Pixel 9a unboxing and initial impressions [VIDEO]

We just got our hands on the brand new Google Pixel 9a here in the office, and alongside its Pro siblings – the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, we’re excited to dive into Google’s latest venture into the competitive mid-range market. Priced at a very attractive $499, the Pixel 9a aims to deliver a near-flagship experience without the flagship price tag. Let’s dive in the box!

First hands-on

Our review unit is the “Porcelain” white variant. While we didn’t receive any official cases this time, the phone itself makes a strong first impression. Out of the box, my immediate reaction is how well Google balances quality feel with less-expensive components.

Compared to the Pixel 9 Pro, the 9a definitely feels a touch less substantial, primarily due to its frosted plastic back panel instead of glass. However, tapping on it reveals a solid feel, and to be fair, most users will put a case on it anyway. Importantly, Google retained the sleek, matte-finish metal rails around the edges, which feel premium in the hand and really do give the 9a a nice finish all around.

One of the most visually striking changes with the 9a versus the rest of the Pixel 9 series is the camera module. Gone is the prominent “visor” seen on Pixel phones since the Pixel 6 lineup. In sharp contrast, the 9a features a much smaller, almost-flush camera bump – maybe only a millimeter raised. While some might miss the iconic look of the standard Pixel lineup, the practicality of a phone lying flatter on a table is undeniable. It makes for an overall clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Despite housing a massive battery, the phone feels impressively thin, maintaining the general slim profile we expect from Pixel devices. The standard layout is present: USB-C, speaker grille, and SIM tray on the bottom; power and volume on the right; and antenna breaks along the metal frame. But I have to admit, with the camera bump being completely negated and with a larger battery inside, I fully expected this one to be a bit thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro. Not the case.

Flagship specs, entry-level price

While the experience often matters more than the spec sheet (especially with Pixel phones), the Pixel 9a packs some serious hardware for its $499 price:

• Display: 6.3-inch “Actua” OLED display (1080p+ resolution, 20:9), 60-120Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits brightness (2700 peak), HDR support
• Processor: Google Tensor G4
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB
• Battery: 5100 mAh (Rated for 30+ hours, 100+ with Extreme Battery Saver)
• Rear Cameras: 48MP wide (f/1.7, 82° FoV) + 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120° FoV)
• Front Camera: 13MP (f/2.2, 96.5° FoV)
• Video: Up to 4K 60fps / 1080p 60fps, 5x digital zoom

The inclusion of the Tensor G4 is, as always, a very big deal. It means you’re not compromising on core performance or access to Google’s latest AI and computational photography features, which is incredible for a device that is just $499.

A few initial thoughts and impressions

We know the Tensor G4 is capable, so performance isn’t a major question mark. It should feel snappy and handle tasks just as well as its more expensive siblings. But how do the other elements hold up? While this is really a first impressions video and post, I did put the 9a through a few places during this initial hands-on, and here’s how it held up:

• Speakers: Surprisingly robust! Comparing audio playback side-by-side with the Pixel 9 Pro, the difference was negligible. They sound full and clear – impressive for this price point.
• Haptics: Excellent. Google consistently nails haptic feedback, and the 9a is no exception. Typing and interactions feel precise and satisfying.
• Screen Bezels: This is one area where you notice the difference compared to the Pro. The bezels on the 9a are definitely thicker. However, they aren’t offensively large, and you quickly stop noticing them during use. It’s a visual differentiator for the premium models, but not a deal-breaker here.
• Camera Quick Test: We snapped a few quick photos indoors. While the sensors aren’t the absolute best Google offers, the results are stellar thanks to Google’s processing magic. Detail is sharp (we could read text on items far in the background), colors look natural, and the selfie camera captured impressive detail. No surprises here – Pixel cameras consistently deliver, regardless of the price tier.

An insane value proposition

This is where the Pixel 9a truly shines. At $499 MSRP (no tricky trade-ins needed), you’re getting the full-blown Pixel experience. Instead of leaving the lower-priced A-series out of new Pixel Drops, Google put the same processor inside, and that means you get everything the big boys get, including:

• Flagship-level performance (Tensor G4)
• Access to Google’s exclusive AI features and Pixel Drops
• A fantastic camera system
• Massive battery life (5100 mAh)
• A bright, smooth 120Hz display
• Solid build quality with premium touches
• Great speakers and haptics

Last year, the Pixel 8 often dropped in price, sometimes becoming cheaper than the Pixel 8a, and it just made things confusing. This year, with the Pixel 9 starting at $799 and the Pro models going for $999 and $1099 (for the XL), the $499 Pixel 9a occupies a much clearer, more compelling value space. If Google maintains this price gap, the 9a looks set to be the go-to Pixel recommendation for most people in 2025 who don’t need the absolute best camera hardware or the thinnest possible bezels.

The Pixel 9a delivers the core Pixel experience – smooth performance, smart features, great camera, and now potentially class-leading battery life – in an attractive, well-built package at a highly competitive price. It avoids feeling “cheap” and focuses compromises in areas (like slightly larger bezels or a plastic back) that many users won’t mind, especially at this price.

We’re eager to put the Pixel 9a through its paces with more thorough testing, but the first impression is overwhelmingly positive. For $499, it’s hard to imagine a better Android experience right now.