A few months out from its likely launch window, we’re finally starting to get some insight into what Google’s next Pixel might look like. I’m not talking about the Pixel 11, of course — it’s the Pixel 10a that history suggests is set for a spring launch, bringing another value-focused smartphone to consumers. And yet, based on the few pieces of information we’ve seen so far, I’m not sure waiting for the Pixel 10a is the smartest move for your wallet.
If Samsung or Apple can’t sustain a market for ultra-thin phones, Google is certainly not entering the space. I find that a real shame, but if the Pixel needs an aspirational design direction, might I suggest the flat Pixel 9a.
If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the latest and greatest Pixel 10, then turn your attention to the Pixel 9a, which is an absolute steal at just $349 as part of Amazon’s big Prime Day deals.
Google’s Pixel 9a has been widely been praised as a solid “affordable” phone, but a new teardown criticizes it for a key component – a battery that’s nearly impossible to safely replace.
Google is extending its launch offer for the Pixel 9a with a $100 credit included with purchase, but retailers are upping the ante with $100 gift cards instead.
A minor bug with the selfie camera on the Pixel 9a means that if you attempt to take photos using the front-facing system in low light scenarios, you might see the image preview flicker before hitting the shutter button.
Over the years, Google marketing has compared the Pixel to the iPhone. There was notably the Phone X vs. Pixel 3a Night Sight campaign in 2019. The latest example — Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e — makes for the most explicit comparison to date.
Is now the time to upgrade from the Pixel 7a to the brand-new Pixel 9a? Well, maybe. However, there is more to the equation than meets the eye. Here’s what you need to know.
The brand-new Pixel 9a has a lot of things that make the Pixel 9 a great entry-level Android phone, but how much of the formula has been retained or omitted? Here’s everything you need to know.
With the launch of the Pixel 9a, the 7a has, as expected, left the Google Store in all regions. However, the Pixel 8a has been discounted almost everywhere except the US.
Compared to past years, the 2025 A-Series doesn’t feel like a variant of the main line. Rather, the Google Pixel 9a is its own thing that most people will be quite happy with.
Google this morning announced the April 2025 Pixel Drop with just one feature. Notably, Gemini Live’s new Astra camera and screen sharing is available for free on the Pixel 9 series.
Google’s Pixel 9a offers a lot for its $499 price tag, but it doesn’t have everything the rest of the Pixel 9 series has. Thanks to a generation-old modem, the Pixel 9a lacks support for Google’s Satellite SOS feature.
Google Pixel 9a
Don’t wait for the Pixel 10a, buy a Pixel 9a while it’s still on sale
A few months out from its likely launch window, we’re finally starting to get some insight into what Google’s next Pixel might look like. I’m not talking about the Pixel 11, of course — it’s the Pixel 10a that history suggests is set for a spring launch, bringing another value-focused smartphone to consumers. And yet, based on the few pieces of information we’ve seen so far, I’m not sure waiting for the Pixel 10a is the smartest move for your wallet.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 9a should be Google’s design future if there’s no ‘Air’
If Samsung or Apple can’t sustain a market for ultra-thin phones, Google is certainly not entering the space. I find that a real shame, but if the Pixel needs an aspirational design direction, might I suggest the flat Pixel 9a.
Expand Expanding CloseLineageOS now officially supports Pixel 9a
Almost half a year after launch, the Pixel 9a is now part of the official LineageOS build roster and comes full circle on Pixel 9 series support.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 9a is an absolute steal at $349 for Prime Day
If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the latest and greatest Pixel 10, then turn your attention to the Pixel 9a, which is an absolute steal at just $349 as part of Amazon’s big Prime Day deals.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a gets deepest discount yet at $100 off
The US Google Store and other retailers have kicked off a $100 discount on the Pixel 9a that ends a few days before the Pixel 10 launch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store Father’s Day deals: Pixel 9a gets first discount, more
Following the Memorial Day sale (which is still live), Father’s Day deals are live at the Google Store with the Pixel 9a available for $449.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a teardown highlights a battery that’s tougher than ever to replace [Video]
Google’s Pixel 9a has been widely been praised as a solid “affordable” phone, but a new teardown criticizes it for a key component – a battery that’s nearly impossible to safely replace.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle extends $100 credit with Pixel 9a while retailers offer $100 gift cards
Google is extending its launch offer for the Pixel 9a with a $100 credit included with purchase, but retailers are upping the ante with $100 gift cards instead.
Expand Expanding CloseThe Pixel 9a can now enroll in the Android 16 Beta
After just launching a few days ago, the brand-new Pixel 9a is now eligible to enroll in the Android 16 Beta with the release of Beta 4.
Expand Expanding Close[U:Fixed] Pixel 9a selfie camera bug causes flickering in low light, but doesn’t affect photos
A minor bug with the selfie camera on the Pixel 9a means that if you attempt to take photos using the front-facing system in low light scenarios, you might see the image preview flicker before hitting the shutter button.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Store posts its own Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e comparison
Over the years, Google marketing has compared the Pixel to the iPhone. There was notably the Phone X vs. Pixel 3a Night Sight campaign in 2019. The latest example — Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e — makes for the most explicit comparison to date.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a vs. Pixel 7a: Is now the time to upgrade? [Video]
Is now the time to upgrade from the Pixel 7a to the brand-new Pixel 9a? Well, maybe. However, there is more to the equation than meets the eye. Here’s what you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on other designs it explored for the Pixel 9a camera
Following the Pixel 9a release, Google shared more about the phone’s design, including other looks it explored for the camera.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a vs. Pixel 9: Better separated, but still siblings [Video]
The brand-new Pixel 9a has a lot of things that make the Pixel 9 a great entry-level Android phone, but how much of the formula has been retained or omitted? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 8a discounted everywhere but US following 7a Google Store removal
With the launch of the Pixel 9a, the 7a has, as expected, left the Google Store in all regions. However, the Pixel 8a has been discounted almost everywhere except the US.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a is missing Modes, more as it’s still on Android 15 QPR1
After setting up and updating, your Pixel 9a will still be running Android 15 QPR1 instead of QPR2.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a review: Google’s A-Series is now its own thing
Compared to past years, the 2025 A-Series doesn’t feel like a variant of the main line. Rather, the Google Pixel 9a is its own thing that most people will be quite happy with.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 series, including 9a, get free Gemini Live Astra camera access
Google this morning announced the April 2025 Pixel Drop with just one feature. Notably, Gemini Live’s new Astra camera and screen sharing is available for free on the Pixel 9 series.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a gets early teardown: Vapor chamber, cameras, more [Video]
Ahead of next week’s launch, the Google Pixel 9a has already undergone a teardown.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Pixel adding ‘Battery health assistance’ for long-term use, starting with Pixel 9a
Google this year is introducing “Battery health assistance” on Pixel devices to help “extend their usability.”
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle announces new Pixel 9a launch date
After a last-minute delay, Google today announced that Pixel 9a will launch starting April 10.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle teases new Pixel ‘Imagination Studio’ coming to Japan on March 29
Through social media, Google is teasing another new announcement around Pixel devices for later this week, with an “Imagination Studio” coming.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a lacks Satellite SOS support with its older modem, Google confirms
Google’s Pixel 9a offers a lot for its $499 price tag, but it doesn’t have everything the rest of the Pixel 9 series has. Thanks to a generation-old modem, the Pixel 9a lacks support for Google’s Satellite SOS feature.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9a lacks Pixel Screenshots, Call Notes due to RAM
Due to only 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a will not have Pixel Screenshots or Call Notes in the Phone app.
Expand Expanding Close