# **Google Pixel 9a Hands-On: A Daring Redesign Featuring a Camera Droplet Inspired by the Pixel Watch**
The Google Pixel 9a has arrived, showcasing a remarkable design evolution that distinguishes it from earlier models. The well-known camera bar, a hallmark of Pixel phones for years, has been replaced by a sleek “camera droplet” akin to that of the Pixel Watch. This transformation, along with a larger battery and a polished flat-edged silhouette, heralds a new phase for Google’s A-series devices.
## **A Revamped Appearance: Flat Edges and a Camera Droplet**
Upon first grasping the Pixel 9a in Mountain View, I was struck by its fresh appearance. In contrast to past Pixel A-series phones that sported rounded edges and a prominent camera bar, the 9a adopts a flat-edged style reminiscent of the Pixel 9 Pro, OnePlus 13R, and Samsung Galaxy S25.
The most noticeable alteration is undoubtedly the camera module. Rather than the conventional bar, Google has chosen to feature a singular, compact camera droplet located in the top-left corner of the device. This design was inspired by the circular display of the Pixel Watch and aims to offer the Pixel 9a a distinct character while ensuring it remains part of the Pixel lineage.
## **Rationale Behind Discarding the Camera Bar**
In a pre-briefing session, Google revealed that the removal of the camera bar was a calculated choice to allow for a larger battery without inflating the phone’s bulkiness. The goal was also to impart the Pixel 9a with its own identity while keeping it distinctly recognizable as a Pixel phone.
For devoted Pixel enthusiasts, this modification might require some adjustment. The camera bar has been an iconic element since the Pixel 6, and its omission gives the 9a a feel of veering away from tradition. Nevertheless, the updated design provides practical advantages—slipping the phone into a pocket is now easier, and it feels more compact.
## **Larger Battery, Consistent Slim Profile**
One of the key enhancements of the Pixel 9a is its **5,100mAh battery**, the largest ever seen in a Pixel device. Despite this increase, Google has succeeded in keeping the phone at **8.9mm thickness**, mirroring the Pixel 8a. This was accomplished by refining internal components, including a slimmer camera module and a more slender **pOLED display**—the same type utilized in foldable phones.
When compared to other compact smartphones, the Pixel 9a boasts an impressive battery. It eclipses the **3,500mAh iPhone 16**, **4,000mAh Galaxy S25**, and even the **4,700mAh Pixel 9**. This is anticipated to lead to significantly enhanced battery life, addressing a frequent concern noted with earlier A-series models.
## **Screen and Build Quality**
The Pixel 9a showcases a **6.3-inch pOLED display** featuring a **120Hz refresh rate** and **2,700 nits peak brightness**. This positions it among the brightest screens in its class, guaranteeing superb visibility, even under direct sunlight. The display is safeguarded by **Gorilla Glass 3**, which, while not the most advanced in terms of toughness, should still offer reasonable scratch protection.
The device itself is slightly lighter than its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, even with a larger display. The combination of flat edges and rounded corners makes it easy to grasp, and the **IP68 water and dust resistance** ensures ruggedness.
## **Camera Enhancements: An Updated 48MP Sensor**
While I haven’t yet had the chance to evaluate the camera performance, Google has confirmed that the Pixel 9a includes a **new 48MP main sensor** featuring **Dual Pixel autofocus** and **Super Res Zoom capabilities up to 8x**. This sensor is comparable to the one used in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, indicating it should produce superior images.
The ultrawide camera continues to be **13MP with a 120° field of view**, and the front-facing camera also carries a **13MP**. Google has rolled out new AI-enhanced functionalities like **Macro Focus and Astrophotography Mode**, aimed at elevating the photography experience.
## **Performance: Tensor G4 and Ongoing Support**
The Pixel 9a is powered by the **Google Tensor G4** chip, the same processor employed in the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Unlike prior A-series models that occasionally included downgraded versions of flagship Tensor chips, Google confirmed that the 9a utilizes the **exact same** G4 chip as its higher-end counterparts.
The phone is equipped with **8GB of LPDDR5X RAM** and offers **128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage**. While this should be adequate for the majority of users, it’s noteworthy that the Pixel 9 possesses **12GB of RAM**, potentially providing an advantage in multitasking scenarios.
