Google has confirmed the release of its new Pixel 9a phone, which comes equipped with upgrades at a very cheap price.
Google is back with a new budget blower and it comes packed with features that Apple won’t match for the price. It’s called the Pixel 9a, and it will cost £499 when it lands in stores next month. That eye-catching cost is £100 less than the recently released iPhone 16e, and, to make things even better, Google has even included some upgrades that aren’t found on Apple’s cheaper smartphone.
Firstly the Pixel 9a packs a bright 6.3-inch display with a speedy 120Hz refresh rate (the iPhone 16e only gets a slower 60Hz screen). Then there’s a dual-lens camera on the rear case (rather than Apple’s single 48MP Fusion snapper), which offers macro and wide-angle shots via its 48 MP main and 13 MP ultrawide camera.
It also comes in four fruity colours (the 16e is just available in black and white) and, as we mentioned before, it’s £100 less.
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Other extras tucked inside the Pixel 9a include long battery life, which should keep the screen glowing for over 30 hours on a single charge, and it includes a swathe of AI features such as Circle to Search for finding things on the web, Magic Editor for retouching images in a flash and Add Me, which lets you place more people in photo after it’s been taken. There’s even access to the Gemini Live personal assistant so you can chat to the device just like it’s a real person.
Google says that its 9a should offer peace of mind thanks to top-rated security, Car Crash Detection and Find My Device which lets you share your live location with friends and family.
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Pixel 9a also comes with seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drops, and its upgraded IP68 water and dust resistance means it can withstand spills, drops and dings. In fact, Google is boasting that its 9a is its most durable A-series phone yet.
If any of that sounds enticing, the 9a will go on sale next month. Of course, if you are a massive Apple fan, then don’t discount the new iPhone 16e. It costs £599 and includes the fast A16 processor, access to Apple Intelligence, a tough design, wireless charging and an Action Button for quick access to favourite features.
If you want to know more about the iPhone 16e you can read our full review here.