Google Pixel 9A review: a midrange phone done right

Google Pixel 9A Review: A Superior Mid-Range Smartphone

The Pixel A-series has consistently delivered quality smartphones in recent years. With the Pixel 9A, Google elevates its offering, transforming an already capable midrange phone into an exceptional device. This review explores the features and performance of the Pixel 9A, a compelling contender in the midrange market.

Price and Value

Priced at $499, the Pixel 9A hits a sweet spot for its features. While opting for the slightly pricier Pixel 9 grants enhancements like an upgraded ultrawide camera, increased RAM, and advanced Wi-Fi 7, the 9A’s value proposition at $499 is undeniable. Any minor desires for additional features are quickly overshadowed by its affordability, especially when considering alternatives like the pricier $599 iPhone 16E.

Seamless User Experience

Beyond specifications, the Pixel 9A operates as a refined device within a mature product ecosystem. Seamlessly transferring a Pixel Watch 2 and effortlessly pairing OnePlus earbuds highlights Google’s improved ecosystem integration in this Pixel generation. This enhanced interoperability, coupled with the $499 price, solidifies the Pixel 9A as an attractive deal.

Hardware, Display, and Battery Performance

Enhanced Display

Reflecting on the Pixel 8A’s display, initial impressions in Seattle were adequate; however, concerns about brightness arose under brighter conditions. The Pixel 9A addresses this with a claimed 35 percent increase in brightness. Testing under sunny conditions proved the display capable, potentially even for sunnier locales. The screen size also sees a subtle increase to 6.3 inches from 6.1 inches, within a similar phone footprint, a welcome improvement.

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Durability and Design Upgrades

The Pixel 9A enhances its durability with an IP68 rating, offering dustproof and water immersion resistance, surpassing the Pixel 8A’s IP67 submersible rating with improved depth tolerance. Wireless charging is included, albeit at 7.5W. Design-wise, the 9A distinguishes itself with flush rear cameras, departing from the Pixel series’ raised bar. The vibrant “peony” pink color of the review unit further adds to its visual appeal, moving away from standard black smartphone aesthetics.

Battery Life

Featuring the Pixel series’ largest battery at 5,100mAh, Google touts the Pixel 9A as having peak battery longevity in extreme battery saver mode. In practical use, battery performance is commendable, if not exceptional. Moderate daily use involving cellular data, video streaming, and four hours of screen time depleted roughly 50 percent of the battery. Testing was conducted under demanding settings: always-on display, maximum refresh rate, and light mode, suggesting more typical usage patterns could yield even better battery life.

Performance and Software

Snappy Performance

The Pixel 9A, like its Pixel 9 counterparts, incorporates Google’s Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM, delivering a responsive experience. It managed demanding games like Diablo Immortal smoothly. Considering its $500 price point and an impressive seven years of guaranteed software updates, the Pixel 9A presents remarkable value.

Refined User Experience

Recent Pixel iterations demonstrate notable progress, with incremental enhancements culminating in significant real-world usability improvements. Convenient features like face recognition for password manager authentication in fast-paced situations, and reliable quick pairing for saved earbuds, contribute to a more polished and user-centric experience. These subtle yet impactful improvements enhance daily interactions.

AI Capabilities and Camera System

Artificial Intelligence Integration

AI functionalities are present, including camera features like Best Take and Add Me, occasionally proving useful. Gemini Live is available for brainstorming, albeit with mixed effectiveness. However, the Pixel 9A omits certain AI features found in other Pixel 9 models, such as the Screenshots app and call notes, and operates on a streamlined version of Google’s on-device AI.

Camera Performance

The Pixel 9A’s cameras are competent for its $500 bracket. It houses a 48-megapixel primary camera with stabilization, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. This setup is noteworthy, especially considering comparable phones in this price range.

Camera Limitations

Utilizing a smaller 1/2-inch sensor compared to other Pixel 9 devices, the 9A’s camera exhibits limitations in low-light conditions, where finer details are less preserved than on pricier rivals. Portrait mode imagery can appear somewhat artificial, with unnatural blurring transitions.

Image Processing

In challenging, high-contrast scenarios, the Pixel 9A can produce overly processed images with a flat appearance and HDR artifacts, more reminiscent of older smartphone cameras. While less pronounced on the device’s display due to Ultra HDR enhancing highlights, these issues can become noticeable upon exporting images. For users prioritizing top-tier photo quality, investing in a more expensive device might be warranted.

Value and Conclusion

The Pixel 9A truly shines as an exceptional value, feeling like an absolute bargain at its best. At its most underwhelming, it still performs as expected for a $500 phone. While the price difference to the $799 Pixel 9 might seem marginal when financed through installments, it’s a significant factor for outright purchasers.

Final Verdict

The Pixel 9A’s strength lies in its seamless operation, often fading into the background during use. Performance and battery life are consistently satisfactory, not exceptional, yet reliably good. The convenience of features like face recognition for secure app logins becomes easily overlooked due to its smooth execution. In a smartphone priced significantly lower than flagship models, this unobtrusive excellence is highly commendable, further enhanced by aesthetic choices like the peony pink color option. The Google Pixel 9A delivers a compelling midrange phone experience.