Google Pixel 9a: Release Date, Price & Specs

Google has officially unveiled its latest smartphone, the Pixel 9a, and it is expected to be a game-changer in the market. The new device comes as a response to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy A56 and Apple’s iPhone 16e, with Google making significant improvements to its previous models.

The Pixel 9a was launched on 19 March 2025, earlier than expected, but faced a slight delay in reaching the shelves due to a quality issue with a component. Despite this setback, the Pixel 9a was released on 10 April 2025 in the UK, US, and Canada, with other European countries following on 14 April and Australia and Asian countries on 16 April.

In terms of pricing, the Pixel 9a is available in two storage options – 128GB for £499/$499 and 256GB for £599/$599. These prices are in line with the Pixel 8a, with a slight increase for the higher storage variant. The launch prices of previous Pixel models were also compared, showing a consistent pricing strategy by Google.

The Pixel 9a brings several upgrades over its predecessor, the Pixel 8a. It features the new Tensor G4 chipset and a larger 5100mAh battery, promising better performance and extended battery life. The device comes in two storage options and retains the same 6.3-inch Full HD+ pOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

In terms of cameras, the Pixel 9a sports a 48MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide lens on the back, with a 13MP front camera for selfies. While the main camera specs may seem like a downgrade, the improved aperture and sensor size ensure quality photos. The device also offers Super Res Zoom up to 8x but lacks a telephoto lens for optical zoom.

Other features of the Pixel 9a include Qi wireless charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a lightweight build at 186g. The device runs on Android 15 out of the box and promises timely updates to Android 16. Despite some software limitations due to RAM constraints, Google ensures seven years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 9a.

Overall, the Pixel 9a is set to be a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a balance of performance, features, and affordability. Keep an eye out for our full review of the Pixel 9a to learn more about its capabilities.