Google Pixel 9a hands-on review
Read our Google Pixel 9a hands-on review to explore its sleek design, powerful performance, and improved camera features at an affordable price.
Google Pixel 9a hands-on review shows it as a solid mid-range phone in Google’s A-series, starting at $499. It offers premium features at a reasonable price including a new design, the powerful Tensor G4 chip and biggest battery in a Pixel phone yet.
The camera system is improved with a sharper 48MP main camera and an ultra-wide lens. 6.3-inch P-OLED display has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and Android 15 promises up to 7 years of updates. With IP68 water resistance, stereo speakers and features like Circle to Search and an under-display fingerprint reader, Pixel 9a continues Google’s tradition of combining smart software with reliable hardware.
While it doesn’t focus on specs like some competitors, Pixel 9a excels in what matters most: a great camera, clean Android experience and long-term software support. Let’s see if it lives up to Google’s reputation in this competitive market.
Google Pixel 9a hands-on review: Specification
| 📱 Model | Google Pixel 9a |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Release Date | 2025, April 10 |
| ⚖️ Weight | 186g (6.56 oz) |
| 📏 Dimensions | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| 🛡️ Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| 💧 Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| 💻 OS | Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| 🧩 Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| 🧠 CPU | Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| 🎮 GPU | Mali-G715 MP7 |
| 💾 Memory Options | 128GB 8GB RAM / 256GB 8GB RAM (UFS 3.1) |
| 💳 Card Slot | No |
| 📶 Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 🌐 WLAN | Wi-Fi 6E (market dependent) |
| 🔵 Bluetooth | v5.3 |
| 📍 Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| 📡 NFC | Yes |
| 🔌 USB | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| 🔊 Speakers | Stereo speakers |
| 🎧 3.5mm Jack | No |
| 📸 Main Camera | Dual: 48MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide) |
| 🎥 Main Camera Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| 🤳 Selfie Camera | 13MP (ultrawide) |
| 🎥 Selfie Camera Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| 🔋 Battery | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| ⚡ Charging | 23W wired (PD3.0), 7.5W wireless, Bypass charging (“Limit to 80%” option) |
| 🌈 Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony |
| 🔖 Price | $499 / £499 |
| 🔍 Special Features | Circle to Search, Always-on display, Fingerprint (under-display), HDR display (1800 nits HBM, 2700 nits peak) |
| 🧭 Sensors | Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| 📦 Models | GXQ96 (USA), GTF7P (International), G3Y12 (Japan) |
| 📶 SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head), 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Google Pixel 9a Hands-On Review: Design, Display & How It Sounds and Charges
Google Pixel 9a continues Google’s tradition of offering premium features at a lower price. This time, the phone has a sleek, flat design, similar to the Pixel 9 series, with a sharp aluminum frame and flat front glass. The signature camera visor from previous models is gone, replaced by a simple camera glass for a cleaner look.
The phone feels comfortable in your hand, with a flatter back that doesn’t wobble on flat surfaces. It has a mix of Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a matte plastic back. While it’s not as premium as glass, this keeps the phone lighter and easier to hold. Even with the plastic back, the Pixel 9a has IP68 water and dust resistance, which is a nice upgrade.
The 6.3-inch pOLED screen on the Pixel 9a has a 2424×1080 resolution. It’s brighter, bigger, and a little higher in resolution than the Pixel 8a. The bezels are still a bit thick, keeping the A-series design style. But overall, the display is great for its price, offering bright colors and smooth visuals.
Google Pixel 9a Hands-On Review Software: Clean, Fast, and Updated for 7 Years
The Google Pixel 9a comes with Android 15 right out of the box. One of the biggest advantages of owning a Pixel is getting updates first — and the Pixel 9a is no exception. You’ll receive Android updates at the same time as Google’s top-end phones like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Plus, Google promises seven years of software updates, making this a future-proof choice.
The Pixel 9a offers a clean and simple user experience. It runs what’s known as stock Android, with Google’s own apps included. Many of these apps are optional, giving you a clean setup if you prefer fewer pre-installed apps. AI features like Gemini and Pixel Studio are available but not forced on you. In fact, you’ll need to install Gemini manually.
While Google’s software is sleek and easy to use, it’s not as feature-packed or customizable as other brands like OnePlus or Samsung. However, Android itself is still far more flexible compared to iOS, so you still get plenty of freedom to personalize your phone.
Currently, the software isn’t perfect. Some bugs and glitches are present, such as random camera timer issues and visual hiccups in apps like WhatsApp. However, early software quirks are common with new Pixel devices, and importantly, there are no hardware problems.
Google Pixel 9a Hands-On Review Performance: Smooth Everyday Use
The Pixel 9a runs on the Google Tensor G4 chip, the same processor found in the flagship Pixel models. It comes with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and options for 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, depending on your region. It would have been nice to see a 12GB RAM version, especially for power users.
In daily use, the Pixel 9a feels fast and responsive. Animations are smooth, and apps open quickly. Performance only dips slightly when you push the limits of its 8GB RAM.
When it comes to gaming, the Pixel 9a handles most titles well at its 1080p resolution. The Tensor G4 GPU supports high refresh rates up to 120Hz, but it depends on individual games to enable this feature.
In benchmark tests, the Pixel 9a scores slightly lower than premium competitors but still delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
Pixel 9a Camera Review: Solid but Not Perfect
The Pixel 9a has a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide camera on the back, and a 13MP front camera. The main camera is new, but the other two are the same as last year’s Pixel 8a.
For video, the main camera can record in 4K at 60fps, but the ultra-wide and front cameras can only do 4K at 30fps. For 60fps, you’ll need to switch to 1080p.
Camera Features
The camera app is simple but doesn’t have as many settings as the more expensive Pixel phones. You can still take RAW photos, but you won’t get features like HDR video or Display P3 color support, which were on last year’s model.
The camera app is a bit tricky to use, as the buttons are placed lower than expected.
Image Quality
The main camera takes clear, detailed photos with good colors. The Ultra HDR feature makes photos look great, especially on the Pixel 9a’s HDR screen.
The 2x zoom works well, but the quality drops if you zoom in more. Other phones like the OnePlus 13R do better with zoom.
The ultra-wide camera takes decent pictures in good light, but the edges can get blurry in low light.
Macro Mode and Video
The Pixel 9a has a macro mode, allowing you to take close-up shots without any special settings. You can even use 2x zoom for even closer shots.
For video, the 4K footage is okay but a bit soft. The ultra-wide video has some noise and looks blurry especially in low light.
- OPPO Find X7 Review: A Powerful and Elegant Flagship
- Is Google Pixel 8 Pro Worth It? Our Full Review
- Oppo K13 Set to Launch Soon: Specs, Features, and What to Expect
Conclusion
We’ve used the Pixel 9a for almost a month. It’s a good phone that handles basic tasks well.
If you just need a phone for simple use, it works fine. But compared to other phones at this price, it’s missing a premium design, a better display, newer cameras, and faster charging.
It’s not the best value for those looking to get more for their money, but it’s good enough for people who just need a basic phone.
