On March 19, 2025, Google announced its latest mid-ranger, the Pixel 9a. It has the same Tensor G4 chipset with the same software features while cutting on some luxury corners like a glass back and a telephoto lens. Does it hold well against other mid-rangers without them? Let’s take a look.

I Like That It Has the Same Performance as Its Big Brothers

Here’s what I love: this mid-ranger doesn’t feel like a compromise. Why?

Google dropped in the same Tensor G4 chip you’ll find in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, and that Tensor G4 chip holds really well. In fact, I extensively tested the performance by playing heavy multiplayer games. To specifically avoid internet hiccups, I upgraded my internet plan for a month by reaching out to Xfinity customer service, and the result? Seamless gaming and a great experience.

Though it started to throttle when it was getting heated up a bit. As for day-to-day tasks, they are smooth on Pixel 9a. Apps open fast, multitasking feels snappy, and editing photos & videos is smooth enough.

No, it’s not a spec monster on paper. But in real life? It delivers.

The software-hardware synergy is classic Pixel — smart, clean, and quietly powerful. You’re not getting a watered-down experience here, and that’s what makes the 9a punch way above its weight. Performance-wise, I love this new Pixel, and I think it will hold up super well for four good years.

The Cameras Are Great, as Always

Google knows cameras, and there is no doubt about that. This has been true since the Pixel 2 days, and it’s still true here. The Pixel 9a has a dual rear camera setup — no fancy zoom lens, no gimmicky extras — but it doesn’t matter. What you do get is Pixel processing magic.

From the main 48MP lens, the photos come out sharp, well-balanced, and natural. Night Sight is still one of the best low-light modes on any phone, and Real Tone continues to nail accurate skin tones across the board. The 13MP ultrawide lens is great. The only problem I face with an ultrawide lens is photography in low light. The photos came out over-sharpened.

You also get new AI-powered editing tools like Best Take and Magic Editor, which are fun and super helpful in correcting photos. And kind of make you look like a pro photographer without trying too hard.

This is what Best Take does: it lets you choose the best face in a group photo for individuals to make it a perfect shot. That’s incredible, and now, your friends don’t need to compromise for your best shot.

As for Magic Editor, it was first rolled out in Pixel 8 and is an AI-powered editing software that lets you remove unwanted objects from images, move objects in images, and edit audio in videos.

Front camera? Solid 13MP. Video? Reliable. Unless you’re shooting a short film, the Pixel 9a handles all the photo and video tasks most people care about.

All in all, it’s a great camera system that is best suited for photography.

Let’s Talk About Battery and Charging Experience

Battery life on the Pixel 9a is what I’d call “dependably boring” — and that’s a good thing.

It gets you through a full day with no drama. You can scroll, stream, text, and still have juice left for that late-night doomscrolling session. The Pixel 9a has the biggest battery and there’s an interesting way through which Google did it. They removed the camera bump, made it a bit thicker, and added extra battery.

Charging, though, is where the 9a stays modest. There’s no wireless charging and no ultra-fast charging like we see on some Chinese brands. You’re getting around 23W wired charging, which isn’t going to wow anyone, but it’s fine if you plug in overnight. For a mid-range phone, it’s acceptable. Just don’t expect miracles if you forget to charge before heading out.

Google Pixel 9a Ratings: Should You Get One?

If you’re looking for a phone that gets the fundamentals right — performance, camera, software — without costing a small fortune, the Pixel 9a is a no-brainer. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart. It skips the glass back and the unnecessary extras and instead focuses on what actually matters in day-to-day use.

For $499, you’re getting the same chip as the flagships, the same camera software smarts, and clean Android with years of updates. That’s a solid deal for 2025.

So yeah, I love the Pixel 9a. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s practical, and in a world full of overpriced phones, that’s exactly what we need more of.