The Google Pixel 9a is here: Release date, price, specs, colors, and all the info you need

Pixel phones have long been among the best Android devices you can get, thanks to their smart software, long-term updates, and exclusive Google-powered features. But what’s even better? Getting that sought-after Pixel experience without paying flagship prices. Enter the Pixel 9a — Google’s latest mid-range contender.

With an unchanged price but the flavor of the more premium Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a serious challenger in the mid-range market for 2025. Is it the right phone for you? Here’s everything you need to know before making your decision.

Google Pixel 9a release date, price, and availability

• Google Pixel 9a 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM: $499/CAD $679/€549 /£499/Rs. 49,999 (India)
• Google Pixel 9a 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM: $599/£599

Google launched the Pixel 9a earlier than its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, which debuted in May last year. Google moved up the timeline by releasing the Pixel 9a on March 19. While the company hasn’t provided an official reason, we suspect it’s tied to the upcoming Android 16 release, which has also been scheduled earlier than last year. Whatever the reason, this expedited release shakes up Google’s usual mid-range launch cycle.

That said, some launch details remain unchanged. The 128GB Pixel 9a is still the same price as the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 7a before it, which is $499 in the United States. If you want more storage, which we suspect most people would, the Pixel 9a also comes in a 256GB version. Of course, there’s no expandable storage here, so you’ll have to shell out the extra cash if you want more space for all the photos and videos you want to take with what Google is calling the “best camera experience under $500.”

While it’s great that Google hasn’t hiked the price of the Pixel 9a, what’s a bit worrying is that the phone tops out at 8GB RAM. As you’ll read in the following sections, the Pixel 9a promises seven years of major Android updates, and we’re afraid 8GB of RAM might not cut it in the long run.

Outside of the United States, the Pixel 9a is coming to Canada for $679 CAD, the UK for £499, Europe for €559, and all the other countries where Google previously launched the Pixel 8a, including India, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, and more. It’s possible one of these countries is the cheapest place to find a Pixel 9a.

Google typically opens pre-orders for new Pixel phones on launch day, but that won’t be the case for the Pixel 9a. According to Google, there’s an issue with component quality. Which component, we don’t know. Here’s the statement we received from the company:

We’re checking on a component quality issue that’s affecting a small number of Pixel 9a devices.

The company has confirmed that general sales through the Google Store and other retailers are expected to begin sometime in April. However, specific dates for pre-orders and sales will be announced in the coming weeks.

Perks of buying the Pixel 9a include a free three-month Google One subscription, three months of YouTube Premium, and six months of Fitbit Premium.

Google Pixel 9a specs

The Pixel 9a carries some notable changes compared to the Pixel 8a. For one, the display is bigger. The battery capacity has taken a big leap, beating any Pixel phone currently or previously on the market. The camera setup is also completely revamped. Here are all the official specs of the Pixel 9a

Google Pixel 9a: Features

Camera

Pixels are some of the best camera phones you can buy and the A series has always delivered impressive cameras for the price. The Pixel 9a takes things even further with the addition of some cool new features and reworked camera specs.

The phone now comes with a 48MP main camera with a 1/2-inch sensor, replacing the 64MP, 1/1.73-inch sensor found in the Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a. While this might seem like a downgrade, the pixel size remains the same, so each pixel still captures the same amount of light. The main difference is that there are fewer pixels overall, but image quality shouldn’t be significantly affected.

The primary camera setup is completed by a 13MP ultrawide lens at the back. It has a 120-degree Field of View and is essentially the same sensor as the Pixel 8a. Up front, you get another 13MP selfie camera capable of recording 4K videos at 30FPS.

Google is deploying Macro Focus for the first time on an A series phone with the Pixel 9a. When you get close to the subject, Macro Focus will kick in automatically to let you snap ultra-detailed close-ups like intricate details of flowers, textures, or tiny patterns in everyday objects. Curiously, the phone uses the main 48MP sensor for macro shots instead of the ultrawide sensor, as seen on the Pixel 9 series. This could be a positive change, potentially leading to better images by allowing users to get closer to their subjects and avoiding the distortion often caused by ultrawide sensors.

Meanwhile, the rear camera also supports 8x Super Res Zoom, which is essentially an AI-enhanced digital zoom.

It’s a Google phone, so of course, AI and other software features are bound to be plenty. The Pixel 9a gets the whole suite of Google’s editing tools, such as Magic Editor, Auto Frame, Best Take, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light. Want to change the background? the Pixel 9a supports Reimagine in Magic Editor, so you can type prompts to recreate details in an image, like replacing dry grass with lush greenery.

Beyond editing tools, the Pixel 9a also gets many coveted Google Camera features. The signature Night Sight is back once again to help fix your low-light photos. But the real kicker this time is that Astrophotography mode is now available on the Pixel 9a, another first for the A series. You’re also getting Add Me, a feature that lets you swap in the photographer to create the perfect group picture.

Additionally, some fan favorites, such as Real Tone, Top Shot, Frequent Faces, Face Unblur, Portrait Mode, and Panorama, are also making an expected comeback.

The Pixel 9a supports Pixel Studio, which allows you to create memes, stickers, and custom edits directly on the device. The AI text-to-image generator enables quick modifications and unique images, providing users with more creative control over their images.

Photos aren’t the only focus. The Pixel 9a includes several advanced video features as well. You can record 4K macro videos, remove unwanted background noise using Audio Magic Eraser, and capture smooth, cinematic shots with Cinematic Pan. The phone also supports Astrophotography Timelapse and Night Sight Timelapse for enhanced low-light video recording. Additionally, Real Tone ensures accurate skin tone representation in video footage.

While the Pixel 9a offers many of the same camera features as the flagship Pixel 9 series, it lacks Zoom Enhance, Pro Mode, and Video Boost, which remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro.

Performance

As expected, the Pixel 9a is powered by the same Tensor G4 processor that powers the more premium Pixel 9 series. However, we previously reported that while the mid-range device shares its chipset with Google’s latest flagships, it might use an older modem as a cost-cutting measure. Google has now explicitly confirmed this to us, saying that the Pixel 9a uses the Exynos 5300 modem instead of the Exynos 5400 found on the Pixel 9 series.

Additionally, sources indicated to us that Google may have opted for a different packaging method for the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9a. Unlike the standard FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging) used in the Pixel 9, the Pixel 9a’s chip may be using IPoP (Integrated Package on Package), which is thicker, runs hotter, but is also more affordable. We haven’t been able to confirm this yet, but if true, the performance impact should be minimal, and the Pixel 9a can still be expected to deliver a performance upgrade over the Pixel 8a.

Screen quality and size

The Pixel 9a has a bigger 6.3-inch pOLED display compared to the 6.1-inch OLED screen on the Pixel 8a. Google claims the new display is thinner, 35% brighter, and capable of 2,700 nits of peak brightness, matching the brightness levels of the vanilla Pixel 9.

The Pixel 9a also supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which means it can bounce between 60Hz and 120Hz. Sadly, it’s not an LTPO screen, so it can’t do 1-120Hz.

The Pixel 9a’s display, like the Pixel 8a, has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on top for durability.

Design, colors, and build quality

Design-wise, the Pixel 9a is a noticeable departure from the Pixel 9. It has a flat back sans the signature camera bar that Pixel phones are known for. That means the phone’s cameras sit flush with the rear cover. Google states that the design change was made to give the A-series its own distinct look, separate from the flagship lineup. If this design approach continues, future mid-range Pixel devices may also have a unique appearance, differing from upcoming flagship models.

Google’s decision to adopt a flat-back design for the Pixel 9a was also driven by technical factors. The company wanted to increase the phone’s battery capacity, which required expanding the internal space for the battery. At the same time, a thinner display allowed the camera system to be positioned lower, ultimately enabling the fully flat design. The company believes this design shift enhances both functionality and the overall appeal of the Pixel 9a.

As expected, the Pixel 9a’s rear panel is still plastic (81% recycled), not glass. This makes the phone less premium but potentially less prone to breakage if you don’t have a Google Pixel 9a case. Meanwhile, the phone’s frame is made of recycled aluminum.

As far as colors go, the Pixel 9a comes in four options: Obsidian (black), Porcelain (off-white), Iris (light purple), and the most striking, Peony (pink). Notably, the Aloe (neon green) and Bay (light blue) versions that came with the Pixel 8a have been switched out by Iris and Peony. You can also get official silicone Pixel 9a cases to match all of those colors. It’s possible Google could launch more Pixel 9a colors in the future, but we’ll have to wait and watch.

For durability, the Pixel 9a gets a welcome upgrade with an IP68 rating compared to the Pixel 8a’s IP67 protection. This puts the phone on the same level as Google’s flagship models, providing strong protection against dust and water.

Battery and charging speed

The Pixel 9a’s battery is perhaps one of its most standout features. With a 5,100mAh capacity, it’s not just a major upgrade over the Pixel 8a’s 4,492mAh battery, it actually surpasses the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 5,060mAh battery. This makes it the largest battery ever in Pixel history, setting a new benchmark for battery life in Google’s lineup.

The company claims the Pixel 9a can last well past 24 hours — 30 to be exact, making it more than dependable for daily usage. With Extreme Battery Saver switched on, Google says you can stretch the battery life to a whopping 100 hours.

Google says the Pixel 9a supports up to 23W wired fast charging using a 45W Google USB-C charger plugged into a wall outlet. “Actual results may be slower,” the company says. Wireless charging is once again capped at 7.5W.

Regardless, you’ll need to have your own charger to top up the device, as the Pixel 9a only comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.

Gemini and other Pixel-exclusive features

Gemini is obviously a big presence on the Pixel 9a. Google says the phone is the most affordable way to access its full capabilities. If you haven’t started using Gemini yet, it’s about time you get familiar with the AI because the company will be phasing out the Google Assistant by the end of the year.

The Pixel 9a supports some of the newest Gemini features, including live video and screen-sharing capabilities, as announced in the March Pixel Drop. These will require a Gemini Advanced subscription, but the good news is that you can claim a one-month free trial for the subscription service to get started.

The Pixel 9a also supports other Gemini-assisted AI features like Circle to Search and Gemini Live.

Outside of Gemini, the phone features all other regular Pixel exclusives, such as Call Screen (Google Assistant answering your calls for you), Hold For Me (Assistant waiting on hold for you), and Direct My Call (Helps you navigate automated phone menus).

Software and updates

The Pixel 9a will ship with Android 15 and promise a full seven years of Android updates, security patches, and Pixel Drops.

As we said earlier, Android 16 has already reached platform stability. That would make the Pixel 9a, like all other Pixels, one of the first phones to get the new version when it releases in the next months or so.

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