Release date, price, features, and more

Release date, price, features, and more

News of the Google Pixel 9a started popping up months ago in the form of rumors and leaks, but today Google officially announced the phone and revealed it to the world. Google’s latest iteration of the Pixel lineup follows the company’s tried and true method of releasing a slightly toned-down version of the current flagship device. It also has a few differences and of course, a lower price point which means a lower barrier for entry for consumers.

At the end of the day, this is a Pixel 9. However, it has enough changes that warrant the lower price point. It’s also different enough that it’s worth talking about more. That being said if you’re looking for all the important details about Google’s Pixel 9a, we’ve put together this roundup of all the major news surrounding Google’s latest device. From colors to prices, to when it’s available, all the main details are covered.

Google has officially announced the Pixel 9a

Google announced the Pixel 9a this morning, revealing the new phone in all its glory and finally giving the public an official look at the device. Unsurprisingly, it looks exactly like the leaks suggested. Then again this happens every single year and no one should be surprised by this point anymore.

The Pixel 9a has some of the Pixel 9’s best features. It has a slightly streamlined look thanks to a smaller camera array on the back. It’s also not just the camera array that’s smaller this year. The megapixel count on the camera is smaller as well, and Google is actually using an entirely different sensor. The most notable change with the phone compared to last year’s Pixel 8a changes, is probably the battery.

The Pixel 9a has a 5,100mAh battery inside. This makes it bigger than any other Pixel phone battery to date. According to Google, that will translate to over 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. When every other device has boasted around 24 hours.

Check out the full set of specs

While you can check out a more well-rounded collection of the phone’s specs in our original post, there are some notable highlights with this year’s A-Series device. As mentioned above, the battery is probably the one that stands out the most. Due to its capacity being larger than any other Pixel phone so far. Google has also swapped out the 64MP camera for a 48MP camera on the back. However, it has kept the 6.3-inch Actua display (find out more about the screen here) with the same pixel density, peak brightness, and refresh rate.

The panel tech is pOLED and with regard to the resolution, it’s FHD+. The phone is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

Google plans to launch the phone in April

Initially, Google’s plan was to launch the Pixel 9a next week but the company has since delayed the phone launch, citing a recently discovered issue with component quality. Google now plans to release the Pixel 9a in April. Google has not given out an exact release date yet, however. All that has been confirmed is that the phone will now launch next month instead of next week.

That being said, it’s March 19, so next month is only two weeks away. It’s entirely possible that the Pixel 9a could launch within the first week of April. Then again, it could be towards the end of the month as well. We’ll just have to wait and see for now.

The price will start at $499, available in several regions

If you’re wondering how much Google will charge for this new phone, the answer is $499. At least, for the base model with 128GB of storage. Google will also be offering a 256GB model which will cost $599.

The phone will be available directly from the Google Store, but also from carriers, and a handful of retail partners. It’ll also be available in several regions around the globe. This includes the US, Canada, several countries in Europe, and quite a few countries in the Asia Pacific. For retail partners in the US, the phone will be available to buy from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Xfinity Mobile, Best Buy, and Amazon to name a few.

The Pixel 9a redefines the meaning of a budget smartphone

Budget smartphones have become increasingly good over the past 5-10 years. The Pixel 9a can now be counted among those. At the same time, the Pixel 9a is sort of redefining what it means to be a budget smartphone. With its suite of awesome features and reasonable price tag, other phones in the same category are going to have a tough time trying to compete.

From the durable IP68 water and dustproofing to the recycled hardware materials to the plethora of AI features, the Pixel 9a is a compelling option at $499.

Four exciting colors to choose from

Google always releases multiple colors of its Pixel phones and the Pixel 9a is no different here. It comes in four color options, three of which are the same as the Pixel 9 – Obsidian, Porcelain, and Peony. The new color this time around is Iris. In terms of brighter colors, this is definitely my personal favorite between it and Peony. Although I still think the Aloe Pixel 8a was better, and nothing really beats the Oh So Orange Google released for the Pixel 4 series (in my opinion, Google has yet to top this).

All four colors should be available from every retailer that will sell this device. So don’t let the color you want dictate where you purchase the phone.

microSD cards? Where we’re going, we don’t need microSD cards

The Google Pixel 9a doesn’t have support for microSD cards? Great scott! Here’s the thing, you don’t really need microSD card support with this phone. Now, Google not supporting microSD cards in its Pixel phones isn’t really going to be a surprise for anyone who’s used more than one Pixel device. However, there are still more new Pixel users every year, and they might not be aware that the phone is reliant on internal storage.

The Pixel 9a is limited to 128GB or 256GB when it comes to storage, but only if you consider internal storage your only means of storage. The fact of the matter is, there are numerous ways to expand your storage beyond the amount the hardware provides.

How does the Pixel 9a compare to the Pixel 8a?

Google’s Pixel 9a is a lot like Google’s Pixel 9, but how does it stack up against last year’s A-Series Pixel offering? You can read all about the full comparison here, but to highlight a few key details, it’s pretty comparable where it matters. Such as with the price. The Pixel 8a launched at a starting price of $499, and the Pixel 9a is launching at a starting price of $499. Both phones also come with the same storage options and relatively similar dimensions.

The Pixel 9a pulls way ahead when it comes to the battery though. The Pixel 9a also has a slightly bigger screen, as it’s now 6.3 inches compared to the Pixel 8a’s screen at 6.1 inches.

You can already buy accessories for the Pixel 9a

With Google’s delay of the Pixel 9a launch, you won’t be able to get the phone in your hands for at least a few more weeks. Having said that you can already buy cases and other accessories for the phone. You might think this is unnecessary without the phone in your possession but on the contrary. We’d argue it’s better to have the accessories first so you’re not stuck waiting for them after the phone arrives. Then once you pull the phone out of the box for the first time, you’re ready to start using the new accessories alongside it.

And if it’s a case, like this MagFit case from Spigen, then your brand-new, undamaged Pixel 9a stays protected as soon as you get it.

How fast is Google’s Pixel 9a at charging up?

Google’s Pixel phones aren’t really the fastest kids on the block when it comes to charging. This has never really been the case and it’s not clear if Google will ever change this up. That being said, the Pixel 9a does come with a 5,100mAh battery. Google also says it’s supposed to last longer than any other Pixel phone so far. So with that in mind, you may not find that super fast charging is even a necessity.

It all depends on what your preferences are. As for how fast the Pixel 9a charges, the maximum charging speed is 23W when using wired charging. That isn’t going to break any records. However, the phone should last you all day easily. Allowing you to plug it in at night and be at 100% by morning with zero issues.

There are a few really good alternatives to Google’s latest device

Google’s Pixel phones, and thereby its Pixel A-Series phones, have always been pretty decent. In fact, I’d venture to say they’re quite a bit better than that. For several reasons. Not necessarily the best phone each year. But definitely very good.

That being said, in the case of the Pixel 9a, it’s not the only budget phone out there. There are several good alternatives available and we’ve listed the best ones here.

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