Pixel 9A Buying Guide: What to Know About Google's Budget Phone

Google's latest budget phone, the $499 Pixel 9A, is now available in stores, 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 a bit when it comes to features like cameras and RAM. However, 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-fac ... Read full article.