Smartphones · Ranked #7 of 82 · Best midrange battery life

Google Pixel 9a

Name: Google Pixel 9a
Brand: Google

Highly rated

Average of 7 professional reviews

6 of 7 recommend it · broad agreement

Where the 7 reviews landedRange 80–95

5060708010089 avg

Exact average 89.3 · all scores printed by the outlets

Image: Google

7 professional reviewers tested the Google Pixel 9a, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: battery life and picture quality.

Reviewed by Expert Reviews, WIRED, Android Central and 4 more

The catch: It has no telephoto lens and charges slowly.

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What 7 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100

95
Expert ReviewsThe outlet's top rating, counted as 95 · Hands-on review · 2025
The best mid-range phone around, doing very little wrong with phenomenal battery life, class-leading cameras and unrivalled software support.
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90
WIREDHands-on review
An exceptional-value phone that keeps the $499 price while delivering solid battery, good cameras and long software support.
Read WIRED review
90
Android CentralHands-on review · 2025
A budget Pixel with standout battery life, strong performance, a good display and AI tools that barely differs from the pricier Pixel 9.
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90
Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2025
A great mid-ranger with good design, camera, performance and Pixel-best battery, held back slightly by thick bezels and no zoom lens.
Read Trusted Reviews review
90
Tom's GuideHands-on review · 2025
The most well-rounded phone under $500, with solid battery, useful AI features and long support, despite a bland redesign.
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90
Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2025
An easy recommendation at around 500: great display, camera and software with long updates, offset by slow charging, no telephoto and a divisive look.
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80
TechRadarHands-on review · 2025
A great-value, long-lasting phone with excellent macro photography, but the design is ugly, performance is only adequate and the AI imagery tool is objectionable.
Read TechRadar review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Battery life4 of 7

Picture quality2 of 7

Value for money2 of 7

What critics dislike most

No clear pattern.

Other smartphones critics rate highly

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Best overallOppo Find X9 Ultra5 reviews · critics agree94

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Best for cameras and speedApple iPhone 18 Pro Max6 reviews · critics agree91

Image: Apple

Apple iPhone 1710 reviews · critics agree90

Image: Apple

Runner-upApple iPhone 17 Pro10 reviews · broad agreement90

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Common questions

Is the Google Pixel 9a worth it?

Most critics think so: 6 of 7 recommend it. It has no telephoto lens and charges slowly.

Do critics agree about the Google Pixel 9a?

Broad agreement: scores range from 80 (TechRadar) to 95 (Expert Reviews), a spread of 15 points across 7 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What is the best alternative to the Google Pixel 9a?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.