Thu May 01 14:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Google Pixel 9a: Budget-Friendly Pixel Experience Gets a Refresh

**London, UK** – Google’s latest budget-friendly smartphone, the Pixel 9a, offers a compelling entry point into the Pixel ecosystem without breaking the bank. While not a radical departure from its predecessor, the 9a boasts several key improvements.

The updated design features a flatter profile, aligning it more closely with the flagship Pixel 9 series. The display has been upgraded to a brighter 6.3-inch screen, a noticeable increase from the 6.1-inch display of its predecessor. Despite the larger screen, the phone’s size and weight remain largely unchanged. Remarkably, it packs a 5,100 mAh battery, the largest ever in a Pixel phone.

Internal upgrades include a Tensor G4 chipset, resulting in features like dual-band GPS and a faster 23W charging rate. The camera system has also received an upgrade, achieving impressive scores of 143 and 150 in the DXOmark overall camera and photography tests respectively.

The Pixel 9a retains the core Pixel experience, including advanced computational photography and AI-powered features. While the price point puts it close to the standard Pixel 9, reviewers suggest it still offers excellent value. The phone’s packaging is eco-friendly, using only cardboard, though it ships with only a USB-C to USB-C cable; a charger is not included.

While the review gave the phone a 4-star rating, the author questions the reliability of such ratings given the high DXOmark scores, suggesting readers form their own opinions based on individual testing and reviews. The review also notes that, unlike in the higher-end Pixel 9 Pro/XL models, the mid-range chipset in the 9a performs adequately.

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