The Pixel 9a is far from being a perfect phone, but it is very easy to recommend. If you want a no-frills mid-range phone experience that will serve you well for many years, this is it.
That’s not to say it doesn’t have any standout features, though. The 6.3-inch P-OLED display is excellent, especially with that silky-smooth 120Hz refresh. Opting for the same Tensor G4 chipset as the flagship Pixel 9 phones means performance is excellent too.
And in the 48Mp main lens, you’ve got a superb camera for point-and-shoot photography. The 13Mp selfie sensor is impressive too, while the 13Mp ultrawide can hold its own. It’s just a shame there’s no telephoto lens for proper zoom photography.
But the Pixel 9a is arguably even more impressive on the software side. Slick Android 15 software is backed by a class-leading seven years of updates and useful AI features, even if you don’t get the full set here. Pixel phones are also first in line to get Android 16 and future major versions when they arrive.
While battery life is decent, slow 23W wired charging is probably the biggest disappointment, while the nondescript design won’t be for everyone. But if you just want a solid mid-range phone that handles almost all the fundamentals well, the Pixel 9a is the handset for you.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 9a?
Anyone looking for a no-fuss mid-range phone that gets all the basics right, or anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on photos from the main camera.
Google Pixel 9a: Further considerations
Look elsewhere if you care about zoom photography or fast charging.
