The brand new Pixel 9a is right here, and it’s gunning for the mid-range cellphone crown. However with this newest launch, I imagine Google is focusing on a brand new potential buyer: present iPhone customers.
Let’s take a look at the proof.
In some ways, the Pixel 9a is the closest factor we’ve ever seen to an iPhone that runs Android. Curved edges, a comparatively compact design and twin rear cameras are very paying homage to the common iPhone 16. For those who took the Google emblem off the again, many individuals can be unable to inform them aside.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In fact, though Android 15 is sort of totally different to iOS 18, Google and Apple’s software program expertise has change into much more aligned in recent times. Supplied you’re not closely invested within the Apple ecosystem, you shouldn’t run into many points when switching from Android to iPhone.
The very best half? The Pixel 9a begins at simply £499/$499 at launch. Not solely is that £200/$200 cheaper than the common iPhone 16, it’s additionally £100/$100 lower than the iPhone 16e, which has vastly inferior specs.
Positive, you’ll have to surrender iMessage and FaceTime, however there are many nice alternate options in 2025. If the Pixel 9a performs as its specs counsel, it’ll be a straightforward advice…together with to many present iPhone customers.
In some ways, the Pixel 9a is the closest factor we’ve ever seen to an iPhone that runs Android
And, from a purely sensible sense, the Pixel 9a has loads else going for it.
The comparatively compact design will attraction to many individuals in an period of big telephones. Retaining the Pixel 8a’s spectacular show and class-leading cameras isn’t any unhealthy factor, whereas Google has addressed certainly one of that cellphone’s key weaknesses – battery life.
On the software program aspect, Android 15 is full of AI options, together with Google Gemini. Pixel telephones are additionally the primary in line for future updates, which can proceed for a full seven years.
It’s a compelling bundle that’s prone to tempt loads of folks away from different Android telephones. However it additionally makes switching from an iPhone simpler than ever earlier than.
Nevertheless, as someone who evaluations telephones for a residing, I discover the Pixel 9a to be an underwhelming replace. In comparison with final yr’s Pixel 8a, the one actual enhancements are a transfer to the newest Tensor G4 chipset and a bigger 5100mAh battery.
The cellphone has additionally misplaced a number of its character. As an alternative of the Pixel 8a’s visor-style rear digital camera module or the Pixel 9 sequence’ giant pill-shaped design, the 9a’s twin cameras (48Mp major, 13Mp ultrawide) seem to take a seat nearly flush with the again of the cellphone.
And the remainder of the design is about as generic because it will get. The 6.3-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2424) pOLED show is completely flat, sitting inside a slim bezel and rounded corners. It’s a tried-and-tested formulation that we’ve seen on numerous telephones just lately.
So, for cellphone fans like myself, there’s little or no to get enthusiastic about. For those who’re available in the market for a novel or revolutionary cellphone, this ain’t it. If that’s a precedence for you, the Nothing Cellphone (3a) and (3a) Professional are significantly better mid-range choices.