From Pixel 3a to 9a: How Google’s funds king advanced

Google took us all without warning when it launched the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL at simply $400 again in 2019. I keep in mind a great buddy of mine who purchased the 3a and completely beloved the telephone. He was such a cheerful buyer that he held onto the telephone for 5 years earlier than retiring it with grief in his coronary heart (he nonetheless sometimes mentions it).It’s bizarre to understand that the primary of Google’s in style “a” sequence is so outdated now—seven years, to be actual. Quick ahead to 2025, and we now have the seventh technology, the Pixel 9a.

Whereas Google’s funds/mid-range “a” sequence haven’t been good per se, one may make the argument that every mannequin has managed to hit the candy spot between worth and performance that each wise purchaser is searching for. This can’t be mentioned for a lot of different telephones on the market.

With each new technology, Google has tried to supply increasingly more for as small of an asking worth as potential. It’s loopy to assume that with a lot time handed—and the wave of worth hikes throughout these years—the Pixel 9a prices solely $100 greater than the Pixel 3a.So, you may name this a tribute to Google’s Pixel “a” sequence, or you may view it as merely a retrospective have a look at the corporate’s budget-friendly line. I simply assume the heritage of this telephone deserves a throwback and a hen’s eye view of its journey to this point.

Pixel 3a and 3a XL (2019): A powerful begin

This was the beginning of an period. Like many different telephone producers on the time, Google had been specializing in costlier flagship gadgets. This was all on the time when folks have been nonetheless going loopy about $1000 telephones being too dear. However 2019 was additionally the yr when Google determined to carry again the spirit of its Google Nexus sequence—enter the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL.

These first “a” sequence Pixels have been extra apparently budget-oriented in comparison with the more moderen ones. That they had plastic our bodies, weaker processors in comparison with their flagship counterparts, restricted storage choices and extra. However all of these sacrifices are perhaps what enabled Google to create the Pixel 3a’s strongest promoting level.

Each the Pixel 3a and 3a XL had the very same digital camera of the costlier ($800) Pixel 3! Now, it might need been a single digital camera as a substitute of the double and triple digital camera methods that others supplied, however the Pixel 3 sequence managed to get critically acclaimed regardless of that handicap.

Oh, and let’s not gloss over the truth that the 3a XL’s battery was an absolute beast, lasting virtually 11 hours throughout our battery life assessments, vs the 8 hours of the Pixel 3 flagship.

So, evidently, this was a stellar begin to the “a” sequence timeline, the character of which might proceed with future generations.

Pixel 4a (& 4a 5G) (2020): Essentially the most reasonably priced Pixel “a” adopted up with the primary one to hit $500

The Pixel 4a had huge sneakers to fill after the 3a’s success, however by some means it nonetheless managed to impress us. In all probability an enormous half to play in that achievement was the truth that it was cheaper! And despite the fact that it value solely $349, it got here with an upgraded processor and storage (128GB commonplace). Google additionally gave the 4a a extra trendy edge-to-edge OLED display screen with a punch-hole digital camera on the high left nook (which I really feel is by some means much less obtrusive than the present development).

On the time, we described the 4a as “an unbelievable worth and a triumphant addition to Google’s smartphone legacy.” These phrases alone ought to offer you an concept of how we felt concerning the telephone.

In fact, with an excellent lower cost tag, Google needed to make some notable sacrifices. The 4a nonetheless didn’t have water resistance, wi-fi charging and a secondary digital camera. Most crucially, nevertheless, the Pixel 4a didn’t assist the brand new 5G cellular community that was catching on.

Later that very same yr, the corporate got here out with the Pixel 4a 5G. Nevertheless it didn’t solely add 5G connectivity with this new mannequin. It was an even bigger and sooner telephone, with a 6.2-inch show, twin rear cameras (including a 16MP ultra-wide shooter), and the Snapdragon 765G chip—the primary time an “a” sequence got here with a flagship chipset (the identical as with the Pixel 5).

However all of those upgrades couldn’t have saved the worth the identical as with the non-5G mannequin. The Pixel 4a 5G got here at $499 (similar because the Pixel 9a), but it surely was nonetheless a cut price contemplating how a lot it borrowed from the Pixel 5.

Pixel 5a (2021): Refining the formulation

In contrast to the earlier “a” sequence, the Pixel 5a had a extra quiet on-line launch, with none huge occasions and solely being launched within the US and Japan. It continued Google’s funds streak, although, with a $450 price ticket—it appears Google was nonetheless taking part in round with the pricing.

The telephone got here with a large 4,680 mAh battery, which was a considerable improve over the three,885 mAh battery of the Pixel 4a 5G. This was the largest battery within the Pixel “a” sequence at that cut-off date, and allowed the telephone to final round two days on a cost.

Google additionally improved the sturdiness with this technology, including an IP67 certification for mud and water resistance, which was uncommon at this worth vary. The plastic again and body have been additionally changed with aluminum ones (with plastic coating).

Total, the Pixel 5a was a bit understated in appears to be like however excellent in worth. It was basically a 4a 5G refined with higher battery and waterproofing.

Pixel 6a (2022): Welcome Tensor, welcome new id

The Pixel 6a represented the largest leap the sequence had seen, as Google overhauled the Pixel “а” formulation in 2022. This technology broke the mould and marked the start of the Pixel id that followers have come to acknowledge and love throughout the previous few years.

The telephone got here with a daring digital camera module on the again that regarded like X-Males’s Cyclops visor. It was a polarizing have a look at first, however with time, folks acquired used to it and it solidified as a differentiating design component, one which made Pixel telephones stand out from the more and more generic crowd.

It’s value noting that the corporate determined to return to a plastic again right here, however sadly that didn’t imply wi-fi charging was one of many upgrades.

The design was not the one authentic factor concerning the Pixel 6a, although. The telephone additionally got here with Google’s first custom-made chip, the Tensor G1. This was the very same processor that the flagship Pixel 6 used, and it gave the Pixel 6a a degree of efficiency (and AI capabilities) exceptional at its $449 worth.

Nonetheless, the Pixel 6a was not the right telephone. It got here with the identical important digital camera and nonetheless lacked wi-fi charging and a excessive show refresh price. In all probability the worst half concerning the 6a have been the tons of bugs it had. Additionally, its battery life was undoubtedly not so good as the Pixel 5a earlier than it, solely lasting for a couple of day.

Pixel 7a (2023): Fixing errors and sprucing the product

Google needed to do proper by its fanbase after the dodgy launch of the Pixel 6a. By the point the Pixel 7a arrived, Google had a profitable formulation on its palms. The 7a didn’t reinvent the wheel—it refined it.

The general design was the identical, though some weren’t too blissful concerning the new aluminum digital camera visor. I additionally most popular the look of the black glass variant, however I suppose Google thought this new look would really feel extra premium.

Many of the adjustments have been occurring beneath the hood. The chipset was upgraded to the Tensor G2 chip (similar as Pixel 7/7 Professional), and Google bumped the RAM to 8GB. These tweaks gave the 7a a pleasant enhance in velocity and machine-learning tips, maintaining it on par with the 2022 flagships.

However what arguably made the 7a really feel sooner than its predecessors was the truth that it had a 90Hz display screen refresh price, which made each swipe really feel smoother—one thing that can not be mentioned even for Apple’s base iPhones but.

However the improve that created probably the most buzz amongst telephone fanatics was the brand new 64 MP important digital camera, which changed the outdated 12 MP one. In reality, Google additionally added new 13 MP ultra-wide and selfie cameras, so the Pixel “a” sequence had all of its digital camera system overhauled with this technology.

All the cameras have been spectacular in their very own proper, and each had that signature Pixel images fashion that Google’s telephones have been recognized for. Impressively, in our evaluation of the Pixel 7a we have been satisfied that it was virtually pretty much as good because the flagship Pixel 7 sequence when it comes to picture high quality.

Lastly, Google lastly added wi-fi charging with the 7a, albeit at a sluggish 7.5W. Nonetheless, this was a very long time coming.

All of those upgrades did end in a $50 worth hike, nevertheless, making the “a” sequence $500 once more.

Pixel 8a (2024): The flagship killer

The Pixel 8a was such a cut price that we actually named it “the Pixel 8 killer.” And we have been solely half joking when giving the 8a that title, because it got here loaded with perks that may have appeared loopy on a $499 telephone only a couple years prior.

For starters, it sports activities a silky 120Hz OLED show, the primary Pixel A-series to hit that ultra-smooth refresh price​. Just like the 6a and 7a, it got here with the identical processor because the flagships—the Tensor G3. However what made it even higher was the truth that it had the identical promise for 7 years of software program updates because the Pixel 8 and eight Professional, so this funds telephone will get Android upgrades all the best way into 2031​!

Add to that some new software program tips (the Pixel 8’s Gemini AI options, like superior Assistant and enhancing instruments) and you’ll see why the 8a is such a powerhouse of worth​.

The Pixel 8a’s show was additionally a lot brighter than its predecessor, reaching virtually 1500 nits of peak brightness throughout our show assessments vs the 810 nits of the Pixel 7a. Plus, the show was now able to 120Hz, making it even smoother.

The digital camera setup remained just like the 7a’s, with a 64 MP important digital camera with OIS, a 13 MP ultra-wide and a 13MP entrance. And whereas it didn’t get the Pixel 8’s new 50MP sensor, it nonetheless produced wonderful picture high quality. In reality, until you actually wanted issues like pro-level zoom or bleeding-edge digital camera {hardware}, the Pixel 8a lined most digital camera wants with ease.

All instructed, the Pixel 8a confirmed simply how far Google’s funds king had advanced. It delivered options like high-refresh shows and flagship-grade chips that have been exceptional on this class again in 2019.

Pixel 9a (2025): One other step ahead (and upward)

And now we arrive on the latest member of the household, the Pixel 9a. Whereas we haven’t accomplished our evaluation of the Pixel 9a but, Google’s newest $500 mid-ranger already appears like but once more an exemplary consultant of its lineage.

This time Google determined to not maintain an enormous occasion to advertise the brand new “a” sequence, however don’t let that idiot you—that doesn’t imply there’s nothing to get enthusiastic about.

The formulation stays: launch roughly half a yr after the flagships, reuse the flagship processor, and supply a comparable digital camera, all for a decrease value.

The Pixel 9a certainly carries the Tensor G4 chip (similar 4nm SoC because the Pixel 9 sequence) and a 6.3-inch OLED that matches the Pixel 9’s 120Hz peak refresh price and whopping 2700 nit brightness – really the brightest display screen ever on a Pixel “a” gadget.

However what has everybody, together with us, most excited is the brand new 5,100 mAh battery, which Google claims offers the Pixel 9a the longest battery life on a Pixel, full cease. In keeping with Google’s web site, the telephone can final 30+ hours of use, and with Excessive Battery Saver it could stretch as much as 100 hours.

And after two years with the 64 MP important picture sensor, the brand new “a” sequence comes with a brand new 48MP important digital camera (f/1.7) that Google says is “virtually” the identical because the one within the Pixel 9 Professional Fold. It’s paired with a 13MP ultra-wide, and collectively they provide as much as 8x Tremendous Res Zoom (digital zoom enhanced by AI), which is identical zoom vary because the Pixel 9​.

We’ll must see how the sensors carry out throughout our assessments, however given the “a” sequence’ historical past, I really feel optimistic about this new digital camera {hardware}.

I do have blended emotions about Google’s determination to eliminate the enduring digital camera visor with the Pixel 9a. I don’t assume the telephone is as recognizable and distinctive with out it. That mentioned, I respect a telephone with virtually zero digital camera bump in an age the place they appear to solely be getting larger.

Conclusion: The funds king’s evolution

Wanting again from the Pixel 3a to the Pixel 9a, it’s clear to me that Google’s funds lineup has matured dramatically, all whereas maintaining its core values and ideas.The sequence began as an experiment to carry a flagship-caliber digital camera to the mid-range, and over time, it expanded that ambition to efficiency, battery life, show tech, and even construct high quality.

12 months by yr, our opinions famous how every new Pixel “a” raised the bar: from the 3a’s unprecedented digital camera worth, to the 4a’s upgrades at a decrease value, the 5a’s monster battery repute, the 6a’s leap to {custom} silicon, the 7a’s function catch-ups like 90Hz and wi-fi charging and the 8a/9a’s encroachment into true flagship territory.

What’s essential right here is that Google managed this whereas maintaining costs comparatively regular (across the $449-$499 mark), proving that an amazing telephone doesn’t must value $800.

The “funds Pixel” went from a distinct segment reasonably priced choice to arguably the best-value telephone you should purchase. As of the 9a, Google’s formulation of flagship {hardware}, Pixel digital camera magic, and reasonably priced pricing has made the Pixel “a” sequence a persistently simple suggestion. It truly is the “funds king” of smartphones. I simply hope Google sticks to this technique for the close to future as properly.