The Pixel 9a is the latest addition to Google’s A-series lineup, and it’s already creating a buzz in the tech world. With a refreshed design and upgraded features, it promises to be a game-changer in the mid-range phone market. But the big question is, does it live up to the hype? Is it a meaningful step up from its predecessor, the Pixel 8a? And most importantly, does it have what it takes to stand out as one of 2025’s best mid-range phones? Let’s find out.
Design and Display:
The Pixel 9a introduces a revamped design, which is a welcome change from its predecessor. It features a sleek and modern look with a matte finish, making it comfortable to hold and less prone to fingerprint smudges. The phone is available in three colors – Just Black, Sorta Sage, and Barely Blue, giving users more options to choose from.
The 9a also boasts a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience. It has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, making colors vibrant and images sharp. The display also has HDR support, making videos and photos look more dynamic and true to life.
Camera:
The Pixel series has always been known for its exceptional camera quality, and the 9a is no exception. It retains the signature Pixel camera bar, which houses a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide camera. The camera also comes with Google’s AI-powered features, such as Night Sight, which captures stunning low-light photos, and Portrait Mode, which creates professional-looking portraits with a blurred background.
One of the new features introduced in the 9a is the Cinematic Pan, which allows users to capture smooth panning shots similar to what you see in movies. This feature uses AI to anticipate the movement of the subject and adjust the camera’s speed accordingly, resulting in a cinematic effect.
Performance and Battery:
Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G processor, which is a significant improvement from the 8a’s Snapdragon 730G. This upgrade translates to faster performance and smoother multitasking, making it a great choice for users who use their phone for gaming or productivity.
The phone comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which should be enough for most users. It also has a 4,080mAh battery, which can easily last a full day with moderate usage. And when it’s time to recharge, the 9a supports fast charging, so you can get back to using your phone in no time.
Software:
As expected from a Google phone, the 9a runs on the latest Android 12 operating system. It comes with a clean and user-friendly interface, and the new Material You design gives it a fresh and modern look. The phone also comes with Google’s AI-powered digital assistant, which can help with tasks, answer questions, and even make phone calls on your behalf.
Price:
The Pixel 9a is priced at $449, which is a reasonable price for a mid-range phone with such impressive features. It’s more affordable than its predecessor, making it an excellent option for those on a budget who still want a premium phone experience.
Verdict:
So, is the Pixel 9a a meaningful step up from the 8a? Absolutely. With its upgraded design, display, camera, and performance, it’s a significant improvement from its predecessor. It also comes with new AI-powered features, making it a more advanced and user-friendly phone.
As for whether it has what it takes to stand out as one of 2025’s best mid-range phones, only time will tell. But with its impressive features and reasonable price, it’s definitely a strong contender. If you’re in the market for a new mid-range phone, the Pixel 9a is definitely worth considering.
