Google released the Pixel 9a and I immediately noticed one thing: Where did the pixel-typical camera label go? In a world in which every second smartphone looks like the other, the Google cell phones were clearly able to stand out through this feature. But Google now does not use this in the latest model.
At first glance, I couldn't really understand this decision - until I took a closer look.
Two advantages: a flat back and more space for the battery
In Google Pixel 9a there is a slightly smaller image sensor than in the previous model, the Pixel 8a.
- Pixel 9a: 1/2-inch sensor with 48 megapixels
- Pixel 8a: 1/1.73-inch sensor with 64 megapixels
Nevertheless, the image quality should be at a similar level because the number of pixels has been reduced from 64 million to 48 million. So the physical pixels in the image sensor do not have to be pressed and shrunk to an even narrower room - which would have a negative impact on the image quality.
Among other things, the smaller camera hub should be a reason why the Google Pixel 9a can have a flat back - a property that we rarely see today. Although the cell phone does not have the unique selling point of the pixel cell phones, it is somehow exceptional.
The biggest advantage can be found in the battery life:There is more space in Google Pixel 9a. And Google filled it with a large battery. In fact, this cell phone has the largest battery from all pixel phones! It even exceeds that of the Google Pixel 9 Pro (5,100 mAh vs. 5,060 mAh).
According to Google, a battery charge is sufficient for 30 hours of typical use with a mix of consultation, data use, stand-by and "other functions". A somewhat more precise description would not have been bad. But that doesn't change anything about how impressed I am that they could install such a large battery.
In comparison:
- iPhone 16e: 4.005 mAh
- Google Pixel 8a: 4.492 mAh
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 5.000 mAh
Yes, the Google Pixel 9a has a battery that even exceeds that of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra - a significantly larger and more expensive smartphone.
So who is Pixel 9a suitable for?
The Pixel 9a could become one of the best cell phones in the 500 euro area if you are enough for a good main camera and you want a long battery life. On top of that, it fulfills a wish that is no longer fulfilled today: it can be flat on the back on the table.
We can tell you how good the cell phone is really as soon as we have tested the device in detail. If you want to learn more about the Google Pixel 9a, then like to look into the comparison items linked above.
