low-light circumstances. You will discover some noise and delicate particulars which can be largely blurry.

Ultrawide samples [Tap to expand]

 

You get 2x digital zoom, and the outcomes are fairly good in daylight circumstances. I would not suggest utilizing the 2x zoom in low-light circumstances, as the photographs can seem noisy and delicate.

Selfies taken with the Pixel 9a are notably good in the course of the day or when there’s ample gentle. Though there is no autofocus, the photographs provide loads of element, correct pores and skin tones, and good colors. Lowlight selfies are additionally respectable, supplied there’s good lighting. You will note pure pores and skin tones, but in addition discover that the photographs may be blurry and lack element.

The video high quality from the primary rear digicam is sweet, however not notably spectacular. You’ll be able to shoot 4K 60fps movies from the first sensor, in addition to 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps utilizing the ultra-wide and entrance cameras. Stabilisation is sweet with three choices obtainable – Normal, Locked, and Energetic. Lowlight video high quality is respectable from the first digicam.

The ultrawide video efficiency is common in daylight circumstances, with the output being delicate and noisy. It will get noisier and softer as the sunshine disappears.

Google Pixel 9a Battery: Fairly good

• Capability – 5,100mAh
• Charging – 23W wired, 7.5W wi-fi, Bypass

The 9a has the biggest capability battery of any Pixel telephone ever. The telephone can simply final a day and even longer with average utilization. I persistently bought round 5 to six hours of screen-on time. My utilization included texting, voice calls, looking, streaming on YouTube and Netflix, and about half an hour to 45 minutes of gaming.

Within the PC Mark Work 3.0 battery life take a look at that measures the battery life from 100 to twenty %, the telephone lasted 17 hours and 55 minutes, which is fairly good.

The Pixel 9a gives wi-fi charging assist

 

As for charging, the telephone helps 23W wired charging, which isn’t notably spectacular. The telephone takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to totally cost from 0 to 100%, with a 30-minute cost delivering about 45 % cost. I used a 30W Google adapter for charging the telephone, and you may must get one because the telephone would not include a charger.

Google Pixel 9a Verdict

One of many largest rivals for the Google Pixel 9a is the iPhone 16e (Review), and I might simply suggest this over the Apple telephone, particularly when you’re after a flexible digicam setup, a greater show with the next refresh charge, and do not actually care in regards to the ecosystem. Nonetheless, on the Android facet, there are some worthy alternate options, such because the Poco X7 Pro (Review), Oppo Reno 13R (Review), Nothing Phone 3a Pro (Review), and the OnePlus 13R (Review). 

The Pixel 9a is certainly not a ‘Worth for cash’ smartphone, however if you need the cleanest Android OS expertise and well timed updates, a superb show, strong cameras, an IP68 score, and good battery life, then you’ll not go flawed with what Google has to supply. The telephone is a very good purchase.