The Pixel 9a in Porcelain and Iris. (Image source: Notebookcheck)
Weeks before the launch of the Pixel 10a, Google and partner stores are running a sale on its predecessor, the Pixel 9a. Based on reports that the Pixel 10a will share several of its key specs with the Pixel 9a, then the latter is still worth buying, especially now that it is on sale.
Multiple leaks have revealed that the Pixel 10a is only a few weeks away from launch. These leaks have also shown us what the upcoming phone looks like and even revealed some key specs. So far, there doesn’t seem to be any major difference between it and its predecessor, the Pixel 9a, save for some new colors.
While a report says the Pixel 10a will cost more in Europe than its predecessor, there’s no info on its US pricing. However, we can expect it to at least maintain the same launch price as the Pixel 9a. With no major differences between the two devices, it wouldn’t be out of place to pick up the Pixel 9a as it is currently on sale.
The Pixel 9a has Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, a plastic back, and an IP68 rating. (Image source: Notebookcheck)
There’s an ongoing sale on the Pixel 9a on the Google Store and across major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy. Buyers will be able to purchase the Pixel 9a with a $100 discount at all three stores. This means you get to pay $399 instead of $499 for the base model with 128GB of storage, and $499 instead of $599 for the 256GB model. It is safe to say that Google is clearing its inventory of the Pixel 9a ahead of the Pixel 10a’s arrival.
The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2700 nits. It is powered by the Tensor G4 which is paired with 8GB of RAM. Like the Pixel 9, it has two rear cameras — a 48MP primary sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide angle camera. There’s also a 13MP front-facing camera in a centered punch hole.
The Pixel 9a’s rear cameras take pretty good photos. (Image source: Notebookcheck)
The Pixel 9a packs a 5,100mAh battery under its plastic back with support for 23W fast wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging. It also features stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6e, NFC, an optical in-display fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C 3.2 port.
In our review, we praised the Pixel 9a’s bright display, its ability to capture good photos with a high level of detail, and its impressive battery life. However, we also noted the display’s low Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) frequency, which will be an issue for sensitive users. There’s also performance throttling when under heavy load, its poor cooling system slows down the CPU, and its slow charging. Nevertheless, it is a pretty good mid-range phone with satisfactory cameras and long term software support.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
Habeeb Onawole – Magazine Writer – 1141 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2023
I love writing about consumer technology and have written thousands of articles that help people make informed decisions or get the best out of their devices. When I am not working, I am catching up on movies and TV shows or logging in hours on my Nintendo Switch or PlayStation.