Google Pixel 9a review – I’m kind of obsessed

Where to buy

First impressions

I have some seriously strong opinions about the Pixel 9a.

I've reviewed a fair few phones over the last three years, and I'm going to say something bold: the Pixel 9a might just be one of my favourite mid-range contenders to date.

Photo of the Pixel 9a from Google Image: Supplied

Yes, I know I've said similar things before about other mid-range devices, but Google's really nailed the brief with this one. It's not perfect (it's an A-series after all), but it's very, very good.

That is if you're a simpleton like me and just need smooth performance for everyday use, a decent camera for amateur photography and a nice design.

Design - The best Pixel A design to date

Let's start with the design. I've been testing the iris colour that Google loaned me. You can also get it in obsidian, porcelain and peony. I'm really glad that we have two new fun colours, which are often lacking in mid-range devices.

Now, look, I reckon this is easily the best-looking Pixel A so far. If you disagree, feel free to fight me in the comments.

I've already seen reviews of people calling it meh and boring, while others have called it a winner. It's definitely dividing opinions.

It has flat sides, a barely-there camera bump (goodbye annoying wobble), and yes, it's made with plastic but feels high quality, especially with the matte finish.

Most importantly, though, it's comfortable to hold!

Display - Bigger and brighter

The slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED display is the brightest ever on a Pixel A-series phone. I tested it outside on a sunny day, and it held up pretty well.

The Pixel 8a measures 6.1 inches, so you definitely get a roomier phone this time around.

The Pixel 9a features a 60–120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and streaming feel smooth.

The bezels are big and noticeable, but I suppose that's the kind of give-and-take you get from a mid-range device.

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Camera - Solid for the price

Besides doom-scrolling and pestering my partner about dinner plans, I use my phone mostly to take photos. And the Pixel 9a holds its own.

It comes with:

• A 48MP main camera with stabilisation
• A 13MP ultrawide
• A 13MP selfie camera

That already puts it ahead of Apple's iPhone 16e, which costs $999 and only has a single rear lens.

The photo quality is great overall - natural colours and solid detail. Some brighter shots do look slightly washed out, but unless you're comparing phones side by side, it's not super evident.

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

I'll give it bonus points for features like Night Sight, which helps with low-light photography, and the new macro focus mode, which is decent but not amazing.

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

You also get access to AI photo tools like Add Me, Best Take and Magic Editor to zhuzh up your images.

Performance and battery life

Under the hood, the Pixel 9a runs on the Tensor G4 chip - it's the same chip found in the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. It looks and feels fast, with smooth performance all around.

Battery-wise, this phone actually has the largest battery of any Pixel yet.

I got through a full day and still had juice left the next morning. This works for me as I avoid being glued to my phone all day long.

It supports wireless charging, though it's not super speedy compared to the more premium phones on the market.

All opinions expressed in this review are based on the author's own experience with the phone. Use this review for informational purposes only.

So, should you buy the Pixel 9a?

I'd say hell yeah if:

• You're upgrading from a much older Pixel
• You don't care about having the absolute best camera
• You want a clean, smooth Android experience
• You're moving from a very old iPhone and want to try something new
• You want access to helpful AI features such as the photography tools I already mentioned plus Gemini AI, Google's personal AI assistant to help you with multi-tasking and requests

You also get seven years of software support and a good balance between price and features.

My main caveat would be that if the Pixel 9 is heavily discounted and priced close to the 9a, go for the Pixel 9 instead. It's a better phone.

Otherwise? The Pixel 9a is a mid-range winner.

You can read our comparison of the Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9a for more details.

Otherwise, here's a quick rundown of the specs before we get into the deals.

How to buy the Pixel 9a on a plan

You can sign up for a 12-, 24-, or 36-month phone repayment plan with Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone.

How to buy the Pixel 9a outright

Price

RRP: $849.00

Where to buy

Check availability at eBay

Check availability at Amazon