Is the Pixel 9a the best budget phone?
A Techloy infographic compares the Google Pixel 9A against the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Apple iPhone 16e, based on key features.
Google Pixel A-series has long been the go-to for anyone who wants flagship-level cameras and long-term updates without the flagship price tag. The new Pixel 9a, at $499, sticks to that formula, bringing some welcome upgrades—though not without a few trade-offs.
For starters, the camera bar is gone. Google redesigned the Pixel 9a with a flat back and a domed camera housing, making it look more like the premium Pixel 9 series. It also comes in fresh colors—Peony (pink) and Iris (purple)—alongside the usual Porcelain (white) and Obsidian (black).
Under the hood, Pixel 9a is powered by the Tensor G4 chip, the same processor found in the flagship Pixel 9. That means you’re getting solid AI capabilities, but because the Pixel 9a comes with just 8GB of RAM, it runs a cut-down version of Gemini Nano—so some of the more advanced AI features won’t work.
Meanwhile, Google calls this the best camera under $500, and while that’s up for debate, the Pixel 9a specs are pretty solid. You now get a 48MP main sensor (down from 64MP on the Pixel 8a) but with better AI processing. It’s joined by a 13MP ultrawide lens, and for the first time on an A-series phone, there’s Macro Focus mode for extreme close-ups. The front camera remains 13MP but now supports 4K video recording—something even Apple iPhone 16e lacks at $599.
Even though Pixel 9a main sensor took a hit, Google made up for it with battery life. At 5,100mAh, this is the largest battery ever in a Pixel A-series, promising over 30 hours of use and up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver. That’s impressive, but charging speeds are still capped at 23W, slower than Samsung Galaxy A56, which supports 45W fast charging.
David Adubiina
Unusually, Google isn’t taking pre-orders yet for the Pixel 9a, citing a “component quality issue” that’s delaying shipments until April.
So, is the Pixel 9a the best budget phone?
If you want Google’s AI features, long battery life, and good camera, it’s a strong pick. But with its limited AI features and slower charging, there’s stiff competition—especially from Samsung Galaxy A56 and Apple iPhone 16e.
In this Techloy infographic below, I've compared the Google Pixel 9A against the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Apple iPhone 16e, based on key features.
