Google Pixel 9a is shaping up to be one of the best budget-friendly smartphones of 2025. With significant upgrades in display, battery life, and performance, it offers flagship-like features at a mid-range price. But does it live up to hype?
Bigger Display, Sleek Design
The Pixel 9a will feature a 6.3-inch Actua display, an upgrade from the 6.1-inch panel on the Pixel 8a. This 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate display brings smoother scrolling and better responsiveness, putting it in line with the Pixel 9 series. The design is expected to be more refined and flatter, with the camera bar sitting flush instead of protruding awkwardly
Performance Boost with Tensor G4
Powering the Pixel 9a is Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, the same processor found in the standard Pixel 9 models. It will come with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. While not the most powerful chip on the market, it ensures smooth AI-powered experiences, camera processing, and efficient multitasking
Impressive Battery Life
One of the biggest highlights is the 5,100mAh battery, which is 13% larger than the Pixel 8a. This could translate into all-day battery life, making it one of the longest-lasting Pixel A-series phones yet. However, Google is keeping charging speeds the same at 23W wired and 7.5W wireless, which might feel slow compared to competitors
Camera Upgrades
Google is equipping the Pixel 9a with a 48MP primary camera featuring a Samsung ISOCELL GN8 sensor. It will be paired with a 13MP ultra-wide camera, offering Night Sight, Astrophotography, and Super Res Zoom up to 8x. The 13MP selfie camera will remain the same as the Pixel 8a, ensuring crisp front-facing shots
Longer Software Support
A major selling point for the Pixel 9a is its 7 years of software updates, matching premium devices like the Pixel 9 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. This means users will continue to receive security updates, new Android features, and AI-powered improvements well into the next decade
Price and Release Date
The Pixel 9a will launch in March 2025 at a starting price of $499 for the 128GB version. A mmWave 5G version for Verizon will cost $549. Color options include Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony
Is the Pixel 9a the Best $500 Phone?
If you’re looking for a long-lasting, AI-powered smartphone with Google’s clean Android experience, the Pixel 9a is a strong contender. It offers a flagship-like display, a powerful camera, and extended software support, all at an affordable price. However, its charging speed and Tensor G4 chip might not be as fast as some rivals.
