For some people around the world, it may feel like spring.
For us in Gadget Land, its affordable phone season.
This month, its Googles turn with the Pixel 9a.
The Pixel 9a is here and it’s almost a better deal than the iPhone 16e (as long as you don’t consider the whole Walled Garden thing).© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
The Pixel 9a looks a little different from last yearsPixel 8a.
The corners arent as rounded and instead match that iPhone-like style the rest of thePixel 9family adopted.
The Pixel 9a comes in four colorways, two more than the iPhone 16e.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
The rest of the phone chassis matches the color of the backside.
The Pixel 9a is also IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.
The display on the Pixel 9a is the same size as the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Its a 6.3-inchActuadisplay with a 20:9 aspect ratio.
Its nice to see that Google can use such a good display in a mid-range phone.
Previously, the best was Samsung with itsmid-range A-series.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
I still prefer the deep blacks of Samsungs AMOLED, but Googles Actua displays have significantly improvedand impressed.
The Pixel 9as internal hardware remains a solid deal for its price.
Itll be interesting to see which one lasts the longest.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Google says the Pixel 9as camera design was inspired by nature and water droplets.
I dont see it.
Instead, what I see is a rear-facing camera configuration thats quite similar to the iPhone 16e.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Look at the back!
Theyre both single cameras staring you on.
The camera on the Pixel 9a is a 48-MP sensorlike on the iPhone 16e!with macro focus capabilities.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Only you’re able to decide if its worth the extra cash.
But you should wait for the review of the Pixel 9a first.
Google did not let us paw with the software on the phones I got hands-on with.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Its after you bog them down with apps, data, and drama that it truly shows its colors.
Stay tuned for our review.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
© Florence Ion / Gizmodo The back of the Pixel 9a look familiar to you? It looks familiar to me, and I’ve seen a lot of phones in my lifetime.
Pixel vs Galaxy: Which Is the Right Android Phone for You?
Google and Samsung both have a lot to offer.
