Hardware

Published on May 18th, 2025 | by Andrew Bistak

The Google Pixel 9a Review (Australia)

The new Pixel 9a continues Google’s tradition of delivering a premium smartphone experience at an accessible price that seamlessly combines thoughtful design refinements, a powerful processor, advanced AI-driven photography capabilities such as “Add Me” (1) and optimised battery performance with up to 100 hours (2) to name just a few of its features. It is available in two size 128GB or 256GB, built from an eco-friendly perspective with at least 23% of recycled materials and comes with improved drop protection and water resistance… it even detects if you are in a car crash and calls for help!

This is all part of the all-new Google Pixel 9a!

(1) Add Me – If someone is missing from your photo, AI will add them
(2) With Extreme Battery Saver enabled, it will offer up to 100 hours

Google Pixel 9a Specifications

• OS: Android 15; 7 years OS, security, Pixel Drop updates
• Display: 6.3-inch Actua pOLED FHD+ Display, 2424×1080 / 60-120Hz, 2,700 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass 3
• Processor: Tensor G4, Titan M2 security processor
• Memory RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB
• Battery: 5100mAh /23W Wired Charging, 7.5W Wireless Charging
• Rear Cameras: 48MP Wide Quad Dual Pixel, f/1.7, 82° FOV; 13MP Ultra Wide, f/2.2, 120° FOV
• Front Camera: 13MP Ultra Wide, f/2.2
• Connectivity: 5G (sub-6), WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Dual SIM, NFC
• Other: USB-C 3.2, In-display Fingerprint, stereo speakers
• Durability: IP68
• Size: 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, 185.9g
• Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony

While it is positioned as a strong contender within the mid-range smartphone category, it is (and obviously) not as powerful as the flagship models of Apple, Samsung or Google, however it still packs a punch with its Google Tensor G4 processor and 8GB RAM that makes it a compelling choice for those seeking an upgrade. In terms of cost, the 128GB model of the Google Pixel 9a is available from $849AUD (May 2025) with the 256GB model at $999. Supporting your purchase is a 2-year warranty with Google and they also offer buyers an excellent trade-in and upgrade program.

Google Pixel 9a Highlights

• Google Tensor G4 with a Titan M2 security coprocessor
• 6.3-inch (160 mm) Actua display (1080 x 2424 OLED at 422.2 PPI)
• 30+ hour battery life
• Google VPN
• Dual rear camera system: 48 MP wide | 13 MP ultrawide | Super Res Zoom up to 8x with optical
• Android 15 Operating System
• Emergency SOS
• Theft Protection
• Wi-Fi 6E

From the first glance, the Pixel 9a presents a sleeker and more refined aesthetic, moving away from the distinctive raised camera bar that characterised previous iterations – I found it quite endearing. Instead, Google has opted for a flatter profile, which improves ergonomics and contributes to a more modern, streamlined appearance that feels comfortable and premium in hand. It also comes in a variety of colours that include Iris (reviewed), Peony, Porcelain and Obsidian to suit your own style.

Box Contents

• Pixel 9a
• 1 m USB-C® to USB-C® cable (USB 2.0)
• SIM tool

Unboxing Gallery

As you can see, the new Google Pixel 9a looks stunning and as it is built with an aluminum frame and durable glass on the front, the smartphone exudes a solid and high-quality feel.

Setup is done via the wizard which also offers you to transfer data from previous smartphones (Apple included) and this entire process will have you up and running in just a few minutes. If you’re familiar with Android phones, you should have no issues in mastering the latest operating system of this phone, Android 15. Apple users will need some patience and best of all, this phone does not come with any bloatware.

For security, the Pixel 9a supports a fingerprint reader that works like a charm, including an equally responsive, facial recognition that quickly unlocks your phone. Further supporting your safety online is Google VPN to help protect your data and identity and if your phone is stolen, the phone will automatically lock. Further, a major advantage for Pixel users is Google’s commitment to software longevity, with timely updates that include several years of OS upgrades and security patches (7 years from launch), ensuring the device remains relevant and secure well beyond its initial release.

The 6.3-inch OLED display impresses with vibrant colours, deep contrasts and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, ensuring exceptional clarity even under bright outdoor conditions. While this peak brightness level is typically limited to specific HDR scenarios, the display remains highly visible in a variety of lighting environments.

Additionally, the 120Hz refresh rate delivers an ultra-smooth user experience, making scrolling and animations feel effortlessly fluid, further reinforcing its status as one of the best displays in its class. This makes it perfect for gaming and watching videos as well. Audio complements the video quality which was super clear. Phone calls were equally impressive thanks to its ability to nullify background sound.

Internally, the Pixel 9a is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip with 8GB RAM which enables responsive performance and AI-enhanced processing for a flawless smartphone experience. While gamers and power users may encounter occasional performance constraints in resource-heavy applications, the device remains well-tuned for most users.

With that said and with some tweaking, I had no real issues with gaming and titles such as Diablo, Call of Duty, Asphalt Legends and Genshin Impact all performed well. Additionally, Google’s Titan M2 security chip offers an added layer of data protection, underscoring the company’s commitment to ensuring user privacy and security. With that mind, here are some benchmarks that cements the Google Pixel 9a as a very strong contender in the midrange smartphone market.

Benchmarks

With our go-to benchmarks, the Pixel 9a kicked goals and again cements itself as a powerful midrange smartphone with no qualms whatsoever. Sure, some of the higher graphical tests could not be run on 3DMark but for most, this is a moot point.

Like 3DMark, Geekbench 6 scored the Pixel 9a strongly in the upper echelon of midrange phones.

Photography is one of its standout features, with the 48-megapixel primary camera delivering crisp, well-balanced images, while the 13-megapixel ultrawide lens expands creative possibilities by allowing for more dynamic compositions. Despite lacking some of the premium hardware found in Google’s top-tier models, computational photography fills in the gaps, leveraging AI-powered enhancements to refine and perfect each shot.

Features such as Magic Editor, Add Me, Best Take and Macro Focus offer users greater control over their images, enabling effortless adjustments that result in professional-looking results. Night Sight remains a particularly strong feature, producing stunning low-light photographs that rival those captured by significantly more expensive smartphones.

As a picture is worth a thousand words, here are 61,000 of them! As you can see, the Pixel 9a took some great shots with very natural colours, including impressive close-ups. Equally, the camera system of the Pixel 9a captured some stunning night shots.

Photography Gallery

#: I’ve been reviewing smartphones for several, several years and our dog Ruby has always been part of those reviews. Unfortunately this was her last photo shoot for Impulse Gamer, rest in peace my amazing little friend, my shadow – until we walk together again.
RIP 01-FEB-2009 to 05-MAY-2025

Battery life is another area where the Pixel 9a excels, featuring a sizable 5,100mAh cell that comfortably lasts through a full day of typical use. Google’s Extreme Battery Saver mode extends battery longevity significantly, offering up to 100 hours of runtime for users who require extended endurance.

While charging speeds remain moderate at 23W for wired and 7.5W for wireless charging, Google’s optimizations ensure reliability, even if faster charging solutions are available from competing brands. Notably, Google does not include a charger in the box, reinforcing its sustainability efforts – so if you don’t have a correct charger, that will be an additional cost. With a compatible charger and if the battery is completely flat, it will take around 90-minutes to fully charge the phone and thankfully it also supports a quick charge feature as well to get you out of trouble.

Wireless worked well, including 5G, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC. Interestingly, the Pixel 9a only supports Wi-Fi 6E not the latest Wi-Fi 7 platform but this should not pose any issues for most users as the later technology is still relatively new and Australia has certain restrictions with it.

AI integration has become increasingly central to the Pixel 9a experience, with features such as Circle to Search and Google’s Gemini assistant redefining how users interact with their devices. Whether assisting in daily tasks or providing smart recommendations, Google’s AI tools transform the Pixel 9a into a highly intuitive companion, capable of streamlining workflows, enhancing communication and intelligently adapting to individual user needs. Even though its hardware refinements may seem subtle, the deeper integration of AI-driven enhancements substantially elevates usability, ensuring that even mid-range consumers benefit from the latest technological advancements. However my favourite AI feature of the Pixel 9’s is the Pixel Studio that is only limited by your imagination. Check out these fun images created by Pixel Studio below;

Final Thoughts?

The Pixel 9a perfectly encapsulates Google’s philosophy of balancing affordability with meaningful innovation, offering an impressive OLED display, AI-enhanced photography, long-lasting battery life and an intuitive software experience backed by guaranteed software updates.

While its performance improvements over the Pixel 8a are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the carefully considered refinements and expanded AI capabilities make it an appealing choice for users seeking a polished, well-rounded smartphone without the premium price tag. For those who prioritise smart features, smooth software, a refined design and long-term usability, the Pixel 9a stands out as one of the most compelling mid-range options available.

Recommended!

For more information, please visit https://store.google.com/product/pixel_9a

Google 9a Specifications

Display

• 6.3-inch (160 mm) Actua display
• 20:9 aspect ratio
• 1080 x 2424 OLED at 422.2 PPI
• Smooth Display (60–120 Hz)
• Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 cover glass
• Up to 1,800 nits (HDR) and up to 2,700 nits (peak brightness)
• 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
• HDR support
• Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colours

Dimensions and Weight

• 154.7 mm (height) x 73.3 mm (width) x 8.9 mm (depth)
• 185.9 g

Battery and Charging

• 30+ hour battery life
• Up to 100-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver
• Typical 5,100 mAh (minimum 5,000 mAh)
• Fast charging
• Wireless charging (Qi-certified)

Memory and Storage

• 8 GB RAM
• 128 GB / 256 GB

Processor

• Google Tensor G4
• Titan M2 security coprocessor

Security

• Google VPN at no extra cost
• End-to-end security designed by Google
• Multi-layer hardware security: Tensor security core, certified Titan M2 security chip and Trusty (Trusted Execution Environment)
• Anti-malware and anti-phishing protection
• Spam protection in Google Phone and Messages

Rear Camera Summary

• Dual rear camera system: 48 MP wide | 13 MP ultrawide | Super Res Zoom up to 8x and optical quality at 0.5, 1x

Wide Camera

• 48 MP Quad PD Dual Pixel with OIS & CLAF
• ƒ/1.7 aperture
• 82° field of view
• 1/2″ image sensor size
• Super Res Zoom up to 8x
• Optical + electronic image stabilisation

Ultrawide Camera

• 13 MP ultrawide camera
• ƒ/2.2 aperture
• 120° field of view
• 1/3.1″ image sensor size

Front Camera

• 13 MP selfie camera
• ƒ/2.2 aperture
• 96° ultrawide field of view

Camera Features

• Super Res Zoom up to 8x
• Add Me
• Macro Focus
• Night Sight
• Astrophotography
• Portrait Mode
• Face Unblur
• Long Exposure
• Real Tone
• Panorama
• Top Shot
• Frequent Faces

Editing Features

• Magic Editor
• Auto Frame
• Reimagine
• Magic Eraser
• Best Take
• Photo Unblur
• Portrait Light

Video Rear Camera

• 4K video recording at 30/60 FPS
• 1080p video recording at 30/60 FPS
• Digital zoom up to 5x

Video Front Camera

• 4K video recording at 30 FPS

Video Features

• Audio Magic Eraser
• Macro Focus Video
• Cinematic Pan
• Slo-mo video support up to 240 FPS
• 4K timelapse with stabilisation
• Astrophotography timelapse
• Night Sight timelapse
• Optical image stabilisation for video
• Fused video stabilisation
• Cinematic Pan video stabilisation (4K, 1080p)
• Locked video stabilisation (4K, 1080p)
• Active video stabilisation (1080p)
• Video formats: HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264)

Audio

• Stereo recording
• Speech enhancement
• Wind noise reduction

Materials & Durability

• Composite matte back
• Satin metal frame
• IP68 dust and water resistance
• Fingerprint-resistant coating
• The aluminium in the housing is 100% recycled content
• Made with at least 23% recycled materials based on product weight
• 81% recycled plastic in back cover
• 100% plastic-free packaging

Security and OS updates

• Seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates from launch

Operating System

Launched with Android 15

Authentication

• Fingerprint Unlock
• Face Unlock
• Pattern, PIN, password

Safety

• Emergency SOS
• Crisis Alerts
• Car Crash Detection
• Safety Check
• Emergency Location Service
• Emergency contacts and medical info
• Android Earthquake Alerts System
• Theft protection

Sensors

• Proximity sensor
• Ambient light sensor
• Accelerometer
• Gyrometer
• Magnetometer
• Barometer

Buttons and Ports

• USB Type-C® 3.2
• Power button
• Volume controls

SIMs

• Dual SIM (Single Nano SIM and eSIM)

Media and Audio

• Stereo speakers
• 2 microphones

Connectivity and Location

• Wi-Fi 6E with 2.4GHz+5GHz+6GHz, 2×2 MIMO
• Bluetooth® v5.3 with antenna diversity for enhanced quality and connection
• NFC
• Google Cast
• Dual Band GNSS GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS, NavIC

Network

• 5G Sub 6GHz Model GUR25
• GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz)
• UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8,19
• LTE: Bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/14/17/18/19/20/21/26/28/32/38/39/40/41/42/66/75
• 5G Sub-6 : Bands n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/26/28/38/40/41/66/75/77/78/79
• eSIM

Accessibility

• Hearing-aid compatible per FCC requirements. Conversational gain: 14 dB w/ aid and 18 dB w/o aid (DA 23-914). See g.co/pixel/hac.
• Guided Frame
• Magnifier
• Live Caption
• Live Transcribe & Sound Notifications
• TalkBack screen reader
• Lookout
• Reading Mode
• Sound Amplifier & Conversation mode
• Camera Switches
• Voice Access
• Real-time text

Warranty

• 2 years

About the Author

Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.

Related Posts

HUAWEI LAUNCHES NEXT-GEN WATCH FIT 4 SERIES →

ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs & Handheld Console Win 2025 Red Dot Design Awards →

TEAMGROUP Showcases Groundbreaking Innovation at COMPUTEX 2025 →

FLIP THE LID, CAPTURE THE MOMENT: THE POLAROID FLIP ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA →