Pixel 9a arrives soon. Should you buy it?

Google's latest budget phone, the $499 Pixel 9a, arrived early this year and just stood out from Apple's “affordable” product ($599 iPhone 16e). Very convenient time. The Pixel 9A will start reaching stores in the US and UK on April 10.

Pixel 9a is $300 cheaper than baseline pixel 9, so when it comes to features like cameras and RAM, it's a little bit narrowed down. However, it retains other properties such as display size, processor and AI capabilities – even higher battery capacity than its more expensive pixel counterpart.

So is pixel 9a suitable for you? This is everything to consider.

Camera and AI considerations

Being able to take good photos when buying a new phone is usually a top priority, because for most people, their phone is the only camera. The Pixel 9a has two cameras on the back: a 48-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel Ultrawide, and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. This puts the 9A's rear camera specifications below the specifications on the Pixels 9 and 9 Pro, but the megapixels aren't the only factor in getting high-quality shots. (You can check out the specification chart below to see how the camera compares on these phones.)

The Pixel 9A's camera supports macro focus, which means you can get closer to your subject – if you capture a close-up of a delicious dish, for example – and put it in clear focus. With 9A, Google uses the main camera to enable macro focus, not like many other phones.

Watch the following: First look: Google's Pixel 9a has a big battery and new design

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The most notable thing about the Pixel 9a is the suite of AI editing tools you can still use, even if it is cheaper. Features like Magic Editor help you clean up your lens and change the background, the best shots create images where everyone will look the best in it, and join me using AI and augmented reality to incorporate photographers into the final image.

For those who bombard us with numerous AI-featured companies, the Pixel 9a can be a great device to dip your toes into these waters, hoping not to feel overwhelmed – without paying too much cash to see all the buzz. I found the best use of photo editing tools for AI, as they eliminate the need for expensive software and allow you to post photos directly on your device without special skills.

But if you meeting 9A still allows you to cover the AI ​​field and enter the AI ​​field more deeply. You will have access to Gemini to help with tasks like writing across applications, brainstorming, and performing operations. You will also get a circle search so you can learn more about the content on the screen – this is a feature I rely heavily on. These features are great because they feel like a natural approach, as they are very deep and seamlessly used.

Since AI is a staple for almost all new phones, leveraging these features without breaking the bank can be an attractive option for someone who is still unsure what big ones – then see if the Pixel 9a has changed its mind.

For those holding phones

While carriers may want you to upgrade your phone every two years, manufacturers like Google and Samsung have expanded the window for software and security upgrades to seven years. This also applies to low-priced phones like Pixel 9a, which provides more reasons for budget-conscious consumers to feel that they have reached a deal.

Not buying flagship devices can also mean less susceptible to upgrade pressure. Often, this is more advanced phones (usually slight tweaks) that will actively push to those who are keen on buying the latest technology. If it's all that matters if you just have a phone with key features, then pixel 9a may be a great way to avoid all the noise.

This can also make the Pixel 9a a great option for kids who may not need the most gorgeous equipment. Features like Family Links allow parents to manage privacy settings, screen time limits, and location sharing, and also silence notifications and disable apps during school hours.

The Pixel 9a packs the same Google Tensor G4 processor as the flagship Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but with 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB and 16GB, you'll use these premium phones. This is still enough for everyday use, such as scrolling on social media, taking photos and browsing the web. If you are a heavy mobile gamer, 8GB of RAM may not be ideal, but for most people, it's not a problem.

The Pixel 9A's 6.3-inch OLED display matches what you get on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, so you don't have to narrow down the viewing experience – especially with a variable refresh rate of 60hz to 120Hz, which should make scrolling seamless.

With a 5,100-MAH battery, the Pixel 9a should be able to last all day. Like the iPhone 16E, the Pixel 9A actually has a higher battery capacity than its more expensive peers touted, and each product has a 4,700-MAH battery. This can also help you feel that you are getting the most out of your life.

What this phone won't get is the Pixel 9's satellite SOS feature, which uses satellite to contact emergency services when you're not out of battery signal or Wi-Fi. But if you don't usually find yourself in places without cell services, such as on remote hiking trails, you hope you shouldn't feel it's absent.

With all this in mind, if you owned last year’s Pixel 8A, there might not be enough reason to upgrade to the 9A, as they have many of the same features, specifications, and AI capabilities.

However, if you have a pixel 7A and want to take advantage of some newer AI features, the 9A can be engaging. Similarly, if you have 6A pixels or more, you can see a significant improvement in the 9A's camera, battery life and overall performance.

And if you want to hold on to your phone and keep stretching your dollar, there will be more power for you.