Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a smartphone, its new midrange phone that will retail for $499. The A-series smartphone’s biggest change is its appearance, as the latest model ditches the camera bar on the back of the phone.
The smartphone is getting a chip upgrade, as the new model features Google’s Tensor G4 processor, while its predecessor had a G3 chip. The 9a also promises over 30 hours of battery life, features 8GB of RAM, and comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage.
It will be available beginning in April and comes in four colorways: Peony, Iris, Porcelain, and Obsidian.
In addition, the smartphone features an upgraded 6.3-inch Actua display, which Google says is the brightest display on an A-series ever. For comparison, the new display is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8a at 2700 nits. The 9a also features a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate for a smoother experience.
The smartphone’s upgraded dual rear camera system has both a 13MP ultrawide camera and a 48MP main camera. It also features Macro Focus for the first time on an A-series device, which will allow for close-up details.
The 9a is equipped with AI-powered photography features, including Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Astrophotography, and the new Panorama with Night Sight.
Google also notes that the 9a is the company’s most durable A-series phone yet, as “its upgraded IP68 water and dust resistance means it can withstand spills, drops, and dings.”
Wednesday’s announcement comes a few weeks after Apple launched its new $599 iPhone 16e.
