Hands-on with the Pixel 9a: Google’s mid-range is looking better and better
The Pixel series is expanding. With the Google Pixel 9a, the tech giant is launching a new, cheaper alternative to its flagship models – a device that focuses fully on value for money.
Google has debuted its new mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 9a, with a revised design. The characteristic camera bar on Pixel phones remains, but with a flatter back.
The outside: bright display, flat back
With its pleasant size at 154.7 × 73.3 × 8.9 mm and a weight of 185.9 g, it fits well in my rather small hand. It’s slightly larger and wider than the Pixel 9, but around 15 grammes lighter. One highlight is the 6.3-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz.
Source: Florian Bodoky
Its HDR-certified display has a peak brightness of 2700 nits. The Pixel 9 also has a diagonal of 6.3 inches, but uses LTPO technology with a variable refresh rate between 1 Hz and 120 Hz. This is important, insofar that it has better energy efficiency than the 9a. There, the frame rate ranges from 60 to 120 Hertz. A test will have to show to what extent this affects battery life.
How much RAM does a phone need?
Under the hood, you’ll find the Google Tensor G4, the same chip that’s in the Pixel 9. The processor is accompanied by 8 GB of RAM, enough for most apps if you aren’t an excessive mobile gamer. If you need more storage space, you can also switch to the version with 256 GB of internal memory instead of 128 GB. The Pixel 9 offers an extra storage size of 512 GB.
Camera: saving on the ultra-wide angle lens
The main camera has a resolution of 48 megapixels (f/1.7), while you’ll have to make do with 13 megapixels (f/2.2) for the ultra-wide-angle camera. This is probably the main compromise you’ll have to make compared to the normal Pixel 9. The ultra-wide angle has 48 megapixels and a macro focus.
Source: Florian Bodoky
The front camera with 13 megapixels (f/2.2) is sufficient for your average social media-ready selfies. Most of the software features from the Pixel series are also back. Nightsight, i.e. night mode, or Add Me are along for the ride. With the latter, you can add objects, such as people, from other photos at a later date. With group selfies, for example. In a direct comparison with the Pixel 9, however, you’ll notice that the latter is equipped with a more powerful selfie camera at 50 megapixels.
A bigger battery than its older brother
Battery life is a decisive factor for everyday smartphone use. With a 5,100 mAh battery, the Pixel 9a has more capacity than its big brother (4,800 mAh). According to Google, the device should get through the day without any problems – possibly even longer, depending on usage behaviour. Over 30 hours standby and over 100 (!) hours standby in battery-saving mode, according to Google.
Source: Florian Bodoky
Price and availability
The Pixel 9a is available in two memory versions: the 128 GB model costs 499 francs, the 256 GB model is priced at 599 francs. For comparison, the Pixel 9 starts at 659 francs with 128 GB of storage, while the 256 GB version costs 739 francs. So if you’re looking for a Pixel experience with a powerful camera, solid performance and long battery life at a reasonable price, the Pixel 9a is an interesting option.
Source: Florian Bodoky
Pre-orders start today, and the Pixel 9a will be delivered from 26 March. The smartphone comes in four colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony and Iris. Iris is completely new to the 9 series – and it’s only available for A models.
First impressions: Google’s mid-range will stay with you for a long time
A detailed test will reveal how the Pixel 9a performs in everyday use. Here’s what’s for sure: it feels very pleasant to the touch, and using the same chip as the Pixel 9 offers a lot of power. The battery is a powerhouse on paper too. However, the camera, some of the camera features and the working memory have been cut back. Here’s one new addition for the A-series: Google now guarantees seven years of software updates for it – at a significantly lower price.
Header image: Florian Bodoky
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