Back-to-school shopping is hard enough, especially if you’re trying to stay within budget. When you start scrolling through back-to-school tech, it becomes even more difficult.
Thankfully, there’s a smartphone that will make things a little easier. It’s ideal for high school and university students, and it won’t break the bank, while still providing excellent performance and a snazzy design.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone for the fall, the Google Pixel 9a is your best choice. It offers something for everyone, and I love the value it provides.
So, whether you’re a younger student trying to make your way through Geometry class or an older student inching towards your degree, here’s why the Google Pixel 9a should be the smartphone that winds up in your pocket this September.
Extended software support makes a difference
When I’m discussing a smartphone, I typically start with its build quality and display. However, the Pixel 9a is all about its software.
Android 16 runs smoothly on the device, and I’m excited about the upcoming fun changes with Material 3 Expressive.
Google’s done an excellent job on the design of its new software refresh, with customization options and better integration throughout the entire user experience.
I rarely get excited about a fresh coat of paint on an Android skin, but Material 3 Expressive looks fantastic.
Pixel software extras and feature drops are always a welcome bonus, and I know I hate not having Now Playing on a phone whenever I’m not testing a Pixel.
Google promises seven years of software support and security patches for the Pixel 9a, meaning you won’t have to look for another phone anytime soon.
Budgets are important, and the Pixel 9a punches well above its weight for $500.
I’m also encouraged by the rumors about Magic Cue. I don’t know how much will trickle down to the Pixel 9a, but I feel Google Gemini is about to become useful.
Google’s had a better roadmap for AI for a while, but if the rumors about Magic Cue are true, the average user will get to enjoy the benefits.
It’s a fun phone to use
Google nailed the design
In a sea of boring smartphone slabs, Google’s midrange phone features a unique Pixel design. It’s quirky and colorful, and you either love it or you hate it.
I don’t have a problem with polarizing designs, because at least they elicit a response. There’s nothing worse than fitting in with the rest of the crowd, and you’ll never do that with a Pixel 9a.
It’s also compact, making it an ideal companion in your pocket or backpack.
The Pixel 9a is IP68-rated for dust and water-resistance, adding some peace of mind.
Any quality smartphone still needs an excellent screen, and the Pixel 9a delivers. Its 6.3-inch Actua display is bright and saturated, and you’ll enjoy playing games and watching movies on it.
The Pixel 9a also features outstanding battery life — ideal for when you forget to charge your phone after a long night of studying.
I consistently get two full days of mixed use on a single charge from its 5,100mAh battery, and the Pixel 9a has the best battery life of any Google smartphone I’ve used.
The price tips the scales
It’s a relatively compromise-free device for a midrange price
Budgets are important, and the Pixel 9a punches well above its weight for $500. It’s not an inexpensive phone, but it offers an all-around experience you usually don’t get at this price.
It’s powered by a Tensor G4, the same chipset that’s in the flagship Pixel 9 lineup. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 9a is smooth. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but daily tasks are handled with ease.
We can debate whether the Tensor G4 is a worthy flagship chipset when it’s in a $1,000 phone, but there should be no complaints for $500.
And, we can’t forget about the Pixel camera. The Pixel 9a has a 48MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The phone takes fantastic photos.
It also boasts the best nighttime photography on any phone under $500, thanks to Night Sight.
Choosing the right smartphone is important for back-to-school, but I’d rather save more of that budget for a better tablet or laptop — something that will be actively used in the classroom.
The Pixel 9a offers an excellent alternative for those needing a capable smartphone for less.
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean boring
Whatever tech is on your list for the upcoming school year, it’s important to inject a bit of fun. The more you like the tech you have, the more you’re going to use it.
The Pixel 9a offers a wonderful blend of performance and value, all while having a unique design. I wish I had a Pixel 9a going back to high school — I could’ve used Google Gemini during Algebra class.
- SoC
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Google Tensor G4
- RAM
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8GB
- Storage
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128GB, 256GB
- Battery
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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.
