The Google Pixel A-Series is designed for users seeking a Pixel experience at a more affordable price. With the Google Pixel 9a, Google continues this mission while introducing significant enhancements. The Pixel 9a features a more premium design compared to earlier a-series models, a larger and brighter display, and an impressive 5,100 mAh battery.
Google has unveiled a comparable premium design for the Pixel 9a, inspired by the Pixel 9, with some subtle differences. The Pixel 9a is equipped with the Tensor G4 chipset, provides a pure Android experience, and features outstanding Google cameras, positioning it to compete strongly against the iPhone 16e.
Given the array of specifications included, can the Pixel 9a deliver a high-end smartphone experience to Indian consumers at a price of Rs. 49,999? We will explore this question in our review.
Google Pixel 9a Price & Availability
Google Pixel 9a will be available in India for Rs. 49,999 for the lone 256GB variant. It comes in Iris, Obsidian and Porcelain shades. A cashback of Rs. 3000 is available on it for a limited time period on select bank cards. 24-month No Cost EMI is also available.
Pros
- Attractive AMOLED display
- No camera bump design
- Decent cameras
- Useful AI Features
- 7 Major OS updates
- Large Battery
Cons
- Underwhelming performance
- Slow Charging Speed
- No adapter inside the box
- Thick bezels around the display
Google Pixel 9a Review: Design and Build
Upon initial observation, I found the design of the Google Pixel 9a appealing. Unlike earlier Pixel models that featured a prominent camera bump or strip, this iteration has significantly minimized the camera protrusion, enhancing its overall attractiveness. Additionally, the smartphone remains stable and does not wobble when placed on various surfaces.
For long-time users of Pixel phones or those who have closely followed the brand, this change may feel somewhat unfamiliar; however, it is still a positive development. Google has eliminated the camera bump seen in the Pixel 9 series, substituting it with a stylish capsule-shaped cutout that accommodates two sensors.
The Pixel 9a features a clean and minimalist design. Its rear panel includes cutouts for the camera, a flashlight, and the Google logo positioned centrally. We received the Iris color variant, which boasts a matte finish on the back, giving it a luxurious and attractive appearance.
Both the display and rear panel feature a flat design with glass surfaces, complemented by a metal frame that connects them. The device offers an excellent in-hand experience, allowing for extended use without discomfort. It remains secure in your grip, even without a protective case.
The device features a 6.3-inch display, although the bezels are thicker compared to the Pixel 9a, which may be disappointing initially, but becomes less noticeable over time. The Google Pixel 9a is a compact device, akin to the Xiaomi 15 and iPhone 16e, but it is lighter, weighing in at 185.9 grams.
The right side of the smartphone features a power button and volume controls, while the bottom side contains the SIM tray, microphone, Type-C port, and speaker. A secondary microphone is located on the top side. Each of the four edges has a visible antenna, yet this does not detract from the smartphone’s stylish design.
Overall, we appreciated the smartphone’s design. Compact phones are gradually regaining popularity, and the Pixel 9a serves as a compact flagship option for users seeking a straightforward, lightweight, and high-quality design. However, fans of the Pixel camera’s traditional aesthetics may find this new design less appealing.
Google Pixel 9a Review: Display
The Pixel 9a features a larger display compared to the Pixel 8a, with a screen size equivalent to that of the Pixel 9, and it shares the same resolution. This display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR capabilities, a maximum brightness of 1800 nits, and a peak brightness of 2700 nits.
Disregarding the specifications, the practical application reveals that the display is remarkable. The screen is somewhat larger, allowing for multitasking with ease, including activities such as content streaming, messaging, and scrolling simultaneously. The colors on the screen are vivid and true to life, complemented by vibrant hues, sharp details, and a commendable dynamic range.
When it comes to brightness, the display is easily viewable both indoors and outdoors. Whether watching videos or reading text, the experience remains uninterrupted even in direct sunlight. The brightness capabilities of the Pixel 9a significantly surpass those of other mid-range devices.
The device features a 120Hz refresh rate, allowing users to activate the ‘Smooth Display’ option in the Settings Menu. When enabled, the phone automatically adjusts the content refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz. In my experience, scrolling through apps and UI animations was generally smooth. However, during gaming, the frame rate did not exceed 60fps, which may leave gamers wanting more.
There is HDR support as well, along with Widevine L1 DRM, supporting FHD streaming on OTT apps. The PWM of the display is the lowest in the industry, at 240 Hz, which hurts eyes.
Google Pixel 9a Review: Software
The Google Pixel 9a comes pre-installed with Android 15, providing users with the latest software capabilities and a streamlined stock Android experience. It includes several high-end features typically reserved for flagship models such as the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Additionally, users can take advantage of tools like Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, Pixel Studio, and Auto Frame AI. Recently, it has also received Pixel Drop updates, enabling access to the camera in Gemini Live.
The features of Gemini AI are highly beneficial, including tools for photo editing, the ‘Add Me’ option for group photos, and the ability to enhance backgrounds in images. With Gemini Live, users can utilize their smartphone camera to seek advice on the decor of their home or office. Additional functionalities such as Circle to Search, Long Screenshot summarizer, and Call Screen are also included.
However, it lacks the Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes features available in other Pixel 9 series models. Nonetheless, given the price point, I have no issues with these offerings. Furthermore, this smartphone comes with a complimentary one-month subscription to Gemini Advanced, after which a fee of 19.99 USD per month will apply.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9a smartphone is its provision of 7 years of operating system updates. Indeed, you heard correctly—this device offers 7 significant OS updates, a feature that is uncommon among devices in this category.
The Pixel 9a comes with 36 pre-installed applications, all of which are native, enhancing the overall user experience. With no bloatware or advertisements, it provides a solid stock Android experience, and its AI capabilities significantly improve daily photography.
Google Pixel 9a Review: Performance
The Pixel 9a is equipped with the Tensor G4 chipset, which is also found in other models of the Pixel 9 series. While the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL may not match the performance of flagship devices from other brands that utilize Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 8 Elite, or Dimensity 9400 chipsets, it remains a suitable option within a budget of 50,000.
The Pixel 9a offers a remarkably smooth experience during everyday use. Applications launch swiftly, the user interface operates fluidly, and multitasking is effortless. However, it is equipped with only 8GB of RAM, and the UFS 3.1 storage appears somewhat restrictive. Competing models in the same price range typically feature 12GB of RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, which enhances their performance. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9a remains a reliable option for daily tasks.
When it comes to gaming, titles such as BGMI and COD Mobile can be played for approximately thirty minutes without any overheating or performance issues. However, as the gaming session extends or when attempting to play more demanding games, you may experience a decrease in frame rates over time.
The Tensor G4 does not match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite or Apple A18, which support extended gaming sessions with high frame rates and graphics settings. This is further confirmed by benchmark tests. In our CPU throttling test, the Tensor G4 experienced a reduction to 56% after 15 minutes, and with 50 threads, it dropped to 39% after 30 minutes. Although this test pushes the phone to its limits, which is not typically required for everyday use, it can be disregarded.
Overall, if your activities involve making calls, browsing social media, messaging, streaming videos, taking photos, and utilizing AI tools, the Pixel 9a will meet your expectations. Its AI capabilities, such as Live Transcription and On-Device translation, function effectively. However, this device is not designed for intensive gaming.
Google Pixel 9a Review: Cameras
The Google Pixel 9a features dual rear cameras and a front-facing selfie camera. The rear setup consists of a 48MP main camera with an f/1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization, along with a 13MP ultrawide sensor. The front also houses a 13MP selfie camera with a punch-hole design.
Pixel devices are renowned for their exceptional camera capabilities, largely due to Google’s computational photography technology.
Primary Camera
This camera captures wide and vivid images, enhancing detail and color while maintaining balanced exposure. Daylight photos appear naturally sharp and vibrant without being oversaturated. In portrait mode, the subject detection and background blur function seamlessly, resulting in natural skin tones. With 1.5x and 2x presets, portrait shots provide improved depth and character.
Ultrawide
The 13MP ultrawide camera delivers commendable performance, particularly in daylight conditions. Notably, its color reproduction is quite similar to that of the primary sensor. While the images may lack some sharpness at the corners compared to those taken with the primary sensor, they remain satisfactory. The Night Sight feature enhances the quality of low-light shots.
2x digital zoom
The Pixel 9a lacks a specific telephoto lens, relying instead on its primary sensor, which performs adequately, producing sharp images suitable for social media. Its macro focus feature is effective, automatically activating when you approach a subject. Additionally, the 2x zoom enhances detail capture.
Selfie camera
The 13MP fixed-focus front camera captures detailed and lifelike images. In bright conditions, selfies are crisp with a commendable dynamic range; however, in low-light situations, images may appear softer with reduced detail. Skin tones are rendered naturally. Additionally, this camera offers 1.4X zoom. It also produces decent portrait shots, although the background blur may not be apparent during capture, the final images benefit significantly from post-processing.
Low Light Performance
The main camera of the Pixel 9a delivers outstanding performance in low-light environments. It effectively balances shadows and highlights while minimizing noise. Nighttime portrait photos taken with this camera are visually appealing, with the subject consistently in sharp focus.
Images captured with 2x zoom in low-light conditions exhibit reduced sharpness and detail, yet they remain usable. The ultrawide camera struggles in low light, lacking detail and effective noise management. Activating Night Sight did not significantly improve the results.
Video recording
The main camera is capable of recording videos at a resolution of 4k@60fps. It features an Active Stabilization option in video mode, allowing users to capture 1080p videos in ultrawide mode. Both the ultrawide and front cameras can record videos in 4k at 30fps and in 1080p at 60fps.
Google Pixel 9a Review: Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 9a features the largest battery in the A-Series to date, equipped with a 5100mAh capacity. Coupled with the Tensor G4 chipset, users can expect significant improvements in battery performance. This new processor is designed for energy efficiency, allowing it to support heavy usage throughout the day. While the battery life is commendable, it may fall short when compared to other mid-range smartphones that offer 6000mAh or larger batteries. Nevertheless, Google has successfully enhanced the battery longevity with this release.
I utilized the device throughout the entire day for various activities, including photography, streaming on YouTube, browsing social media, conducting benchmark tests, and more. Remarkably, I did not find it necessary to recharge the device during this time.
When it comes to charging, the Pixel 9a falls short. It features 23W USB-PD fast charging, which is an improvement over the Pixel 8a’s 18W speed, yet it still lags significantly behind the current 100W or 120W charging options available. Additionally, with the increase in battery size, the time required for a full recharge has also increased. Using my home charger, it took approximately 2 hours to reach a full charge. The device also supports 7.5W wireless charging.
Additionally, the 50k phone does not include a charger in the box, which is disappointing. It only comes with a Type-C cable, allowing you to use any Type-C charger for charging. To ensure battery longevity, it offers features such as adaptive charging and battery health protection, among others.
Review Verdict: Should You Buy the Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 9a provides a streamlined Android experience, exceptional camera capabilities, and extended software support, all for a price of Rs. 49,999. It is an excellent choice for users prioritizing camera quality and long-term software updates over gaming performance and flashy features.
The Pixel 9a’s compact design is a significant advantage, enhancing comfort for one-handed use. Smartphones offering this level of compactness are uncommon within a budget of 50k.
This device features a vibrant P-OLED display, a larger battery compared to other Pixel models, and additional enhancements. While it includes a dual-lens configuration priced at 50,000, unlike other smartphones that provide telephoto lenses, Google ensures that this camera setup fulfills all your photography requirements.
When it comes to performance, the Tensor G4 falls short and its 8GB RAM further restricts its capabilities. However, for everyday tasks, it performs adequately. For those seeking higher performance within the same price bracket, the OnePlus 13R is a better choice. Its 5100mAh battery provides all-day usage, although the 23W charging speed is somewhat sluggish.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9a is its commitment to providing 7 OS updates. Additionally, it boasts a streamlined interface, stock Android experience, and numerous AI functionalities. While the Pixel 9a may not be the top choice in the budget category, it competently fulfills all the essential requirements of a smartphone that users typically seek.
Smartprix ⭐ Rating: 7.6/10
- Design and Build: 8.5/10
- Display: 7.5/10
- Speakers: 8/10
- Software: 8/10
- Haptics: 8/10
- Performance: 6.5/10
- Cameras: 8/10
- Battery Life & Charging: 7.5/10
First reviewed in May 2025.
