Google Pixel 9a Review: Is It the Best $500 Phone of 2025?

The Google Pixel 9a is here, and it might just be the most interesting phone I’ve used this year. Coming from a long stretch of using the Pixel 9 Pro daily, switching to the 9a was a real test — and honestly, it surprised me more than I expected.

When I first unboxed the Pixel 9a, my initial reaction was… underwhelming. Compared to the Pixel 9 Pro, it looks much simpler. Thicker bezels, a bigger front camera cutout, a matte aluminum frame, and a plastic back — it doesn’t exactly scream “premium.” But after popping my SIM card in and using it for a while, the 9a quickly started to win me over.

A Simple Design That Grows on You

The Pixel 9a has a clean, almost understated design. While the plastic back is a clear downgrade from the Pro models’ polished finishes, Google did a good job making it feel sturdy and comfortable. It even does a better job at hiding fingerprints and smudges.

Interestingly, Google shrunk the iconic Pixel camera bar into a smaller, flatter design. It’s a big change visually, but it comes with a major upside: a bigger 5100 mAh battery — the largest ever in a Pixel phone. Thanks to this, battery life has been excellent, lasting significantly longer than my Pixel 9 Pro.

At 186 grams, the 9a is noticeably lighter too, making it super comfortable to carry and use daily.

Display and Everyday Use

The Pixel 9a’s 6.1-inch 120Hz display isn’t as cutting-edge as the 9 Pro’s, but it’s very solid. It’s sharp at 422 PPI, gets bright up to 2,700 nits in HDR, and the colors are vibrant. Yes, the bezels are chunkier, but you get used to them fast. For browsing, watching videos, or gaming, the experience feels just as smooth and enjoyable as more expensive phones.

Under the screen, Google uses Gorilla Glass 3, which isn’t the latest tech, but realistically — all phone screens pick up scratches over time. A screen protector is still a must.

Pixel 9a Performance: Better Than Expected

Powering the Pixel 9a is the same Tensor G4 chip found in the flagship Pixel 9 series, paired with 8GB of RAM. In daily use — whether switching between apps, playing games, or multitasking — the experience feels just as responsive as the Pixel 9 Pro.

Even after weeks of use, I didn’t notice any slowdowns, app crashes, or hiccups. Sure, over 7 years (Google promises 7 years of updates), the 8GB RAM might eventually feel tight. But today, this phone flies.

Network performance is also solid. While some criticize the Exynos 5300 modem, in my use — phone calls, data usage, and reception — everything has been great. Your experience might vary by country, but mine has been positive.

Camera Quality: Reliable, Not Flashy

The Pixel 9a’s 48MP main camera isn’t as large or powerful as the sensors on the Pixel 9 or Pixel 8a, but the photo quality is still excellent. Google’s processing magic is alive and well here: punchy colors, great dynamic range, and reliable results, even in tricky lighting.

Low-light photography isn’t mind-blowing, and there’s no dedicated zoom lens (only a 2x digital crop), but for everyday shots and social media, it’s more than good enough.

Video recording is surprisingly decent too, supporting 4K and offering smooth lens switching during zoom. You won’t mistake it for a professional camera, but it’s solid for everyday use.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life on the Pixel 9a has been outstanding. I easily get around 10 hours of screen-on time, which is even better than the Pixel 9 Pro.

The only real downside is charging speed. Wired charging maxes out at 23W, and wireless is a slow 7W. Coming from phones like the OnePlus 13 that charge super fast, it’s definitely a noticeable downgrade. If you’re used to fast charging, you’ll miss it. If not, it’s fine — you just have to plan your charging habits a bit more.

Audio, Biometrics, and Software

Speaker quality on the Pixel 9a is genuinely good. They sound warmer compared to the 9 Pro’s brighter output, and many people might even prefer it.

Face Unlock works fast and smoothly. The under-display optical fingerprint sensor is slower than ultrasonic ones and a little outdated, but it’s reliable enough — even with a screen protector applied.

And of course, you get Google’s amazing software experience. Android 15 runs beautifully here, with all of Google’s latest AI features, including Gemini Live. Plus, with seven years of updates promised, this phone is truly built for the long haul.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Pixel 9a?

At $500, the Pixel 9a feels like an incredible deal. It’s not trying to be a flashy flagship. It’s just trying to be a fantastic phone — and it succeeds.

If you can find the Pixel 9 at a similar price, it’s worth considering the upgrade. But if your budget is around $500 and you want a Pixel experience that’ll last for years, the 9a is a no-brainer.

No, it’s not perfect. But for most people, it nails the essentials: battery life, performance, cameras, and clean software — all at half the price of a flagship.

The Pixel 9a proves that you don’t have to spend $1,000 to get a truly great smartphone experience.