The Google Pixel 9a is a lower-priced powerhouse

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Hot on the heels on the iPhone 16e and the new Samsung Galaxy A Series, comes the latest lower-priced alternative to big-name flagship smartphones: the Google Pixel 9a. Google’s Pixel 9 spin-off promises all-day battery and high-end cameras, packed in a more durable design. And like the Samsung Galaxy A range and the iPhone 16e, the Pixel 9a brings built-in AI to a more affordable price point.

If you’re looking for a good phone that won’t see you paying four figures, read on for details on the Google Pixel 9a including specs and features, prices and offers.

Google Pixel 9a: key specs and features

Here’s a quick overview of the Google Pixel 9a’s key specifications:

• From $849 AUD RRP
• 6.3-inch Actua display
• 5,100 mAh battery with Extreme Battery Saver
• 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB internal storage
• Google Tensor G4 processor
• Dual rear-camera setup (48MP wide + 13MP ultra-wide camera)
• 13MP front-facing camera
• Android 15 operating system
• 5G connectivity
• IP68 water and dust resistance
• Dual SIM/eSIM
• Available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris and Peony colours

What is the Google Pixel 9a release date in Australia?

You’ll be able to order the Pixel 9a from April, although Google has yet to confirm an exact sales date. The Pixel 9a will be available outright from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, The Good Guys and Harvey Norman, as well as on phone plans from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

How much does the Google Pixel 9a cost?

The Google Pixel 9a starts at $849 for the 128GB version (equal to the price of the Pixel 8a). However, the 256GB storage size is $50 more expensive when compared to last year’s model.

Outright prices for the Pixel 9a range are:

Google Pixel 9a 128GB: $849

Google Pixel 9a 256GB: $999

In comparison, Apple’s iPhone 16e begins at $999 for 128GB of storage, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G with 128GB is $699.

Plans for the Google Pixel 9 series

What features does the Google Pixel 9a include?

Design and display

Google has opted to slightly tweak the design on this year’s Pixel A, nixing the horizontal raised camera bar in favour of a flat back. The rear lenses are still housed in a black oval on the top-left of the phone, but absence of the wide rear bar found in previous Pixels makes the design a little less recognisable.

The phone’s body is made with a metal frame and at least 23% recycled materials, including aluminium and plastic. Google has upped the water and dust resistance to IP68 certification, which means the phone can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 metres of water for up to 30 minutes.

The Google Pixel 9a comes with an improved 6.3-inch Actua display, which is larger — and 35% brighter — than the 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 8a. The screen has been crafted with a smooth 60-120Hz refresh rate, with a HDR brightness of 1,800 nits and up to 2,700 nits in peak sunlight. You’ll also get increased scratch protection, thanks to the display’s Corning Gorilla Glass 3 build.

Performance and battery

The Pixel 9a is powered by the same Google Tensor G4 chip found in the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 XL. The Tensor is Google’s specially-made processor, which is paired with the Titan M2 co-processor for multi-layer security and data protection.

The Pixel’s big chipset is integrated with Google’s Android software and Gemini AI, offering faster and smarter on-device assistance and AI processing. Pixel 9a users will have access to a full range of key Gemini features, including:

• Circle to Search: Search directly from photos, text or video by drawing a circle.
• Live Translate: Use your camera to instantly translate text, plus translate messages and live audio.
• Pixel Call Assist: Includes call screening, clear calling and the option to let Pixel wait on hold for you.
• Gemini Live: Real-time, voice-activated AI conversation and assistance.
• Magic Editor: Reimagine and edit photos with a tap of the screen, including expanding the image and adding or subtracting objects and people.

These power-packed AI features can be a potential battery drain, but the Pixel 9a comes with an improved battery capacity at 5,100 mAh. Google is promising up to 30 hours of battery life on one charge and up to 100 hours if Extreme Battery Saver is switched on. For quick battery top-ups, the 9a is compatible with fast charging and Qi-certified wireless charging.

As with other new Pixel releases, the 9a will receive seven years of Pixel Drop, security and Android software updates from the time of launch,  along with the newest Android 15 operating system out of the box.

Cameras

As with prior Pixel A releases, the 9a includes a dual rear-camera system and a 13-megapixel selfie camera in front. Buyers will get a 48-megapixel wide rear camera with Optical and electronic image stabilisation, plus a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Some of the camera features enabled by Google’s Gemini AI include:

• Super Res Zoom: Zoom in up to 8x.
• Magic Eraser: Delete objects and background sounds in photos and videos.
• Magic Editor: Reframe, resize or reposition objects and people in photos with one tap.
• Reimagine: Add AI-created backgrounds and images to your photos.
• Best Take: Combine multiple shots into one group photo.
• Photo/Face Unblur: Sharpen blurry faces or objects in photos.
• Add Me: Swap in participants in group shots so no-one is left out, even the photographer.

Other key camera modes include improved Night Sight, and for the first time on a Pixel A series phone, macro focus and astrophotography.

Compare SIM-only phone plans

Keen on buying the Google Pixel 9a outright once it hits stores? Make sure to compare SIM-only phone plans to find a great deal.

We’ve compiled a range of 5G-ready plans in the tables below.