In the world of consumer technology, where options abound and specifications frequently change, Allison Johnson stands out as a seasoned reviewer with a decade of experience, especially in mobile photography and telecom. Having previously contributed her expertise at DPReview, she now turns her attention to Google's latest offering: the Pixel 9A.

The Pixel A-series has garnered a reputation for delivering quality midrange smartphones, and the new Pixel 9A is no exception. Priced at $499, this phone strikes a compelling balance between affordability and performance, making it an enticing option for consumers. While the Pixel 9 offers some enhancementslike a superior ultrawide camera, increased RAM, and the advanced Wi-Fi 7 technologythe 9As price point allows users to overlook some of its missing features compared to its more expensive sibling.

More than just a specification sheet, the Pixel 9A showcases the evolution of Googles product line. One notable improvement is its seamless connectivity with devices like the Pixel Watch 2. Transferring data and pairing devices has become effortless, which reflects a significant leap in Googles ecosystem integration for this generation of Pixels. For a midrange price of $499, the experience feels remarkably cohesive, a strong selling point for potential buyers.

Hardware, Display, and Battery Life

Reflecting on her previous review of the Pixel 8A, Johnson recalls her colleague Vjeran Pavic's observations about the phone's display being inadequate in bright conditions. To address this, she scrutinized the Pixel 9A's screen, especially since Google claims that its brightness has improved by an impressive 35 percent. During her testing in Seattle's rare sunny spells in March, she found that the display performed commendably, potentially meeting the expectations of users in sunnier locales. With a larger 6.3-inch screen compared to the 6.1-inch of its predecessor, the Pixel 9A provides a more expansive viewing experience.

Additionally, the 9A boasts an IP68 rating, indicating robust dust and water resistance. Unlike its predecessor, which was rated IP67, the 9A can withstand immersion in deeper water for up to 30 minutes. Wireless charging capabilities, although limited to 7.5W, add convenience to the user experience. A visually appealing change is the design of the camera, which is now flush with the device's back panel, offering a fresh look complemented by a vibrant peony pink color, breaking away from the traditional black rectangle aesthetic.

The Pixel 9A is equipped with the largest battery in the Pixel lineup, featuring a 5,100mAh cell that Google claims offers the best battery life in any Pixel phone, especially in extreme battery saver mode. Johnson put the battery to the test with a day filled with streaming video and extensive cellular use, finding it to be satisfactory, though not exceptional. With the always-on display activated and the highest screen refresh rate in use, the battery life remained average.

At the heart of the Pixel 9A is Googles fourth-generation custom Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. This combination leads to a responsive user experience, successfully running demanding applications like Diablo Immortal.

The Evolving Pixel Experience

Johnson observes that Pixel phones have recently found their stride, thanks to small but impactful enhancements over the generations. Features like face recognition for quick authentication and effortless pairing of previously connected devices contribute to a smoother user experience. These minor improvements can significantly enhance daily usability.

Moreover, the Pixel 9A leverages artificial intelligence, offering camera features such as Best Take and Add Me, which can enhance photos in unique ways. However, it lacks some AI functionalities present in the higher-end Pixel 9 models, which may disappoint some users.

Camera Capabilities

The camera system on the Pixel 9A includes a competent 48-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a solid 13-megapixel selfie camera. While this setup is competitive for a phone priced at $500, it does come with limitations. The 9A uses a smaller 1/2-inch sensor compared to its pricier counterparts, which can lead to challenges in low-light conditions and less detail retention. Users may also notice a tendency for portrait mode to produce images with an unnatural focus transition.

In certain situations, the Pixel 9A may produce overly flat and processed images reminiscent of poorly executed HDR, particularly in high-contrast scenes. While the phone's display may mask some of these issues, exporting images can reveal a lack of detail.

Overall, the Pixel 9A stands as an impressive contender in the midrange market. At its best, it feels like an incredible deal, while at its worst, it reminds users of its budget-friendly price tag. The distinction between this $499 phone and the $799 Pixel 9 becomes less significant when considering financing options, yet represents a considerable leap for those paying upfront.

For many users, the Pixel 9A offers a level of performance and integration that belies its price. The experience of using this devicewhether through face recognition or effortless app loginsoffers users great value. Enhanced by its eye-catching color, the Pixel 9A positions itself as an appealing choice in todays crowded smartphone market.

Photography by Allison Johnson / The Verge