Google Pixel 9 and 9a: Cutting-Edge AI Features and Photography Innovations

I recommend the Pixel 9 to most people looking to upgrade - especially while it's $250 off

At Amazon, the 256GB Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $649, a $250 discount. This deal applies to all color options except Peony (pink). I had a chance to attend the Made by Google event back in August 2024, and after the keynote wrapped up, I was more excited to go hands-on with the baseline version of the Pixel 9 than the Pro or the Pro XL. Why? Because the Pixel 9's accessibility makes it a fascinating device, and one I recommend for a handful of reasons. Also: I changed 10 settings on my Pixel phone to significantly improve the user experience I'm spoiling this review right at the top, but it's true. Google's latest entry-level flagship, the Pixel 9, is here, with prices starting at $799. Even though its hardware is a minor improvement over the Pixel 8, it's an impressive phone overall. It offers a new design, slightly upgraded performance, slightly better cameras, a slightly bigger battery, and a host of new AI features. Google has positioned the Pixel 9 as the default Android alternative to the iPhone 16, partly because it looks like one. Google gave the entire Pixel 9 family flat sides with rounded corners, which makes it look like something from a design lab in Cupertino. The good news is that it makes these phones look and feel great. In fact, they're my favorite-looking Pixel phones yet. The Pixel 9 feels especially unique while still offering a premium feel that's blissfully cold to the touch when you pick it up. The sides are aluminum, while the front and back feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The whole thing is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, and it's just the right size for use with one hand. Another characteristic of the Pixel is its nice display, and the Pixel 9 definitely has one. It features a 6.3-inch Actua display that is a tenth of an inch bigger than the Pixel 8. The sharp 2424x1080 resolution, OLED panel, and 120Hz dynamic refresh rate give the Pixel 9 exceptional visuals, whether you're just reading email or watching your favorite movie. This year, the screen can reach way up to 2,700 nits of brightness, making it one of the brightest Android phones you can buy. Also: I replaced my Pixel 9 Pro XL with the 9a for a month - and it was pretty dang close Also, its performance feels better. Powered by the new Tensor G4 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Pixel 9 is a screamer. It's one of the most responsive Android phones I've used all year, and that's just with the standard version of this phone. The cameras are also impressive. Google kept the same 50MP main camera as last year but swapped the old 12MP ultra-wide for a new 48MP 123-degree camera. Photos are simply stunning on this phone, and Google's post-processing algorithms do a great job of retaining details and contrast. Video quality is also very good, especially with the company's Video Boost technology. This phone can easily rival any device that costs $200+ more. If there's a downside to the hardware, it's the inclusion of the lower-quality 10.5MP selfie camera, whereas the Pro phones get a new 42MP camera. There's also an extra telephoto camera on the Pro model, so you won't get the same zoom quality on the regular Pixel 9. Regarding this phone's AI features, Google has jammed quite a bit into the Pixel 9. Not only does it ship with the company's Gemini chatbot out of the box, but thanks to the Tensor G4 processor, it also comes with Gemini Live, so you can have real-life conversations with it. Also: I found a physical keyboard for my Pixel 9 Pro that isn't a joke It requires a Google One AI Premium plan, but you'll get one for free if you buy a Pixel 9. I've asked it numerous questions that were similar to web queries ("What's the best place to live near New York City that's relatively affordable," "How many stars are in the sky -- wait, in the galaxy?") and it answered them all with ease -- even with speech interruptions. It's in the early stages, but it's exciting technology that could change how we use our phones. You also get features like Add Me, which allows you to take a picture of your friends, then have them take a picture of you in the same place, and merge the two so no one's left out. I've played around with it during my testing, which worked surprisingly well. There are also some nice updates to Magic Editor for framing your photos. Google also included two new AI-powered apps on the Pixel 9 series: Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. With the former, you can organize your screenshots and search through them with AI prompts, allowing you to easily reference information like Wi-Fi passwords or recipes. Meanwhile, the latter lets you generate images on the fly and customize them with text, stickers, and other effects. I've enjoyed using both apps in my limited testing time, but I'll need to play with them over the long run to see whether they're worth it. Also: The best Google Pixel phones to buy in 2025 I found battery life to be quite good. There's a 4,700mAh cell inside that can last all day on a charge and then some, which means you won't need to worry about this phone's battery after a long day. Google includes 45W charging support on the Pixel 9 series, which is awesome, but you'll need to buy a separate wall adapter to take advantage of it. In addition, there's 15W wireless charging (not Qi2, notably) and 5W reverse wireless charging called "Battery Share." If your budget is $800, it's hard not to recommend Google's Pixel 9, especially while it's on sale at $250 off. Sure, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a tough competitor, but I actually think this is the better buy. It gives you access to some useful new AI features, and you get all the perks of the Pixel experience, like excellent software, display quality, and cameras. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL models may be flashier, but the baseline version of Google's flagship phone should not be overlooked. This article was originally published on August 22, 2024, and was updated on June 6, 2025

10 simple Google Pixel 9a camera techniques that transformed my photography

The Google Pixel 9a is a mid-range device. Despite its budget-friendly positioning, it delivers an impressive photography experience powered by Google's computational imaging. Here are Pixel 9a camera techniques that improve your photos with minimal effort and maximum effect. Read our review Google's Pixel 9a is the best $500 you can spend on a smartphone right now This is how you nail your essentials Posts 6 10 Capture low-light scenes without using flash Night Sight relies on computational photography. It automatically detects dim scenes and stacks multiple exposures to produce a sharp, low-noise image without using a flash or a tripod. To use it, open the Camera app and select Night Sight mode. It also turns on automatically in low light. Tap the shutter and hold the phone steady. A timer appears during which the sensor collects light for a few seconds. The result is a bright, colorful photo of a low-light scene. Night Sight is excellent for shooting urban scenes after sunset. It's equally effective indoors at dimly lit restaurants, parties, or events without causing harsh glare from flash photography. Night Sight automatically switches to Astrophotography mode when it detects very dark conditions and the phone is perfectly still. Because it uses long exposures, a slight shake can blur the image. For this reason, a mobile tripod or stable surface is essential. This is ideal for photographing the Milky Way in the countryside and starry skies on a camping trip without a professional setup. Related 8 Google Pixel 9a settings you should customize right away Tweak these for the best experience Posts 9 Take sharp close-ups without a macro lens Source: Google The Pixel 9a's Macro Focus lets you capture fine details that are invisible from a distance. Unlike phones with dedicated macro lenses, the Pixel 9a uses its main camera and autofocus for macro photography. Macro Focus kicks in when you move the camera close (about 3cm to 4cm) to your subject. It's perfect for creative shots that highlight small textures. Capture the patterns on an insect's wing, the fine weave of fabric threads, or a flower petal's surface details. 8 Create a depth effect and make your subject stand out Portrait Mode blurs the background behind your subject. On the Pixel 9a, this works with the rear and front cameras. Open the Camera app, select Portrait mode, then frame your subject and tap Capture. After taking the shot, adjust the blur amount. Open the photo in Google Photos, tap Edit > Tools > Blur, and move the slider to your liking. Portrait mode is great when you want to isolate the subject. Leave space between your subject and the background for the best blur effect. This helps Pixel 9a create a more pronounced depth look. 7 Add motion blur to fast-moving scenes and long exposure for the flow effects The Pixel 9a's Motion Mode adds artistic blur to your images. Choose between Action Pan and Long Exposure. To find these options, open the Camera app and select Motion mode from the mode carousel. Action Pan creates a sharp subject with a motion-blurred background, giving the impression of motion. Follow (pan) the moving subject with your camera. When the subject fills the frame, tap Capture. This is great for capturing a friend running, a passing car, or fast-paced sports moments like a soccer player sprinting down the field. Long exposure blurs moving objects to create the impression of flow. When you choose Long Exposure, keep the phone stationary on a tripod or stable surface, and tap Capture. The Pixel records a longer exposure automatically. Turn flowing water into soft streams at a waterfall, capture light trails from cars on a busy road, or blur a crowd's movement in a busy street scene. 6 Use Ultra HDR to improve contrast in tricky lighting conditions Use Ultra HDR mode on the Pixel 9a to capture scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows. HDR merges multiple exposures, allowing the camera to retain detail in the brightest and darkest parts of the image. This is something a single shot often can't achieve. For example, when photographing a landscape at sunset, HDR keeps the sky rich without darkening the land below. Indoors, it balances window lights with shadowed interiors to capture a well-lit portrait without blowing out the background. To use Ultra HDR mode, open the Camera app, go to Settings > More settings > Advanced, and turn on Ultra HDR. Ultra HDR effects don't appear the same on older screens that do not support HDR or when printed. 5 Improve color accuracy with extended color gamut Use Display P3 capture on the Pixel 9a to photograph a wider color gamut than standard sRGB, making your images appear more vibrant. To use it, open the Camera app, go to Settings > More settings > Advanced, and turn on Rich Color in Photos. P3 photos appear less vibrant on non-P3-compatible devices or older screens, so consider where you plan to share them. Not all printers reproduce the wider P3 color gamut, so consider this if you plan to print these photos. Colors may look slightly muted in physical prints. Related I'm making the Google Pixel 9a my next smartphone for these 5 reasons Ignore the hate Posts 1 4 Shoot in RAW for better control in post-processing RAW files retain more image data than compressed JPEGs. During post-processing, this gives you greater control over exposure, white balance, shadows, highlights, and color. This is for professional and enthusiast photographers who want creative freedom when editing in apps like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. To save photos as RAW files, open the Camera app, go to Settings > More settings > Advanced, and turn on RAW/JPEG control. RAW files are larger and take up storage. Use them selectively for key shots where you plan to fine-tune the final look. For example, if you shoot a dimly lit concert, a RAW file lets you recover shadow detail or adjust overexposed highlights later. 3 Remove unwanted objects from your photos Source: Google Magic Eraser is a Google Photos editing tool that removes distracting objects or people from your shots. Using AI, it identifies subjects like photo bombers, power lines, or trash, and naturally fills the space. To use Magic Eraser, open the photo in Google Photos, tap Edit > Tools > Magic Eraser. The Pixel automatically suggests items to remove (they are highlighted). Tap to remove those or draw a circle around any object you want gone. Carefully zoom in and trace around the object for the best results. Complex or foreground subjects may require multiple taps. Related 6 features that make the Pixel 9a a midrange game-changer It punches well above its weight Posts 1 2 Recover soft or unclear facial features in your photos Source: Google Photo Unblur in Google Photos fixes slightly blurry photos. Powered by Pixel's AI, it uses facial recognition to clarify a subject's eyes and facial details. If your shot came out smeared, open the photo, tap Edit > Photo Unblur, and let Pixel re-process it. This is perfect for saving a shot where motion softened facial details. You can rescue meaningful moments that might have otherwise been unusable. 1 Keep your shots level with visual guides Use Framing Hints on the Pixel 9a to help align your shots. Framing Hints display yellow and white guidelines that show when your phone is level. This is useful for city skylines or architectural photos where a tilted angle can throw off the composition. To use Framing Hints, open the Camera app, go to Settings > More settings, and toggle Framing Hints. Rotate the phone until the lines meet, and the angle reads zero for an aligned shot. Use your Pixel 9a as a creative photography tool The Pixel 9a's camera is a capable tool packed with exciting features. In the camera department, these features help casual users capture professional-looking images from their phone. If you want to improve your mobile photography, mastering these features is an accessible way to get there. Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Google Pixel 9a 9 / 10 SoC Google Tensor G4 RAM 8GB Storage 128GB, 256GB Battery 5,100mAh Google's Pixel 9a takes everything that was great about the Pixel 8a and looks to modernize it. With an all-new Pixel 9-inspired look and no camera bump, this might be the best $500 smartphone we've seen yet. $500 at Amazon $500 at Google Store Expand Collapse