March 19, 2025, 10:00 AM PDT – Google unveiled the Pixel 9a, its new budget phone, on March 18, 2025, as shared on its official blog. This phone offers Google AI features at a low price, aiming to draw in people seeking value, marking a fresh move in its A-series.
The Pixel 9a is priced at $499 for 128GB of storage or $599 for 256GB, per Google’s blog. It has a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip for quick performance and long battery life. It comes with 8GB of RAM and runs Android 15, with updates promised until 2032, including seven years of OS and security updates.
The phone packs AI features like Gemini Nano, a lightweight version for tasks such as voice commands, image searches, and photo edits with Magic Editor. It also includes Circle to Search for instant lookups, Live Translate for real-time language help, and Recorder with audio summaries, all tailored for daily use. The camera setup features a 48MP wide lens, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP front camera, boosted by AI for better low-light shots and action captures. It has a 5,000mAh battery, supporting 18W wired charging and wireless charging.
Made with 76% recycled materials, the Pixel 9a sports a flat-edge design with a satin aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 3 for toughness. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast connections, and has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, per Google’s blog.
This launch shows Google’s push for affordable phones with smart features, targeting people who want AI at a low cost. The 8GB RAM limits some AI power, but the price and long support make it attractive, as noted in the blog.
What’s ahead? This could shake up budget phones. I’ll follow news to see how the Pixel 9a sells and performs for users.
