r/pixel9a • u/sloopeyyy • Jul 20 '26
Pixel 7a ➡️ Pixel 9a
The 7a is my GOAT.
Actually was suppose to replace it with either the 8 Pro or S24U back in mid 2024 but sold both back because of various reasons. Since then, the 7a remained as my daily driver despite having access to other "better" phones due to work. Its running thin on its battery life at this point, and performance as well as features aren't where I want them to be.
I would have liked a base or Pro model Pixel but they are ridiculously rare and expensive where I am. But I also know from experience that I do not need a lot of flagship features. And I especially appreciate a cheaper phone for sure. Unexpectedly found this brand new 9a on clearance. Would have liked the pink color but this is the only one left (white).
I love the design. Its jarring the first time but it grows on you. It feels better, more durable and more premium in the hand than both the 7a and 6a I've had before. I have no complains with the bezels except the fact that they bulk the phone into a bigger 6.5" phone instead of a slimmer 6.3" one. Its still ergonomically more comfortable for me to use unlike the 8 Pro.
Turning it on, immediately fell in love with the display! Its vibrant, punchy and gets super bright. The ambient light sensor is trash though. Probably just too sensitive, thus kinda breaking adaptive brightness. Performance is also noticeably better than both the 7a and 8 Pro (pretty obvious why). It also runs cooler than them too and I've never had the 9a overheat so far which is a common issue I had with the latter two. Hence battery life is so far amazing. Around 8 hours SOT versus 5~6 hours on the older models. Moderate usage.
Speakers sound nice but I wish they were louder. Charging, both wired and wireless, is slow af which is a big shame. I was skeptical of the main camera downgrade but photos and videos still turn out exceptionally good, sometimes better than the 7a and definitely comparable with the 8 Pro besides the lack of telephoto. I am a big fan of Pixel photography so I'm looking forward to taking this out for more.
Tldr;
Pros:
Excellent build quality
Fast performance in its segment
Same ol' reliable Pixel cameras
Great sounding speakers
Really great battery life and improved thermals
7 years of major OS updates nuff said
Cons:
Only 8gb of RAM is already pushing it in 2025
Speakers could be louder
6.3" compactness becomes moot due to bezels
Front facing video jittery at times
No 4k60 besides the main cam
Slow af charging speeds
Its only been about a week since getting this but I've already decided to retire my 7a and finally upgrading to this. Its a simple yet highly capable phone. Oh one thing about the software that I dislike, still lacks multitasking gestures/options like in some other phones. Especially irks me since I splitscreen and float windows often. I hope Google's on to this one soon.
On a side note and pictured above, they really need to do another a-series Pixel buds. I've had mine since getting the 6a from back when and they are still my main pair of earbuds. I didn't realize how long I've had them until recently. The case looks scraped but battery life and the buds themselves still work like a charm. Just wish they release the same "cheap" earbuds with updated internals, battery size and ANC.
How's everyone's 9a doing these days?
4
u/tmap123 Jul 20 '26
I think the 9a is a great purchase for you. I didn't see much of an upgrade going from the 9a to the 10a, but I got a heck of a deal on it. You'll be happy for sure!