Phones · Early review — one publication so far

Google Pixel 9a

Released April 2025 · Full specs on GSMArena

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Too few scores

So far only sister publications from one owner have reviewed this phone, which counts as one opinion. It joins the rankings when an independent publication does. Consensus of 2 reviews from 1 independent publisher. Android Central and Tom's Guide (both Future plc) count as one voice. How this is calculated.

Photos from the reviews

Photos belong to the publications credited; each links to the full review.

Key specs

Released
April 2025
Launch price (US)
$499
Launch price (UK)
£499
Launch price (Europe)
€549
Form factor
Standard
OS
Android
Display
6.3″
Main camera
48 MP
Telephoto lens
No
Battery
5,100 mAh
Wired charging
23 W
Chipset
Tensor G4
Base storage
128 GB
Weight
185.9 g
Water resistance
IP68
Software updates
7 years
Sold in
US, UK, Europe, India

What the reviewers said

Android Central US

4.5/5Jun 18, 2025

Pixel 9a delivers top battery life, Tensor G4 performance and a bright display at $499, barely a downgrade from the Pixel 9 despite weaker cameras and slow charging.

  • Excellent battery life, best on any Pixel phone
  • Bright, vivid 6.3-inch display
  • Tensor G4 performance close to Pixel 9 and 9 Pro
  • Seven years of OS and security updates
  • Good macro photos and Gemini AI features
  • Limited on-device AI due to lower RAM
  • Small low-light camera downgrade
  • Slow 23W wired charging
  • Gorilla Glass 3 offers weaker scratch protection
  • Thick, not especially slim body
Read the full review at Android Central →

Tom's Guide US

4.5/5Apr 29, 2025

The most well-rounded phone under $500, with standout brightness, AI features, battery life and cameras, though its design is bland.

  • Stays at $499 starting price despite rising phone prices
  • Very bright display, peak 2,076 nits
  • Useful Tensor G4 AI editing and features
  • Versatile dual camera system with improved low light
  • Longer battery life than predecessor and iPhone 16e
  • Plain, flush design lacks the series' identity
  • Only one month of free Gemini Advanced
  • Wireless charging limited to 7.5W
  • Wired charging only 23W
Read the full review at Tom's Guide →

Verdicts, pros and cons are short summaries in our words of each publisher's review; scores are as the publisher gave them. Specs are taken from the reviews' spec boxes — where they differ, we show the value most of them give; price is the US launch price of the base model. Read the originals for the full picture.