Phones · 2025 · Google

Google Pixel 9a

The Pixel 9a is Google’s 2025 mid-range phone. It offers a 6.3-inch 120 Hz pOLED screen, the same Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9, a 5,100 mAh battery, IP68 and seven years of updates. Tests highlighted battery life and brightness; charging is slow, there is no telephoto camera and the front glass is Gorilla Glass 3.

Pixel 9a; 8 GB RAM with 128 or 256 GB. The band list on this page belongs to the GTF7P model on the UK page; model codes and 5G bands can differ in other markets. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 10a are separate models.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Display6.3-inch (160 mm) Actua pOLED; 1080 × 2424, 422 ppi; 60–120 Hz Smooth Display; 1,800 nits HDR, 2,700 nits peak

Smooth Display switches between 60 and 120 Hz depending on content, so scrolling is smooth and static screens save power. 2,700 nits is the peak for a small area; the full-screen HDR figure is 1,800 nits.

Cover glassCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Gorilla Glass 3 is an older Corning glass generation; the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro use the newer Victus 2.

ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4; Titan M2 security coprocessor

Titan M2 handles sensitive tasks such as passcodes, lock screen and boot verification on a chip separate from the main processor.

Memory and storage8 GB RAM; 128 or 256 GB

There is no microSD slot; storage is chosen at purchase.

Rear cameras48 MP wide (ƒ/1.7, 1/2-inch, Quad PD, OIS + EIS); 13 MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2, 120°); Super Res Zoom up to 8x

There is no telephoto camera; 8x zoom is done in software and optical quality is given only at 0.5x and 1x.

VideoRear 4K 30/60 fps; front 4K 30 fps; slow motion up to 240 fps
Front camera13 MP (ƒ/2.2, 96.1°)
Battery and charging5,100 mAh (typical), 5,000 mAh minimum; fast wired charging; Qi-certified wireless charging

No charger is included, only a USB-C cable (USB 2.0).

DurabilityIP68; matte composite back, satin metal frame

IP68 describes dust-tightness and water resistance under defined conditions; liquid damage is usually not covered by warranty.

SoftwareLaunched with Android 15; seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates
Connectivity5G Sub-6; Wi-Fi 6E (2x2 MIMO); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS; USB-C 3.2

This model has no mmWave 5G; Sub-6 bands can differ between regional model codes.

SIMNano SIM + eSIM (dual SIM)
UnlockingUnder-display fingerprint and face unlock
AudioStereo speakers; two microphones
Size and weight154.7 × 73.3 × 8.9 mm; 186 g
ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony

From the manufacturer

Google presents the Pixel 9a with a flat design with an almost flush camera, Gemini AI features and the longest battery life of any Pixel so far. Google Store

Strengths and limitations

  • In GSMArena’s standard test the screen measured 1,248 nits manually and 1,930 nits in auto mode; it is easy to read in direct sun, but the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro go higher. The phone supports 23 W USB PD wired and 7.5 W Qi wireless charging; with a 30 W Google adapter it took over an hour and a half to show 100% and over two hours for a true full charge. The hybrid stereo speakers were about as loud as the Pixel 8a with clean mids. Tensor G4 did well except for call endurance.

    GSMArena review, lab-test page; launch-period test unit, Android 15.

    GSMArena: Google Pixel 9a review, lab tests
  • Android Central used the phone in remote areas and heat tests to probe the ‘component quality issue’ that delayed launch and concerns about the older Exynos modem. It found the best battery life in Pixel history, a bright, vivid screen and Tensor G4 performance very close to the Pixel 9, while noting cutbacks in camera quality and long-term AI features.

    Android Central review; launch period, Android 15.

    Android Central: Google Pixel 9a review

Owner experiences and issues

  • Among verified buyers on Best Buy Canada, battery life is the most praised topic: Cherub says 40% was left after a 6 a.m. to midnight day, WILL reports over 10 hours at full brightness. Rhys likes the under-display fingerprint reader and the aluminium frame, but misses the lighter Pixel 4a and its headphone jack. Cherub finds the speaker volume low; Futureshopwasbetter says it gets warmer than expected during gaming and heavy video. RYANG writes that the phone stopped working 10 days after the warranty ended; a single report.

    Best Buy Canada, 128GB Obsidian listing (112 reviews); most syndicated from Best Buy US and marked as collected in a promotion. Launch reviews from people given free devices by Google and warranty/service complaints were not counted as product findings.

    Best Buy Canada: Google Pixel 9a 128GB customer reviews

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Sources

  1. Google Store: Pixel 9a tech specs
  2. GSMArena: Google Pixel 9a review, lab tests
  3. Android Central: Google Pixel 9a review
  4. Best Buy Canada: Google Pixel 9a 128GB customer reviews