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TOTAL: 96/100
When my mom was shopping for a new phone, I couldn’t recommend the Google Pixel 9a fast enough. Ditto when a friend was looking for one for her teen. It was the one I sought out for myself, when I needed a new phone.
Why?
Admittedly, I’m a bit biased: I’ve owned Android phones for more than a decade, and Google’s fleet has been my go-to for their intuitive setup, responsiveness, affordability and durability. Those last two have become increasingly important as the mom of two sticky-fingered little kids, and an on-the-go life that involves more phones smashing against pavement—or getting launched into slime, water tables and who knows what other horrors. (Durable doesn’t mean indestructible, after all, and I don’t want to drop a mortgage payment on a cell phone right now. Though, in full transparency, Google provided the 9a for review. My opinions are my own, however, and weren’t shared with the brand prior to publishing.)
So, what makes the Pixel 9a so great? Here’s my assessment, after a month’s use.
This—and the price point—became two major factors in recommending the Pixel 9a to my mom. She’s the first to admit she’s not super tech savvy, and the Pixel 9a guides you through setup, copying over everything from your old phone (and letting you choose what to bring over, from apps to texts) with a few clicks. Within minutes, the new phone is ready to use, and that sense of convenience carries through to every facet of using the phone.
Quick, easy-to-follow tours and tips guide you through first-time use of many of the phone’s features, and thanks to Pixel Drops, updates are automatically rolled out to the 9a for seven years following its release date, so it doesn’t seem dated easily. (Admittedly, sometimes an update has caused lags or other bugs on my previous Pixels, but Google has always been quick to adapt and push an update to fix it. I haven’t experienced any updates or issues with the 9a yet.)
One of the challenges of a $500 phone is that it…feels like a $500 phone. Which seems crazy to say ($500 is not chump change!), but they can be bulky or flimsy feeling. The 9a is super lightweight (6.6 ounces), making it feel more featherlike in your hand than, say, the 9 (7 ounces) yet a bit heftier than the iPhone 16e (5.88 ounces).
Google deems it the “most durable” of its affordable A-series line to date, but it retains many must-have features for longevity (at least in my household): a metal frame, scratch-resistant Actua display, Corning Gorilla Glass. They’ve also improved the IP68 protection, according to a press release, so it can better withstand water and dust. (So technically, it’s water and dust resistant, but not waterproof or dustproof.)
I was also surprised to see that it boasts over 30 hours of battery life—which I’ve put to the test, with it lasting throughout the day despite a 4.5-hour road trip where it was used as a hot spot the entire time. And it features Qi-certified wireless charging, which I didn’t expect from a budget phone.
Let’s be real: Yes, phones make calls—and to that end, the speaker is crisp and clear—but everyone wants to know about the photos. Google’s noteworthy Portrait and Night Sight modes are here. Paired with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera, getting a vibrant shot is fairly easy. Night Sight, in particular, is great for turning what would be a Blair Witch shot in low light into your next profile pic, though you really need to hold your hands steady (or use a tripod) for the best results, as it takes some time to process the pic.
Also, one Google Photos feature every parent will love: You know how *someone* has their eyes closed in every family photo? With the Best Take feature, you can snap a bunch, then use the photo editor to combine them into one shot that includes everyone’s best angles.
Held from roughly four feet, tumbling onto carpeted and hardwood floors—albeit with a third-party case—the phone survived with nary a scratch. Did I close my eyes and hold my breath? Yes.
And again, when, outside of testing, it thudded onto the pavement by my car? Yes. Thankfully, the 9a lives on, and I’ve invested in a phone chain (more on that in the accessories section). I question how many hits it can take like this, but so far, so good.
While I’m holding out for the day when Bandolier expands its Google Pixel line to include the 9a, there are a surprising number of options to customize your phone. I know, I know—looks aren’t everything, but one of the pitfalls of being an Android user is that it can be hard to find a genuinely cute case that fits your phone. They’re often bulky and practical, like orthopedic shoes. The Google Pixel line is widespread enough for third-party makers to take notice; you can find a ton of options on Amazon, though it’s worth reading the reviews, since there’s quite the range in quality.
Three of my faves? A wavy case, a Casestify chain strap for running errands and an Octobuddy—aka suction-cup pad for the back of the phone—which doesn’t just help me take selfies when product testing. I stick it to a window to read recipes at eye level while I’m cooking, and I’ve stuck it to my laptop to keep my cell phone more secure as I’m dashing between meetings.
Yes—if you’re looking for a reliable, customizable and durable phone that won’t break your budget, this is it.
