Google launched the Pixel 9a in India today. As expected, it is the most affordable member of the Pixel 9 family, sort of like what the iPhone 16e represents for Apple’s iPhone 16 series. The new, “most affordable Pixel 9” phone—Pixel 9a—comes with dual rear cameras, a fast 120Hz display, and—this is the most important part—a more aggressive price tag. The Pixel 9a starts at Rs 49,999 which is Rs 3,000 less than its predecessor, Pixel 8a, and a whopping Rs 9,901 less than the iPhone 16e.
Google Pixel 9a India price, availability
Google has launched the Pixel 9a at a price of Rs 49,999 (8GB/256GB). General availability is pegged for April. Launch offers include Rs 3,000 cashback and 24-month no-cost EMI with select Google banking partners.
Google Pixel 9a specs, features
The Pixel 9a strays off the Pixel 9 series roadmap a bit in terms of design. Gone is the prominent camera visor for a more “flat-out” layout which makes the back more “streamlined.” Google says the “new” camera bar is inspired by nature and water droplets. The back is made of composite matte glass. The frame is made of “satin” metal.
The phone weighs 185.9 g and measures 8.9mm. It is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance. It comes in a choice of Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony. The last option isn’t coming to India at launch.
The display is a 6.3-inch Actua with 1080p resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate, just like the Pixel 9. The panel is of a different type—pOLED—and has chunkier bezels, that give away its “entry-level” positioning. The protection is also basic with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (the Pixel 9 has fancier Victus 2). Brightness can go up to 2700nits (1800nits in HDR). A hole punch cutout at the centre completes the package.
Powering the Pixel 9a is Google’s Tensor G4 processor paired with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. It has a 5100 mAh battery with 23W wired and Qi wireless charging.
Running the show is Android 15 with Google committing to seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates. The Pixel 9a is equipped with many of the same AI features as the other, more premium Pixel 9 series devices including Gemini and Pixel Studio. One of the features that’s failed to make the cut is Pixel Screenshots. Google is offering three months of Google One, three months of YouTube Premium, and six months of Fitbit Premium subscription for free to Pixel 9a buyers.
For photography, the Pixel 9a has a dual camera setup with a 48-megapixel main sensor (f/1.7, optical image stabilisation) and 13-megapixel f/2.2, 120-degree field-of-view ultrawide. The primary camera supports up to 8x Super Res Zoom along with 4K video recording at up to 60fps. The front camera is a 13-megapixel (f/2.2). It can record 4K videos at up to 30fps. Macro focus and Astrophotography are new additions.
Connectivity options include 5G (Sub 6), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC. The phone charges over USB Type-C which is USB 3.2 complaint. Biometrics are handled by an in-display fingerprint scanner. Face unlock is available. The phone has dual speakers and two microphones.
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