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Operating system
Android 15
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Screen size
6.3 in
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Processor frequency
3.1 GHz
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Our opinion
With each new Pixel, fans of Google's smartphones wait for the budget version with the letter a, often synonymous with good value for money.
Design-wise, the Pixel 9a is (slightly) larger than its big brother, but lighter because its back is made of plastic. Although it's not the most noble of materials, it doesn't pick up fingerprints, it's pleasant to hold and the photo block is discreetly integrated. The presence of IP68 waterproof certification is a pleasant surprise, and in terms of the technologies on offer, this Pixel is almost flawless. The real drawback is the slightly outdated protective glass for the faceplate.
The Pixel 9a's screen is not lacking in quality. With a diagonal of 6.3 inches, it boasts a definition of 2420 by 1080 pixels, for a display finesse that's entirely satisfactory. Although the refresh rate is not adaptive, it can go up to 120 Hz for optimum fluidity. Brightness is also a very good point, allowing the smartphone to be readable in all circumstances. Last but not least, the panel's calibration is a success, enabling you to enjoy highly faithful colors.
In terms of performance, the Google Pixel 9a does very well when it comes to classic use, between web browsing and video viewing. While it's also good at AI, video-game use puts it in serious jeopardy and we're not talking about great performance, even if the games get going.
For photography, the Google Pixel 9a relies on a dual-sensor configuration. The main, wide-angle sensor has 48 million pixels, but captures shots in 12 million pixels, by combining them. The result is a successful processing that preserves contrast and detail, with a beautiful dynamic range throughout the image. When light is scarce, the Google Pixel 9a manages well, limiting noise and smoothing for a very pleasing rendering. For ultra-wide-angle shots, Google has opted for gentle processing that retains detail and sharpness for a pleasing rendering that doesn't deteriorate excessively in the dark.
Portrait mode fares very well overall (except in the case of hair), and selfies captured by the front-facing module are quite successful. As for video capture, there's not much to complain about, even if top-of-the-range smartphones (logically) do better.
Progress has been made in terms of autonomy, with more than a day's use before recharging. This is better, but still a long way from some models, and the time taken to refuel is still too high.
Review of the Google Pixel 9a done by Julien Hany the 2025/05/21
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Key points
PPI
421
Capacity
5100 mAh
Photo resolution (Front camera)
13 MP
Video resolution
1080 p
Photo resolution
48 MP
Processor frequency
3.1 GHz
RAM
8192 MB
Internal storage (Version 256GB 8GB RAM)
256 GB
Screen size
6.3 in
Barometer
Yes
CDMA
Yes
Rugged
Yes
Weak points
Weight
186 oz
Removable storage
No
Audio
No
