Tag: pixel9a

Looking for a Pixel 10 alternative? Here are 5 cheaper options

Given the constant release of new gadgets, shopping for a new smartphone may be quite difficult. The Google Pixel 10 is a popular option for many people, and it’s understandable why. It has a ton of fantastic functions, and Google’s unique software helps everything work together seamlessly. Nevertheless, the cost of $799 is high.

There are many alternative possibilities that can be a better fit for your needs, and the smartphone industry is enormous. Even if the Pixel 10 is an amazing device, there are less expensive solutions that can fit your budget or personal taste. Perhaps a new operating system, a longer-lasting battery, a special camera function, or just something more affordable without sacrificing performance are what you’d prefer.

Some very good smartphones with their own special benefits are excellent substitutes for the Google Pixel 10. Every one of these phones has distinctive characteristics that show how they stack up against Google’s flagship. These phones are excellent substitutes for Google’s Pixel 10, regardless of whether you’re a tech geek seeking a particular technological advantage or someone who simply wants the greatest price without sacrificing many features.

Samsung Galaxy S25

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25
Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend— your Galaxy S25 handles multiple tasks with a single ask.
$859.99Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the greatest choice if you’re looking for a new phone, especially when compared to the Google Pixel 10. The Galaxy S25 is available for less than $799, usually around $720, but the Pixel 10 costs $799. As we explained in our review, the S25 is a true beast in terms of performance. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, which offers outstanding performance, powers it. Accordingly, the S25 is excellent for demanding Android apps that you wouldn’t use on a low-cost phone. Samsung’s bigger vapor chamber further enhanced cooling.

A 4,000 mAh battery and a bright 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate make the S25 an excellent device to use outside in direct sunlight. The 50MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto lenses make up an amazing camera system.Your images and selfies will have better detail and realistic tones thanks to the ProVisual Engine and improved color science. In addition, Samsung has matched Google’s pledge to provide upgrades for the Pixel 10 with seven years of OS and security patches.

Google Pixel 9a

Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design
$399.00Amazon

If you want a fantastic phone without the hefty cost of the Google Pixel 10, the Google Pixel 9a is a strong candidate. Despite being from the previous generation, its pricing has allowed it to endure to this day. At launch, the Pixel 9a cost only $499, $300 less than the starting price of $799 for the Google Pixel 10.

The Pixel 9a has a fantastic display while being less expensive. We noted in our review that the Pixel 9a’s 6.3-inch Actua pOLED display, which boasts a refresh rate of 120 Hz, makes everything appear bright and feel fluid. Even in direct sunshine, you won’t have any problems viewing the screen thanks to its maximum brightness of 2,700 nits.

In fact, the Pixel 9a frequently outperforms its more costly sister in terms of battery life. At 5,100 mAh, it boasts the biggest battery of any Pixel to date. One of the Pixel 9a‘s main selling points is its camera, which is well regarded for being good for a mid-range phone. With its 48MP primary sensor and 13MP ultrawide camera, it captures crisp, well-balanced images with outstanding color and dynamic range using Google’s algorithms. Many of Google’s cutting-edge AI photo-editing features, like Magic Editor, Auto Frame, and Best Take, are also included.

Apple iPhone 16e

The Apple iPhone 16e starts at just $599, which is $200 cheaper than the Google Pixel 10’s price tag. To be fair, even with that lower price, you’re still getting Apple’s latest A18 chip, the same one in the regular iPhone 16. It does have one fewer GPU core, but it still delivers excellent performance for everything from daily tasks to heavy-duty games and all those new Apple Intelligence features without any lag.

Apple iPhone 16e
This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
~~$499.00~~$399.00Amazon

As we noted in our review, the iPhone 16e‘s battery life is yet another significant benefit. Compared to the standard iPhone 16 and many other mid-range Android phones, its battery can last even longer. According to Apple, it can play videos for up to 26 hours. The new, more power-efficient C1 modem from Apple is largely responsible for this longer battery life.

The primary camera is a powerful 48MP model with optical picture stabilization. It captures excellent 4K video and daily photographs. Even while it lacks the Pixel 10’s specialized telephoto and ultrawide lenses, you can still obtain a 2x zoom by cropping the primary sensor. The phone is running the clean iOS 18 software, which is fantastic for lifespan. You can anticipate four to seven years of software updates.

OnePlus 13R

OnePlus 13R
Performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Experience the cutting-edge power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offering blazing-fast speeds, enhanced gaming performance, and seamless multitasking for an ultra-smooth mobile experience.
~~$599.99~~$549.99Amazon

The OnePlus 13R‘s pricing is its greatest advantage. It is $200 less expensive than the Pixel 10 at just $599. That kind of savings may seem like a lot of sacrifice, but it’s not. For its pricing, the OnePlus 13R is a beast in terms of performance. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a top-tier CPU the previous year, powers it.

Even earlier Snapdragon chips can outperform the Pixel 10 in terms of sheer power, particularly when it comes to gaming, even if the Pixel 10 features Google’s Tensor G5 CPU. We noted in our evaluation that the 13R has a long battery life and charges quickly. With its enormous 6,000 mAh battery, it can comfortably run on moderate power for two full days.With the OnePlus 13R‘s 80W SuperVOOC wired charging capability, a 60% charge can be obtained in 30 minutes. Compared to the Pixel 10’s 30W cable charging, that is significantly faster.

The OnePlus 13R’s 50MP primary camera captures vibrant, clear images, even though the Pixel 10 boasts a triple-camera setup with a 5x optical zoom. Additionally, it features a bright 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

Motorola Razr 2025

Motorola Razr 2025
Iconic design, now even more durable: Ultra-compact flip design featuring a stronger hinge plate made with titanium, beautiful finishes, and curated Pantone Colors.
~~$699.99~~$599.99Amazon

The Motorola Razr 2025 is an excellent option if you’re searching for a new phone that won’t break the bank. At $599, it’s less expensive than the Google Pixel 10. When folded, the Razr 2025 is incredibly small, but when opened, it reveals a sizable 6.9-inch AMOLED inner display with a fluid refresh rate of 120 Hz. The important apps that every Android owner should always have loaded can still be used on its convenient 3.6-inch pOLED outer screen.

The Razr 2025 has a very good battery life. Its 4,500 mAh battery has a 24-hour lifespan. With 15W wireless and 30W cable charging, it also offers respectable charging speeds. To be fair, the Razr 2025‘s three years of support is still commendable, even though the Pixel 10 offers seven years of software updates.

The Razr 2025 has a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chipset, but the Google Pixel 10 boasts a triple-camera configuration with a 5x optical zoom and the most recent Tensor G5 CPU. All of your regular chores and light games can be handled by this chip. With a 50MP primary lens and a 13MP ultrawide, the camera setup performs admirably in well-lit environments.

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25
$859.99Amazon

Google Pixel 9a
$399.00Amazon

Apple iPhone 16e
$399.00Amazon

OnePlus 13R
$549.99Amazon

Motorola Razr 2025
$599.99Amazon

Why these phones?

The phones on this list are ranked according to their total worth. Performance, camera quality, battery life, and distinctive features are all factors that contribute to their asking price. Every phone has to be less expensive than the $799 price tag of the new Google Pixel 10. Since the Google Pixel 10 is a brand-new device, there are some older models that are equally or even superior for a significantly lesser cost.

It was crucial that we were knowledgeable enough to suggest these phones. In the end, all of the phones on our list are good options since they include the functionality that most people desire. Even less powerful phones, such as the Motorola Razr 2025, are excellent substitutes for the Google Pixel 10. To keep the price low, some of the phones on the list simply make a few larger compromises in areas like camera performance, charging speed, or general hardware.

October 13, 2025
Why a Pixel 9a is a good buy? Beside the price

Despite a minor delay, the Pixel 9a is now available for purchase beginning today. I am still testing the phone myself, but so far, I am really impressed with what is clearly Google’s best A-series entry to date. Regardless of how you feel about the camera bar-less design or any of the missing functionality, the Pixel 9a has made me very enthused about Google’s latest value proposition. In fact, I believe it is the best Android phone to buy right now. Here’s why.

Google Pixel 9a with Gemini
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design
Good choice
$499.00Buy on Amazon

A solid camera quality

When I originally bought the Pixel 9a, I noticed myself resting my middle and forefinger on the bottom of the camera pill as a habit. I have since adjusted and do not touch the lens cover, which is reported to be slightly domed and inspired by “nature and water droplets,” similar to the Pixel Watch.

Image credit: KT Reviews

The new 48MP sensor is comparable to the one used in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it is significantly smaller. It is a Pixel Camera, as detailed in our video review.

In our tests, we found that the Pixel 9a takes crisper photographs than the 8a from last year. This is most likely owing to an enhanced main camera sensor. While most people will not use both phones side by side or compare photographs in this manner, our gallery shows that the Pixel 8a has more contrast, whilst the 9a is pin sharp throughout the frame.

A lesser camera bump

Look, this is a minor request, but my request from late last year was completely successful. I had not realized how much I missed having a bump-free smartphone until I started using this one. While the elevated camera lip causes it to rattle somewhat on a table — strangely, it is perhaps the most a Tensor-powered Pixel has ever rocked on a table, excepting the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – it helps to make the phone seem so much more comfortable in everyday use.v

Look, this is a minor request, but my request from late last year was completely successful. I had not realized how much I missed having a bump-free smartphone until I started using this one. While the elevated camera lip causes it to rattle somewhat on a table — strangely, it is perhaps the most a Tensor-powered Pixel has ever rocked on a table, excepting the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – it helps to make the phone seem so much more comfortable in everyday use.

A great Google experience

This is the most loaded A-series Pixel we have seen thus far. It is strange to think that the Pixel 7a, a device that felt cheaper to handle than its price tag suggested, was released only two years ago. No one will mistake the Pixel 9a for a flagship smartphone, but the handset itself feels excellent in the hand. The matte polycarbonate back improves on the already superb build quality of the Pixel 8a, and the flat frame feels just as wonderful as it did on the original Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 9a with Gemini
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design
Good choice
$499.00Buy on Amazon

But, in my opinion, what truly counts is the display. While it is still protected by Gorilla Glass 3 — and yes, when you use as many different smartphones in a year as I do, you can really notice the difference in newer Corning glass applications — it is as good as the panel found on the ordinary Pixel 9. Hell, it may be the same panel used in the Pixel 9, as almost every specification, from size to brightness ratings, is similar. Regardless, it is one of the nicest screens I have seen on a $500 smartphone.

However, the rest of the phone is equally impressive. The speakers are solid, the haptics are good, and the buttons are satisfyingly clicky—all of this adds up to a surprisingly durable smartphone. Sure, it lacks some of the more modern features of Google’s flagships, like as the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and the extra 4-8GB of RAM, but for $500, this is the most complete package we have ever seen from this firm.

A good design

Okay, I get it. I was not sold on the design from the time I saw it, whether in leaked renders or hands-on photographs from our staff. The choice to remove the camera bar in favor of a flat (or largely flat) back irritated many people in this sector, as many viewed the Pixel team abandoning an iconic design for no apparent reason. Combined with the wider bezels and flat frame, I was not sure how I would react when the Pixel 9a arrived in my hands.

The answer, of course, is “totally fine,” as I truly enjoy the design Google chose here. It seems funny to celebrate something as easy as slipping a phone into your pocket, but the lack of a camera bar makes a significant difference here — it never got snagged on the lip of a jeans pocket, for example, and felt considerably smaller in my pants as a result. In our hands-on images, the wider bezels appeared to be exacerbated by the flat frame, but once the device was turned on, I stopped noticing the bezels almost immediately.

Obviously, the look and feel of any phone will be determined by personal preference. But if, like me, you never quite clicked with the Pixel 9a no matter how many times it appeared in various leaks and renders, I would recommend that you check see the phone in person before dismissing it completely. And I would be negligent if I did not mention the colors – I love the Iris color on my unit, and the Peony looks excellent as well.

Missing ai features? not many that you will use

Due to its limited 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a lacks a number of AI-powered capabilities seen in the mainline Pixel 9 series. Apps like Pixel Screenshots are completely vanished, while Call Notes has been removed from the Phone app altogether. While Google’s 2024 flagships shipped with its on-device Gemini Nano XS LLM, the Pixel 9a has a modified “XXS” model that removes multimodal capabilities in favor of text-only inputs. The end result is a lower-quality experience, but I doubt most people will notice.

Pixel Screenshots is a nice app, and I hope Google continues to improve the experience on the Pixel 10 and future. But I would be lying if I said I would been using it or Call Notes on the ordinary Pixel 9 for the past eight months. Your mileage may vary, of course, but I do not believe the absence of these apps is very noticeable in day-to-day use. Most people will get their AI experience via apps like Gemini or ChatGPT, which work wonderfully on the Pixel 9a.

Overall a pretty great phone

Google Pixel 9a with Gemini
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design
Good choice
$499.00Buy on Amazon

It is easy to dismiss a $500 smartphone as wonderful, but in my opinion, this is something to rejoice. Google’s efforts with the Pixel 9a feel like the culmination of several years of work to elevate the A-series from “surprisingly good for the price” to simply excellent.

Obviously, there are reasons to choose the Pixel 9 over this device — and if the prices are close enough, going with the older, more powerful smartphone feels like the right move — but at its core, this is a fantastic smartphone that will only improve if and when (tariff madness pending) it sees deals throughout the rest of 2025. For me, that is sufficient.

April 23, 2025
5 resoans Pixel 9A is a great deal

Google’s Pixel 9a will hit shop shelves in the United States this week. Google’s new midranger appears to be yet another reasonably priced flagship alternative in a long series of such options. To achieve a lower price point, it makes some changes to the Pixel 9 formula, such as less RAM and inferior cameras. However, on paper, the $500 Pixel 9a has several significant advantages over the $800 Pixel 9. Here’s five.

Google Pixel 9a with Gemini – 256GB
Google Pixel 9a is engineered by Google with more than you expect, for less than you think; like Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, the incredible Pixel Camera, and an all-day battery and durable design.
$499Buy on Amazon

Bigger battery

Speaking of bigger batteries, the Pixel 9a has the largest battery ever utilized in a Pixel phone, with a rated capacity of 5,100 mAh. That just slightly edges out the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 5,060 mAh battery.

Given that the Pixel 9a is a relatively small phone with a 6.3-inch display, the large battery will deliver long battery life. The Google Store listing for the 9a boasts “30+ hour battery life,” whereas the Pixel 9’s battery life is “24+ hours.” If Google’s estimations are correct, the 9a’s battery will last 25% longer.

A good price

Let us start with the obvious: the $500 Pixel 9a costs significantly less than the $800 Pixel 9. Google has managed to keep its A-series phones at $500 for three years in a row as its flagships have become more costly, making the 9a an even better value than previous generations.

A solid construction

The basic Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature normal flagship phone build, with scratch-resistant glass back panels and stainless steel side rails. It creates a high-end look and feel, but the usage of glass has a significant drawback: it is prone to cracking if your phone is dropped.

The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, has a polycarbonate back panel with aluminum side rails. That makes the phone more resistant to shattering than its more expensive counterparts. Plastic and aluminum are also less dense than glass and stainless steel, so the Pixel 9a is slightly lighter than the Pixel 9 — though only by a fraction of an ounce.

Pixel 9A has no camera bump

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature some of the best cameras available in a smartphone today, but this image brilliance is accompanied by positively massive camera bumps. Based on Pixel 10 leaks, the pill-shaped protrusions appear to have become part of the Pixel’s brand identity. However, there is no getting around the bulk: the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro cameras protrude 3.5 mm from the back panel.

The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, has almost no camera hump at all, with a pill-shaped glass cutout for the primary and ultrawide cameras that is nearly flat with the rest of the rear panel. Again, this will make little difference to those that use cases. However, given that a strong contingent of smartphone customers has been calling for thicker phones with larger batteries and fewer camera bumps for some time, the 9a is a clear winner.

Matte finish

There is no objectively proper finish for a smartphone, and most smartphone users will put a case on whatever they buy regardless. But personally, I prefer the all-matte appearance. Glossy surfaces are more likely to gather up fingerprints than matte surfaces, and nicks and scratches are more visible on shiny surfaces.

The standard Pixel 9 has a glossy glass back and matte side rails; the Pixel 9 Pro reverses this, with matte glass on the back and matte steel side rails. The Pixel 9a has a matte finish all around. Glossy metal accents may seem elegant, but I hope future Pixel generations follow Google’s A-series phone’s lead and adopt the same all-matte appearance.

Nice deals on Google Pixel phones family

Google Pixel 9 Pro
~~$990~~$799Buy on Amazon

Google Pixel 9A – 256GB
$599.00Buy on Amazon

Google Pixel 9
$799Buy on Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
~~1,799~~$1,499See It

Cheaper is not always bad

However, based on our early hands-on observations, Google’s experience with midrange products, and the information Google has released about the 9a thus far, it appears to be a solid device—and in some respects, even better than the more expensive Pixel 9.

April 13, 2025
5 things you miss buying an affordable Pixel 9A over a Pixel 9

Google’s upcoming midrange smartphone, the Pixel 9a, has finally been shown. It seems like a great deal on paper: you get a Tensor G4 chipset, a sizable 5,100 mAh battery, and a high-quality aluminum and plastic construction for $500.

You may be asking why you would pay $300 more for the basic Pixel 9 when the 9a has so many advantages. However, a lot of capabilities that are unavailable on the 9a are still available on Google’s 2024 flagships. The Pixel 9 has the following five features, while the 9a does not.

Quality build materials

With the Pixel 9a, Google is continuing its tradition of using plastic for its midrange Pixel phones. While the standard Pixel 9 has a glossy glass back and stainless steel side rails, the 9a has a plastic back panel with aluminum side rails.

However, that is not necessarily a bad thing for the 9a. Google’s new midranger feels good, according to AP’s Stephen Radochia, who also noted that the phone has a frosted texture on the plastic rear, giving it “a premium look and feel.”

Nevertheless, the standard Pixel 9 has a more upscale structure than the new Pixel 9a, thanks to its glass and stainless steel construction. The standard Pixel 9 has a little more personality than the 9a because it also has the recognizable pill-shaped camera bump.

Better cameras

The cameras are the primary visible distinction between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a. Whereas the cameras on the Pixel 9a are nearly flat with the phone’s rear, the Pixel 9 boasts a large, thick, pill-shaped camera bar. Better cameras are housed in the 9’s large camera bar than in the 9a.

The Pixel 9 features a 48 MP f/1.7 ultrawide camera in addition to a 50 MP f/1.7 primary camera. The new Pixel 9a features a 13 MP f/2.2 ultrawide and a 48 MP f/1.7 primary camera. The standard Pixel 9 will undoubtedly have the advantage, but those figures do not fully capture the situation. We will have to wait to test the 9a’s cameras to see how they perform.

More RAM

After four generations of Pixel phones with eight gigabytes of RAM, the Pixel 9 features 12 gigabytes. In contrast, the Pixel 9a continues to use 8 GB. For most users, that will still be more than enough, although the ordinary Pixel 9 has far more RAM than the 9a.

This memory disparity also affects on-device AI capabilities. Instead of using the Gemini Nano XS model seen on the regular Pixel 9, the Pixel 9a will use the Gemini Nano XXS variant. While the 9a’s Gemini Nano XXS model can only interpret text input, the Pixel 9’s more powerful on-device AI can handle multimodal inputs.

Faster charging

In comparison to other Android flagships, none of Google’s phones charge very quickly; nevertheless, the ordinary Pixel 9 outperforms the Pixel 9a in this regard. Depending on the charger you are using, the Pixel 9 can be charged wirelessly up to 15 watts and tethered up to 27 watts. In contrast, the Pixel 9a has a maximum wired charging capacity of 23 watts and a maximum wireless charging rate of 7.5 watts.

Ultrasonic fingerprint reader

Ultrasonic fingerprint scanners on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro use sound waves to detect the surface of your fingertip. The Pixel 9a has an optical fingerprint sensor that uses light to optically scan the surface of your fingertip. Ultrasonic sensors are quicker and more precise than optical ones, but pixel phones’ optical sensors have always been fine. Even though it is a minor benefit, the basic Pixel 9’s ultrasonic sensor nonetheless gives it an edge over the Pixel 9a.

Buy Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 with Gemini gets the best of Google AI first, so you can take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier
~~$799.00~~ $629.99Buy on Amazon

In many important aspects, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a appear to be fairly similar on paper, and the 9a even has several advantages over the standard 9. Naturally, there are a few features that the more costly 9 has that the 9a does not. It is too early to tell how much these improvements will matter to most users because we have not had a chance to test the 9a. In the coming weeks, we will have more to say on the comparison between the 9 and 9a.

April 6, 2025
Google Pixel 9A launch date confirmed

After a period of delay, silence, and technical challenges, Google has finally announced the launch date for the new Pixel 9a. The phone will go on sale on April 10 in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Following those nations, the Pixel 9a will be released on April 14 in Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, France, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Finland.

Finally, on April 16, the Pixel 9a will become available in Australia, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia. The phone will ultimately be available in Japan, although there is currently no announced launch date.

The Pixel 9a was first unveiled earlier this month, with a starting price of $499 and no solid dates beyond a vague April availability frame. Since then, we have discovered that the firm encountered a component quality issue with the gadget, prompting it to push back the release window and review embargoes. This was done as a precaution, even though the problem appeared to affect just a limited number of units.

April 2, 2025
A hands-on video shows the Google Pixel 9a being leaked.

In the lead-up to its anticipated release next month, Google’s Pixel 9a is just leaking. We have a brief hands-on video today that demonstrates its absence of a camera bump.

Here, we can see the phone in its Obsidian color scheme, which is simply black to those of us who are not Google users. The Pixel 9a’s extremely small camera bump—we mean, so minuscule in thickness—is also readily apparent, which means that it will not be the thinnest phone on the market by any means and that it will not contain high-end camera sensors, which call for considerably larger camera humps.

According to rumors, the Pixel 9a will be launched on March 19 and go on sale on March 26. With 128GB of storage, it will start at $499, while 256GB will cost $599. 8GB of RAM, a 6.28-inch OLED screen with a maximum brightness of 2,700 nit, the Tensor G4 SoC at the center, a 48 MP primary camera, a 13 MP ultrawide, and a 5,100 mAh battery are all included in both models. It will come pre-installed with Android 15 and be available in Porcelain, Iris, and Peony in addition to Obsidian.

February 25, 2025