When Google announced for the first time the Pixel 9a, I was really taken by its “anti -Camera” design – which even made a comment from colleague that it may be enough to attract it from the use of an iPhone after decades.
After the unexpected delays (but well prosecuted from Google, I could only use the Pixel 9a as mine later in the calendar than expected. But even, now a little more than a week to use it as a personal phone, I am extremely impressed.
Indeed, with regard to the best phones of less than £ 500, the Pixel “A” series has always worked well. But in Pixel 9a, it is an even more accomplished and refined experience. Whoever is enough to make me forget all the dreams of the iPhone 16th and throw all the ideas of Samsung Galaxy A56 through the window.
Here are the main reasons why I already think that Google’s Pixel 9a is the affordable phone of choice in 2025 – and I probably reason enough so that you do not need to consider the best flagship products of Android phone this year. It’s really so good.
1. A much flatter design
(Image Credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Camera bumps have grown up and larger In recent years, when manufacturers collapsed in several lenses, longer focal lengths, periscope optics and more. But Google’s Pixel 9a is the antithesis of this idea.
Indeed, just look at my photo from the phone above. The 9A camera speaker – if you could even really call it – is barely raised on the back of the phone. It is such a refreshing look that is much sharper, and much more comfortable to manage. However, it still houses a combination of main cameras and wide angle.
Admittedly, the Pixel 9a is not THE The finest phone of all time, at 8.9 mm. But that doesn’t really bother me, because the overall design is flat where it must be, like the display panel. However, there are subtle curves, such as the four rounded corners, as well as the way the frame takes place gently in the screen – all for more comfort used.
A good design does not have to bring all the latest drawbacks to be the best of a market segment, in the end, this is what I feel about Pixel 9a. It’s just very simple but elegantly designed. He looks And feel Right – and that goes greatly towards the global experience of life with one.
2. The battery life is brilliant
(Image Credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
I assume that part of the reason why the Pixel 9a is not the thinnest phone that is due to the 5100mAh battery inside – which is larger than you will find in many of the best phones these days (certainly the 4005MAH cell of the iPhone 16th). I think it is worth having a millimeter here or there in terms of design.
Such a battery associated with the latest Android 15 software also works as it is the best friends, because the life of the Pixel 9a battery has never left me by questioning its value. I find it better than what we found on Apple’s iPhone 16th tests, for example, running all day – with around 16 hours of use.
It is despite the use of the display functionality still on and have several hours of screen time. The Google Tensor G4 sensor on board that I have also not found overheating, which contributes to longevity, with the exception of attachment – which can be a little more aggressive on battery consumption.
3. Quality cameras
(Image Credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Despite this camera bump being more or less nonexistent, the Pixel 9a has a very strong order of its photographic offer. Sometimes the less is more – and here the main of 48 megapixels and the large angle of 13 MP do a great job.
Of course, there is no optical zoom in the context of this package, but the shortcut 2x of the application works shiny, while Pinch-to-Zoom can extend to an 8x magnifying glass of the usual focal distance. Because Google is so strong in the field of AI, it also informs the results of the images – and things are beautiful and clear even in zoom.
Computer photography is what I prefer to call it, really, where Google’s know-how will use a high dynamic range adjustment (HDR) to balance the exhibition, bring out color saturation and balance images to appear natural but impressive for a camera of this price support.
In comparison, Apple’s iPhone 16th offers a comparable single objective solution, without the wide angle. Samsung, meanwhile, went exaggerated on the A56 5G by including a macro objective – and its main system cannot fully compete with what Google offers in Pixel 9a.
4. In conclusion
(Image Credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
So, we have it: despite the delays when it was released, it only took me only a week to get off with Google’s budgetary phone. In this price slice, the Pixel 9a beats its main competitors of Apple and Samsung, which is not necessarily what I expected – but I am happy to see it.
The design is a key element in the success of the Pixel 9a. Seeing a handset over the trend of giant camera enclosures is refreshing to see, while the appearance and feeling of the overall design are simple but so effective. Add a solid battery life, great software and cameras that lead the pack – Google really hit it for six in its last affordable phone.
