Google launches Pixel 9a with biggest battery ever

Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a, an affordable addition to the Pixel 9 lineup. Starting at $499, the phone will be available for purchase in April and offers advanced features typically found in more expensive devices.

Design and Display

The Pixel 9a follows the design language of the rest of the Pixel 9 series, featuring a flat glass front panel with edges that seamlessly transition into a flat aluminum frame. On the back, Google has chosen a polycarbonate material, offering durability without significantly increasing the phone's weight. Additionally, the Pixel 9a is IP68-certified, marking a significant improvement over last year’s Pixel 8a in terms of water and dust resistance.

In terms of display, the Pixel 9a boasts a 6.3-inch pOLED screen with a resolution of 2424 x 1080 and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The display can reach a maximum brightness of 1800 nits when displaying HDR content across the entire screen, and peak brightness can reach 2700 nits at 5% of the display area. While the screen supports HDR, it has a color depth capped at 8-bit.

Color options include Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony, though availability may vary by region.

Internals and Software

Powering the Pixel 9a is Google’s new Tensor G4 chipset, paired with the Titan M2 security chip for enhanced on-device protection and encryption. The phone comes with 8GB of RAM as standard, and buyers can choose between 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

The Pixel 9a ships with Android 15, giving users access to Google's latest software features. Google promises seven years of OS and security updates, one of the longest support durations in the Android ecosystem.

Google Pixel 9a Cameras

The Pixel 9a features a 48MP f/1.7 main camera with Quad PD Dual Pixel AF and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), marking a decrease in megapixels from earlier A-series models. It’s complemented by a 13MP ultrawide camera and a 13MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

This is also the first A-series model to include Macro Focus for close-up shots and Astrophotography mode for capturing stunning night skies.

Battery and Pricing

The Pixel 9a is equipped with a 5,100 mAh Li-Ion battery, offering up to 30+ hours of use on a single charge, making it the largest battery in a Pixel device to date, even surpassing the Pixel 9 Pro XL in size.

It supports 23W wired fast charging and Qi wireless charging. The base model starts at $499, with the 256GB storage option available for an additional cost, though prices may vary by region.