Google’s latest addition to its budget-friendly A-series lineup, the Google Pixel 9a, brings several premium upgrades while maintaining its affordable appeal. With a refreshed design, an upgraded Google Tensor G4 chip, and enhanced camera capabilities, the Pixel 9a aims to offer a flagship-like experience at a lower cost.
Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a adopts the same flat-edge design language as the Pixel 9 series, featuring a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 front, a flat aluminum frame, and a polycarbonate back. This marks a shift from the rounded edges of its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, offering a more modern aesthetic. Google has also upgraded the durability, making the Pixel 9a IP68-rated for water and dust resistance—a first for the A-series lineup.
The Google Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch pOLED display with a 2424×1080 resolution and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. Google has significantly improved brightness levels, with 1800 nits HDR brightness (100% display area) and 2700 nits peak brightness (5% display area). However, the display is limited to 8-bit color depth, slightly reducing its HDR capabilities compared to flagship models. It also retains an optical fingerprint reader for secure unlocking.
Google Tensor G4 with AI-Powered Performance
Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is powered by Google’s new Tensor G4 chip, paired with the Titan M2 security coprocessor. The phone features 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance. While the Tensor G4 may not match the raw power of Qualcomm’s latest chips, it excels in AI-driven tasks and photography enhancements.
Google has reworked the Google Pixel 9a’s camera system, swapping out the old 64MP sensor for a new 48MP f/1.7 primary camera with Quad PD Dual Pixel autofocus and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). It can now record 4K video at 60fps, delivering improved sharpness and stabilization.
The 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera remains unchanged, and the front-facing 13MP camera still records 4K at 30fps.
New photography features include:
✅ Macro Focus – The first A-series Pixel to support close-up macro photography.
✅ Astrophotography Mode – Bringing Google’s advanced night sky photography to the budget lineup for the first time.
The Google Pixel 9a now packs a larger 5100mAh battery, promising 30+ hours of battery life on a single charge. It supports 23W wired charging, which is decent but not the fastest in its class. Notably, Qi wireless charging is also available, adding convenience to budget-conscious buyers.
Android 15 with 7 Years of Updates
Out of the box, the Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15, featuring all of Google’s latest AI-powered features. Google also promises 7 years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term software support—making it one of the most future-proof budget smartphones on the market.
Color Options and Availability
The Pixel 9a comes in four colors:
🎨 Obsidian (Black)
🎨 Porcelain (White)
🎨 Iris (Blue)
🎨 Peony (Pink)
However, not all colors will be available in every region, so availability may vary depending on location. Retail price will start from RM2,699 / $499.
Pokdepinion: The Google Pixel 9a is shaping up to be one of the best budget smartphones for the current generation, offering a premium design, a powerful AI-driven chipset, and impressive camera upgrades at an affordable price. The addition of IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and a 120Hz display makes it feel much closer to a flagship than its price tag suggests.
