Google's latest budget phone, the $499 Pixel 9A, arrived fresh off the heels of Apple's "affordable" offering, the $599 iPhone 16E. Very convenient timing.
The Pixel 9A is $300 cheaper than the baseline Pixel 9 and therefore scales back when it comes to features like cameras and RAM. But it maintains other attributes, like display size, processor and AI features -- and even touts a higher battery capacity than its pricier Pixel counterparts. For more on what the new phone has in store, be sure to check out CNET's Pixel 9A review.
So, is the Pixel 9A a good fit for you? Here's our guide, with everything to consider.
Camera guide
The Pixel 9A has a wide and ultrawide camera. James Martin/CNET
Being able to take good photos is usually a top priority when buying a new phone since, for most people, their phone is their only camera. The Pixel 9A has two cameras on the back: a 48-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel ultrawide, along with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. That places the 9A's rear camera specs below those on the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but megapixels aren't the only factor in getting quality shots. (You can check out the spec chart below to see how the cameras compare on these phones.)
The Pixel 9A's camera supports Macro Focus, meaning you can get closer to your subject -- like if you're snapping a close-up of your delicious meal -- and have it be in crisp focus. With the 9A, Google uses the main camera to enable Macro Focus instead of the ultrawide camera, as with many other phones.
Watch this: Review: Google's Pixel 9A Delivers on Price and Features 09:00
AI guide
What's perhaps most notable about the Pixel 9A is the suite of AI editing tools you'll still have access to, even with that lower price. Features like Magic Editor can help clean up your shots and alter backgrounds, Best Take creates an image where everyone in a group photo looks their best, and Add Me employs AI and augmented reality to incorporate the photographer in the final image.
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