Google has once again proven that you don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality smartphone. The Google Pixel 9a, priced at a wallet-friendly $799, offers an almost flagship experience without the steep price tag. With a sleek design, powerful performance, and impressive camera capabilities, this device is not just another affordable option—it’s a standout contender in the budget phone category.
If you’re curious about the Pixel 9a, here are 6 reasons why it is the budget phone to beat.
You’ll Love the Pixel 9a’s Sleek, Modern Design (no camera bumps??)
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Pixel 9a is its impressive design. Google has gone for a clean, minimalist approach with this phone.
The flat sides and smooth, flush camera module create a sleek, symmetrical look that’s modern and eye-catching. The omission of the typical camera bar found on other Pixel models gives the 9a a fresh, stylish aesthetic that sets it apart.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a phone without a camera bump, so at first, it felt a bit uncanny. But now, it’s a refreshing design choice, and I’d love to see more phones adopt this sleek, bump-free look.
The Pixel 9a is available in Iris (lavender), Obsidian (black), Peony, or Porcelain (white). I requested for an Iris review unit because it just looked so cute from the pictures. But alas, it was so popular that I ended up with the Obsidian version instead. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise – the black finish gives the Pixel 9a a sophisticated and sleek look that fits in both professional and casual environments.
To complement it, I received an Iris purple case that fits the phone like a glove, offering a stylish protection layer while adding a touch of color. Who needs purple when black looks this good, right?
The phone feels surprisingly light, and the matte recycled polycarbonate back doesn’t attract fingerprints, making it a pleasure to hold. The aluminum frame adds a premium touch, and with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, the Pixel 9a isn’t just about good looks—it’s built to last.
The Pixel 9a’s Display is Bigger, Brighter, and Better Than Expected
In the budget phone category, you often have to compromise on the display quality. But with the Pixel 9a, Google has delivered a standout screen. The 6.3-inch OLED display is sharp, colorful, and offers a 120Hz variable refresh rate for buttery smooth scrolling and gaming. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing social media, or just using it for day-to-day tasks, the display is fantastic for its price.
What really sets this display apart is the brightness—reaching a peak of 2,700 nits, it’s more than bright enough to handle outdoor use even in direct sunlight. If you’re after an immersive viewing experience without the flagship price tag, the Pixel 9a’s screen is a no-brainer.
Unbeatable Performance for the Price
The Pixel 9a might not have all the bells and whistles of a flagship phone, but its performance is more than sufficient for most users. Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip and paired with 8GB of RAM, the 9a delivers snappy performance for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and app switching.
I experienced zero lags, even while gaming. Whether you’re casually gaming or multitasking, this phone holds up without missing a beat.
The Pixel 9a’s Camera Will Surprise You
One of the standout features of the Pixel 9a is its camera. Equipped with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide camera, the 9a takes fantastic photos, even in challenging conditions. Thanks to Google’s AI and image processing, photos are sharp, vibrant, and full of detail, rivaling phones that cost much more.
The 9a also introduces Macro Focus, which activates automatically when you get close to a subject—ideal for capturing intricate details. Although it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, Super Res Zoom and excellent low-light performance make the 9a a photography powerhouse in its class.
The Pixel 9a can record video in up to 4K resolution at 60fps on the rear camera and up to 4K30 on the front. Both cameras capture vibrant colors and fine details. The rear camera’s OIS helps keep the video mostly smooth, though there may be some slight bumps. However, the front-facing camera lacks OIS, so you’ll need to keep it steady when recording.
Here are some photos taken on the 9a:
Macro Focus takes amazing close up shots – textures are clear and full of details:
Photos taken with Night Sight:
Impressive Battery Life to Get You Through the Day
The Pixel 9a’s 5,100mAh battery is another reason to buy this phone. With all-day battery life, the 9a easily handles a full day of use, including video streaming, browsing, and messaging. In fact, I managed to get through the day and still had around 40% of the battery left by the time I went to bed.
Google also claims 30+ hours of battery life on a single charge, and in my testing, that didn’t seem far off. While the charging speeds are capped at 23W wired and 7.5W wireless, it’s fast enough for most users. The long-lasting battery, combined with efficient power management, makes the Pixel 9a a reliable companion.
Google’s Software and AI Make the Pixel 9a Feel Premium
One of the most compelling reasons to buy the Pixel 9a is its suite of AI tools, which make everyday tasks and photo editing easier and more fun. Even at this price point, Google offers a range of advanced AI features that you’d expect from a more expensive device.
For photography, the Pixel 9a’s AI tools are nothing short of impressive. Google’s AI photography features take care of everything from unblurring images to face replacement, ensuring your group shots look great every time. The 9a also supports the “Add Me” feature, which allows the photographer to appear in their own group photo. The camera app walks you through the process, making it simple and accessible. Additionally, “Auto Frame” lets the phone crop or expand your shot for a better composition, and “Reimagine” allows you to easily change the background of your picture with just a few taps. These AI-driven tools make it easy for anyone, even beginners, to enhance their photos without needing professional software or skills.
In addition to its photography capabilities, the Pixel 9a gives you access to other powerful AI features, such as Magic Editor to clean up and alter your photos and “Best Take” to ensure everyone in a group shot looks their best. The integration of these tools into the device is seamless, so you can dip your toes into the world of AI without feeling overwhelmed or needing to spend extra on expensive software.
But it doesn’t stop at photos. The Pixel 9a includes Google’s Gemini AI, which helps with tasks like writing, brainstorming, and performing actions across apps. You’ll also get “Circle to Search,” which allows you to learn more about whatever you’re looking at on your screen. These features make the phone feel intuitive and future-proof, giving you a taste of the AI revolution without breaking the bank.
You’ll also have access to all of Google’s smart features, including Call Assist, which helps filter out spam calls and provides automated responses, Car Crash Detection, which can alert emergency services in the event of an accident, and Family Link, which allows parents to manage their children’s devices, set screen time limits, and track location.
For anyone curious about AI and its potential, the Pixel 9a provides an accessible introduction. You don’t have to be a tech expert to take advantage of these features—they’re built right into the device, so you can effortlessly use them in your day-to-day life.
Additionally , one of the biggest selling points is the long-term software support. The Pixel 9a is guaranteed to receive seven years of software updates, which means it’ll stay up-to-date long after other budget phones have been left behind. The AI and software integration make the Pixel 9a a smart investment for those who want a future-proof phone without paying top dollar.
Pricing and Availability
The Google Pixel 9a goes on sale on 16 April 2025 onwards.
The Pixel 9a is available in four colours at S$799 (128GB) and S$939 (256GB).
Official platforms are the Google Online Store, and retail partners like Amazon, COURTS, Singtel, Shopee, Lazada, Metapod, iShopChangi, Best Denki, and Atrix.
Phone cases (in the same four colours) start at S$45.99.
Specifications at a Glance
Final Thoughts: Why the Pixel 9a is Worth Every Penny
The Pixel 9a truly punches above its weight. Offering an outstanding display, powerful performance, excellent camera quality, and AI-driven software, this phone has everything you need without the expensive price tag. While it may not offer all the high-end features of flagship phones, it delivers a near-flagship experience for just $799.
If you’re in the market for a budget phone that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Pixel 9a is the one to beat. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or entering the Google ecosystem for the first time, this phone is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.
For anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet high-performing device, the Pixel 9a offers the perfect balance of features, design, and value. Don’t overlook it—it’s the budget phone to beat in 2025.
