Inside Story

Google’s debuting the new $499 Pixel 9A phone, breaking from the company’s history of releasing the lower-cost Pixel A phones closer to the company’s I/O conference in May. Instead the phone’s reveal is here in March, and Google says the phone should be available for sale in April.

CNET got an early look at the new phone, which includes the same Tensor G4 processor as the more expensive Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. This lets the phone take advantage of the same AI features and has a similar 6.3-inch display to the Pixel 9. The phone does depart from its siblings by including a bigger 5,100-mAh battery than the 4,700-mAh one in the Pixel 9. The 9A also drops the camera bar from its design, which might make it look a little plainer.

Google Pixel 9A specs

• Display: 6.3-inch OLED with a 60 to 120Hz variable refresh rate
• Dimensions (inches): 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 in.
• Camera: 48-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide)
• Front-facing camera: 13-megapixel
• Processor: Google Tensor G4
• RAM and storage: 8GB memory with 128GB or 256GB of storage
• Battery: 5,100 mAh
• Software support: Seven years of software and security updates
• Price: $499 (128GB) 

Is the Pixel 9A Right For You?

As CNET reports, the $499 Pixel 9A packs many of the same features you’ll find on its pricier counterparts, from that 6.3-inch OLED screen to Google’s Tensor G4 processor, as well as AI features like Add Me and Circle to Search – all for at least $300 less. That can make the Pixel 9A an enticing choice for someone who wants to see what all the AI buzz is about, without breaking the bank. 

And while the rear cameras on the Pixel 9A feature fewer megapixels than what you’ll get on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, they should still serve up solid images. You’ll get features like Macro Focus to allow for sharper close-up shots, too.

Another perk: the Pixel 9A touts a 5,100 mAh battery, compared to the 4,700 mAh one on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. You’ll have to scale back with 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB or 16GB, but unless you’re a heavy mobile gamer, you shouldn’t really feel the difference.

The Pixel 9A supports seven years of software and security updates, which can help stretch your dollars even more. If you’re thinking about getting the Pixel 9A and want to know more about what you may have to sacrifice, check out CNET’s Pixel 9A buying guide here. 

—
Photo Credit: quietbits / Shutterstock.com