Google Pixel 9a Brings Flagship-Like Experience at ₹49,999—But There’s a Catch
Google has launched the Pixel 9a in India, finally putting an end to delays caused by a “component quality issue.” Priced at ₹49,999, it’s positioned as a “budget” Pixel. But with features like the Tensor G4 chip and 120Hz OLED screen, the question is—does it feel like a budget phone anymore?
Let’s break it down.
Sleek Design, But Thick Bezels Surprise
The design of the Pixel 9a is clean and practical. Its matte back with a satin metal frame feels premium, and it’s lightweight in hand. The capsule-style rear camera bump is subtle, giving it a balanced look when placed on flat surfaces.
However, the wide bezels on the front feel dated—especially in 2025. They slightly pull down the otherwise modern aesthetics. Still, the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance is a bonus at this price.
Gorgeous OLED Display, Great for Outdoors
The Pixel 9a comes with a 6.3-inch OLED display offering full HD+ resolution and HDR support. The peak brightness of 2,700 nits makes outdoor viewing hassle-free. The color reproduction is vivid and detailed, whether you’re watching YouTube or scrolling Instagram.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth animations, although there’s a noticeable dip when it throttles down to 60Hz in some apps.
Android 15 and 7 Years of Updates? That’s a Win
Running on Android 15, the Pixel 9a keeps things clean and clutter-free. There’s no bloatware, no ads, just a smooth interface. Google has also promised 7 years of updates, making it one of the longest-supported Android phones in this price range.
AI features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Best Take make real-life photo editing easier. Plus, safety tools like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS add practical value.
Pixel-Grade Camera That Delivers, Day or Night
The Pixel 9a features a 48MP wide and 13MP ultrawide rear camera, with a 13MP front selfie shooter. In daylight, the main camera shines—colors look natural and the sharpness is impressive. Google’s software still works its magic, especially in portraits and low-light shots.
The Night Sight mode continues to be one of the best in the market. Even in near-dark scenes, details stay intact without excessive noise. The ultrawide camera is decent but not the sharpest we’ve seen.
Selfies come out well-lit and detailed, especially in group shots thanks to the wide-angle front camera. Real Tone and Face Unblur also enhance the overall selfie experience.
Smooth Everyday Performance, But Not a Gaming Monster
The Pixel 9a uses the Tensor G4 chip, the same as the flagship Pixel 9 series. Paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, performance is smooth for everyday use. Apps open quickly, and switching between tasks is seamless.
Games like Call of Duty Mobile run fine on high settings, though there’s some warmth during extended play. Benchmark scores—1667 single-core and 3786 multi-core on Geekbench—are solid, but this phone isn’t built for heavy gaming. If you’re a power gamer, you may want more.
Battery Life Outshines Even the Flagship Pixels
This is where Pixel 9a really surprises. Its 5100 mAh battery lasts well over a full day, even with heavy usage. With Extreme Battery Saver, you can stretch it to up to 100 hours.
Wireless charging is supported, but not the fastest in the market. A full charge takes a bit longer than rivals, which is one area that could improve.
So, Is the Google Pixel 9a Worth Buying?
If you’re looking for a phone that delivers clean Android, excellent cameras, and reliable performance, the Google Pixel 9a hits the mark. But the pricing might make some pause. At ₹49,999, it no longer feels “budget” in the Indian market, especially when competitors offer better charging and display specs at lower prices.
Still, if you value long-term software support, smooth AI features, and strong battery life, the Pixel 9a is a strong contender.
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