Google has finally unveiled the Pixel 9a. With this new mid-range smartphone, the manufacturer is stepping into the shoes of Samsung and its recent Galaxy A56. It remains to be seen whether it has enough arguments to fight.
To say that we didn't already know everything about the Pixel 9a is a gross understatement. In recent months, leaks and rumors about it have multiplied at high speed. Technical specifications, price, release date, pre-order bonuses, almost everything has leaked.
But no matter, Google has to deal with it. As expected, the Mountain View firm officially unveiled the Pixel 9a this Wednesday, March 19, 2025. With this new mid-range smartphone, the ambitions are simple: to offer the best of the Google experience (specifically its AI-based tools) for under €600.
Pixel 9a, all of Google's AI at a reduced price
Concretely, and like the Pixel 8a before it, the Pixel 9a inherits the main innovations introduced on the last generation, namely the Pixel 9, at a reduced price.
Under the hood, we find the same in-house Tensor G4 processor with 8 GB of RAM, which immediately places it on the list of the most powerful devices in the segment. Thanks to the use of this SoC, the smartphone benefits de facto from the majority of the AI features of its big brothers, such as Surround to search, Call Filtering or Audio Clarity.
Gemini, Google's AI assistant, is obviously part of it and benefits from native integration into the brand's flagship services such as Google Maps, Google Calendar or YouTube. According to the manufacturer, the Pixel 9a will also benefit from new screen sharing and video capabilities of Gemini Live with Gemini Advanced. In concrete terms, you will be able to share a live video and talk to it about the world around you to get more information. But that's not all. The Pixel 9a also includes the security features introduced on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, such as car crash detection, theft protection, and Google's VPN.
A slightly improved technical part
Let's quickly discuss the technical part of this Pixel 9a. To sum up, Google has made a slight improvement to the specifications of its mid-range device, but don't expect a revolution compared to the previous generation.
Regarding the screen, the device has a 6.3″ Actua OLED panel (422.2 PPI) in FHD+ definition, all with a variable refresh rate 60-120 Hz. It's also the brightest screen ever seen on an A-series model, with a peak of 2700 nits (+35% compared to the Pixel 8a).
To operate, the Pixel 9a then relies on a generous 5100 mAh battery. Even the Pixel 9 Pro XL doesn't do better. According to Google, battery life increases up to 30 hours and more than 100 hours once Ultra Power Saving Mode is activated. 45W fast charging and wireless charging up to 23W are included.
On the photo side, the whole thing is based on an improved dual sensor composed of a 48 MP main lens and a 13 MP ultra-wide-angle. For the first time, note that the Pixel 9a has macro focusing. As with the Google Pixel, we obviously find all the AI-powered computational photography features like Add Me, Best Shot, Magic Retouch, Magic Eraser, Night Sight and Astrophotography mode.
The Google Pixel 9a will of course be powered by Android 15 at launch and, like the latest branded devices, it will benefit from 7 years of software support (Android updates, security updates and Pixel Drops).
Price and availability
The Pixel 9a will be offered in two versions with 128 or 256 GB of storage space respectively. The Pixel 9a will be available from €549 on the Google Store and at reseller partners in April.
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