Google Pixel 9a review: Reliable AI phone with incredible camera

It comes with several big upgrades over the predecessor in terms of display, brand-new processor with more power, improved camera hardware, and a bigger battery with faster charging capability.

Google earlier this week on April 16 released the Pixel 9a in India.

It comes with several upgrades over the predecessor in terms of display, all-new design, faster and powerful processor, improved camera hardware, bigger battery with faster charging capability, and more.

Here are my thoughts on Google's latest premium Android phone.

Design, build quality and display

The first new thing you instantly notice in the Pixel 9a is its dual-camera module. It is flat with slightly domed module the back panel. There is a negligible protusion compared to the predecessor. It can slip in and out of the pocket without any hassle.

Also, the new design will definetely helps the device's camera protected during accidental fall on a flat surface. Most importantly, the design retains unique-ness of the Pixel phones.

Google Pixel 9a.

The device features frosted glass-like matte finish. Our review unit is a Obsidian (black) variant. It does a decent job of repelling dry dust, but gets stained easily if you happen to have a sweaty fingers.

Google offers Pixel 9a in two other colours-- Iris (purple) and Porcelain (white).

On the front, the device has a thick, but uniform bezel around the edges. It has 83.5 per cent screen-to-body ratio. On the bright side, the display is visibly vibrant than the Pixel 8a.

The Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch full HD+ (1080 x 2424p) Actua P-OLED display with Always-on-Display capability. It comes with pixel density of 422 ppi (pixels per inch) and can offer peak brightness up to 2,700nits. It is 35 per cent brighter the predecessor, which comes with 6.1-inch full HD+ OLED screen with 81.6 per cent screen-to-body ratio and support peak brightness up to 2,000 nits.

Google Pixel 9a.

The display on Pixel 9a is great for consuming multimedia content on OTT and social media platforms. Even when outdoors, the content can be viewed and read with less discomfort.

Google Pixel 9a.

However, there will be reflection issue under direct sunlight condition. It is common issue among all smartphone except for Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra. Device user can opt for an additional screen guard with anti-glare coating.

Google Pixel 9a.

The Pixel 9a also comes with Night Light mode. It tints the screen amber to lessen the emission of blue. It comes in handy to read in dim lit condition and also helps the user fall asleep more easily after reading a e-book or a long-form news article like this product review, on the Pixel 9a.

As far as build quality is concerned, it boasts of Corning's Gorilla Glass 3 and come with aluminium mid-frame. The latter is made of 100 per cent recycled, but very sturdy compared to the predecessor.

Also, it comes with IP68 rating, meaning it can survive a dip in the swimming pool for up to one metre (approx. five feet) close to 30 minutes. The Pixel 8a comes with IP67 rating.

Google Pixel 9a.

Also, the in-display biometric security sensor is super fast in recognising the finger impression and unlocking the home screen.

My only qualm with the design is that the SIM slot is dangerously close to the microphone at the bottom near the Type-C. Naive users may accidentally put the SIM ejector to the microphone instead of the SIM slot, which is in the right side. Be very careful while putting the SIM to the phone. Thankfully, you have to perform only once during the usage, unless you buy additional SIM for foreign trips.

I recommend Pixel 9a owners to go for the e-SIM, it is now more convinient than ever before in India. It easy and takes less time to apply and activate the e-SIM.

Google Pixel 9a.

Eco-friendly phone

The Pixel 9a which weighs around 186g, 23 per cent of the weight is composed of recycled materials including aluminium, glass and plastic.

The backcase is made of 81 per cent recycled plastic. And, the retail package is 100 per cent free of plastics.

Performance:

Pixel 9a is powered by 4nm class Tensor G4 (with Mali-G715 MP7 GPU), the same chipset used in premium Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold.

In India, the device is available in one configuration-- 8GB RAM with 256GB UFS 3.1 storage.

In terms of regular day-to-day use, Google phone works smoothly without any pressing issues to complain about.

Also, it manages to run generative Artificial Intellignece (gen AI) features, Gemini AI app, Gemini Live, Circle to Search, Pixel Studio apps and more without any glaring lag-ness unless there is disruption in internet connection.

Gogle Tensor G4 also powers advanced computational photography tools such AI Magic Editor, Reimagine, AI Eraser. They do work smoothly without any issues.

Google Pixel 9a supports Gemini Live.

As far gaming is concerned, it supports most of the popular titles available on Google Play Store. But, it is not suited for extreme gamers, who play for several hours a day.

It should be noted that Google Tensor G4 comes integrated with Titan M2 security chipset. It promises anti-malware and anti-phishing protection in addition to Spam protectionin Phone and Messages app, and other emerging cyber threats.

It runs pure Android 15 OS with just Google's core applications. Like all the premium Google phones, Pixel 9a is eligible to get a minimum of seven years of Android OS, security, and Pixel Drops updates. The latter gets released once in three months. And, the security patches are rolled out monthly.

Google Pixel 9a.

Besides the new design and processor, another big upgrade we see in the Pixel 9a is the big 5,100 mAh Li-Po battery. And, it can support up to 23W faster charging.

The predecessor Pixel 8a comes with a 4,492 mAh cell and support 18W charging speed.

With a full charge, the Pixel 9a consistently offer more than a day's battery life under normal usage with Wi-Fi internet at home and the office. If you are fully dependent on the cellular network for internet, the device will be able to last till the late evening.

It also supports 7.5W wireless charging as well.

Google Pixel 9a supports Car Crash Detection feature.

Safety features:

Google's new Pixel 9a boasts Car Crash Detection, Theft Detection, and live location sharing via Find My Device.

And, with Google Family Link integration, parents can control screen time of children on Pixel 9a. It supports screen time controls, app usage insights, and School Time, which restricts phone functionality during school hours.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

Photography:

It boasts all-new dual-camera module-- main 48MP wide camera (wih f/1.7 aperture, 25mm lens, 1/2.0-inch sensor, 0.8µm pixel size, dual pixel PDAF: Phase Detection Auto Focus, OIS: Optical Image Stabilisation) and a ultra-wide 120-degree 13 MP (f/2.2, 1/3.1-inch, 1.12µm pixel size) with dual-tone LED flash.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

Pixel 9a takes amazing photos in all light conditions. It was very dificult to find any glaring fault in the camera.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

The colours, be it human face or the flowers come off vibrant and lively.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

Pixel 9a supports Macro Focus, a first for Pixel A series to date. It does fine job in getting sharp and detailed close up shots.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

It also boasts gen AI-powered camera features including Best Take, Magic Editor with Auto Frame capabilities and Reimagine in Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Panorama with Night Sight and more.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

As you can see the camera samples, the phone does an excellent job of removing the person without any trace. Even the shadow gets neatly erased on the floor.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

At night too, the Pixel 9a excells in capturing sharp pictures with less noise. It also boasts of Astrophotography mode, another first for Pixel A series.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

With Portrait mode, it can artfully blur the background and capture the subject with sharp details.

Pixel 9a also supports ultra-wide angle mode. It takes decent quality picture and manages to accommodate vast area in the frame.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

It can support 2X optical zoom and can digitally zoom up to 8X. The picture quality is decent and phone manages to reduce noise pretty well.

It can record 4K videos at 60/30 frames per second (fps). The video quality are really good and stable, even recorded shaky hands.

Google Pixel 9a's camera sample.

On the front, it houses ultra-wide 20mm 13MP camera with f/2.2 aperture, 1/3.1-inch sensor and 1.12µm pixel size.

Here too, the Pixel 9a front camera does a superb job with selfies. It can record 4K at 30 fps.

Final thoughts

Like the predecessor, the Pixel 9a has best camera in its class. With the inclusion of macro mode and Astrophotography, it gets better.

As advertised, all the gen AI features work smoothly without any concerns of lag-ness as such. Another big improvement over the predecessor is the battery life. It can easily last more than a day under normal usage.

Google Pixel 9a.

Considering the overall aspects, the Pixel 9a, though a bit expensive, is worth the investment. Get a solid cover case and enjoy the pure Android experience, Gemini AI and the magical camera. Over time, the device will get better with new features, as Google will offer quarterly Pixel drop updates till 2032.

Google Pixel 9a comes in one configuration-- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage-- and is available in three colour options-- Iris (purple), Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white)-- for Rs 49,999 on Flipkart and authorised retail outlets including Tata's Croma stores.

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