Google Pixel 9a review: It's not pretty, but it's really good
A TEST REPORT from Nils Ahrensmeier 
on June 15, 2025, 16:42 am | 1 comment
The Google Pixel 9a has been on the market for just under a month and succeeds the Google Pixel 8a. However, with an MSRP of €549 and 128 GB of storage, it's slightly more expensive. Find out whether it lives up to that in this review.
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Design & processing
With the Pixel 9a, Google continues to pursue its signature monoblock design with the striking camera bar on the back. This camera bar has become a trademark, but protrudes only slightly from the back compared to the Pixel 9/9 Pro. While the frame is made of satin-finished metal, the back is made entirely of plastic. This may look less sophisticated than premium models, but it has the practical advantage that the device doesn't wobble on flat surfaces because it rests on the camera bar.
The Google Pixel 9a has a typical Pixel design (Image: TechnikNews)
The feel is solid. With dimensions of approximately 154,7 × 73,3 × 8,9 mm and a weight of 188 g, the Pixel 9a is compact and handy. It fits comfortably in the hand. The build quality is pleasantly surprising, with clean gaps and a robust feel. A key plus is the P68 certification, which protects the device against dust and water. This is a significant upgrade compared to previous A-series models, which only offered IP67.
One point of criticism, however, remains the comparatively thick display bezels. They are wider than those of many competitors and make the display appear somewhat less modern. During my testing, a hard drop caused a small scratch in the display, so a screen protector is recommended.
Display
The display measures 6,3 inches and is an OLED panel with a resolution of 1.080 x 2.400 pixels (FHD+). The pixel density is around 422 ppi.
The Google Pixel 9a has a bright display (Image: TechnikNews)
The image quality is very good, with sharp content, vibrant colors, and good contrast, displaying content clearly. The maximum 120 Hertz refresh rate is also nice; it ensures smooth animations and a more pleasant user experience. Unfortunately, this is disabled by default, and users aren't given the option to enable it during setup. In terms of brightness, the display reaches values of up to 1.000 nits in normal use and can reach up to 1.800 nits with HDR content. In direct sunlight, content is easy to read, but not perfect. The more expensive models achieve better results in this regard.
Performance
The Pixel 9a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip, supported by 8 GB of RAM and the Titan M2 security chip. The Tensor G4 is based on the Tensor G3 and offers sufficient performance for everyday use. Apps open quickly and multitasking is no problem. Even more demanding tasks and games run smoothly.
The chip is especially optimized for AI functions. Google integrates a number of exclusive software features based on machine learning, such as automatic call answering, the Google Assistant, and photo functions. The Tensor G4 is well-suited for this, as Google is the clear market leader in these features, ahead of Samsung and Apple.
camera
The camera has traditionally been a strength of the Google Pixel series, and the Pixel 9a is no exception. On the back, there's a dual-camera system. The main camera has a resolution of 48 megapixels and uses the same sensor as the Google Pixel 9. The main camera has an aperture of f/1.7 and optical image stabilization (OIS). There's also a 13 megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and a 120-degree field of view. The front camera offers 13 megapixels and an aperture of f/2.2.
The Google Pixel 9a has two cameras that take very good photos. (Image: TechnikNews)
The image quality is very good, as is typical for Pixel phones. During the day, sharp images with natural colors and good dynamic range are produced. Even in low-light conditions and in night mode, the Pixel 9a delivers impressive results. AI support helps optimize image quality. Macro shots are possible from a distance of about 5 cm.
We have a gallery with photos from the Google Pixel 9a for you again compiled.
One downside is the lack of an optical zoom. The Pixel 9a only offers a digital zoom that can magnify up to 8x. The digital zoom results are limited, but at 3x magnification, they're still usable. Videos can be recorded at up to 4K resolution with 60 frames per second. pro second, and the image stabilization works well.
Software
The Pixel 9a runs on Pixel Android and proFitted by Google's exemplary software maintenance. Google promises a seven-year update guarantee, both for Android versions and security updates. This is one of the biggest advantages of Pixel smartphones. The device ships with the latest Android version and is one of the first to receive the new versions. The software runs smoothly and intuitively. proalso benefits from Google's AI expertise with Gemini, photo editing and exclusive features such as the image AI "Pixel Studio".
Typical pixel features such as “Circle to Search,” summarizing web pages, or transcriptions are on board and work well.
Rechargeable battery
The Google Pixel 9a is equipped with a large battery, rated at 5.100 mAh. This is a significant increase over its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, which had a capacity of just 4492 mAh. The battery life is above average for everyday use; if you use the device sparingly, you can even get two days of use without charging. Even with intensive use, you can easily get through a day.
Charging is done via cable with up to 23 watts, or sometimes even 27 watts. Wireless charging is also possible with up to 7,5 watts. However, the charging speed is slow compared to the competition. A full charge can take up to two hours, so I hope to see improvements in this regard with the successor. However, Google has integrated a feature to optimize battery health.
Sound
The Pixel 9a features stereo speakers that produce clear sound at a comfortable volume for everyday use. Once the volume exceeds about 80 percent, the sound becomes tinny.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 9a is a very solid mid-range smartphone that particularly impresses with its excellent camera and long battery life. The Pixel-typical image quality is a highlight in this price range. The performance of the Tensor G4 chip is also more than sufficient for everyday use. The long seven-year update guarantee is an unbeatable advantage.
Compromises have to be made in terms of design and build quality, as the back is made entirely of plastic and the display bezels are relatively thick. The lack of an optical zoom on the camera and the comparatively slow charging speed are further drawbacks.
Nevertheless, for its price, the Pixel 9a offers a premium camera and software experience that's hard to find in this class. If you're looking for a reliable, handy smartphone with a very good camera and excellent software support, and can overlook the minor design flaws and slow charging, the Google Pixel 9a is a very good device.
I particularly like the simple Bauhaus-style design with the very good technical specs and AI tools.