Some smartphones can be judged on their specs alone – but the Pixel 9a isn’t one of them. Google’s latest mid-range offering is a blend of thoughtful design, impressive AI features, and camera upgrades that aim to redefine value in the $499 price bracket. With its vibrant peony color, new IP68 rating, and a 5,100mAh battery – the largest ever on a Pixel – it’s clear this device was built to compete.
And yet, some design changes, like the removal of the iconic camera bar, may leave longtime Pixel fans questioning its identity. Add in trade-offs like lower RAM and missing software features, and you might wonder if Google’s "a" series can still hold its ground against flagship competitors. But with seven years of updates and standout performance in real-world tests, the Pixel 9a proves that affordability doesn’t have to mean total compromise.
I spent time testing this phone with my friend @ShannonMorse in Colorado’s stunning Garden of the Gods and Meow Wolf Denver to see how it stacks up. From camera performance in low light to gaming on-the-go, this review dives deep into what makes the Pixel 9a tick – and whether it deserves a place in your pocket.
*PIXEL 9A GIVEAWAY*
How to enter (complete all steps):
1. Subscribe to @ShannonMorse and @JasonHowell
2. Comment your favorite Pixel 9a feature on this video AND Shannon's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioL4uLZ7A5w
3. Submit your email address and youtube username here: https://forms.gle/1G4f7DMLcE9HtwrRA
4. Enter by April 18, 2025, at 23:00PM (PT), and wait to see if you won! The winner will be emailed directly and announced on Jason’s youtube channel.
Winner: TBD
Important:
The winner will be randomly chosen on April 18th at 23:00 PT. One entry per person, duplicate entries will be deleted. The winner will be announced here on @JasonHowell
We will ONLY send a message via email to the winner. We will never ask you to contact us via WhatsApp, Telegram, or any other messaging service. You will never be required to send money or financial information for a giveaway. Always be sure that a message or comment response is coming directly from our channels. Constant vigilance. Do not be scammed.
=====·LINKS TO BUY·=====
🛍️ Buy the Pixel 9a: https://store.google.com/product/pixel_9a
*Purchases made through these links may provide compensation to Techsploder.*
✅ Google supplied me with this device for this review.
✅ Google gets no say in the editorial content of this or any video on Techsploder.
✅ Please read my ethics statement: https://techsploder.com/ethics
=====·SOCIAL·=====
TWITTER(X): http://www.twitter.com/JasonHowell
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/thatjasonhowell
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatjasonhowell
MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@jasonhowell
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatjasonhowell
=====·SUPPORT·=====
🛒 Use the links above to shop. And thanks!
🔔 PATREON: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell
🔔 PATREON: http://www.patreon.com/aiinsideshow
🔔 BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/jasonhowell
=====·ALL SHOWS·=====
TECHSPLODER PODCAST: http://www.techsploder.com
AI INSIDE PODCAST: http://www.aiinside.show
ANDROID FAITHFUL PODCAST: http://www.androidfaithful.com
=====·CONTACT·=====
BUSINESS AND SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: jason(at)yellowgoldstudios(dot)com
#Pixel9a #giveaway #Google
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Taking the Pixel 9 to Colorado for review with Shannon Morse!
00:40 - Disclaimer
00:52 - Design with new inset camera
01:50 - 6.3" Actua Display
02:26 - Internals... including a vapor chamber?!
03:15 - Software, Gemini Nano XXs 1.0
03:55 - Gemini Live camera and screenshare demo
04:58 - Main camera upgrade, macro mode, ultrawide untouched
06:38 - Battery is bigger than ever on a Pixel
07:22 - Win a Pixel 9a! SERIOUSLY!
08:48 - Verdict
Credit to @PBKreviews : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wWI5hfxEMI