Google is flipping the script on midrange smartphones with the new Pixel 9a. Starting at just $499, this A-series powerhouse packs the same punch as the flagship Pixel 9 — including the blazing-fast Tensor G4 chip, Gemini AI assistant, and a seriously upgraded camera system. Wrapped in a sleek, new chassis with a 6.3-inch Actua display that’s 35% brighter than its predecessor, the Pixel 9a is built to impress.

But it’s not just a pretty face. The dual-camera system includes a 48MP main lens and 13MP ultrawide, now with Macro Focus and AI smarts like Best Take, Magic Editor, and Add Me — so no one gets left out of the group pic again. Features like Night Sight, Astrophotography, and Audio Magic Eraser make this the most capable Pixel under $500.

And with an insane 30+ hour battery life (100 hours on Extreme Battery Saver), IP68 dust/water resistance, and seven years of updates, it’s more durable and future-proof than most phones twice its price. AI-forward features like Circle to Search, Call Assist, and real-time screen-sharing with Gemini Live take multitasking to a new level.

Whether buying your first Pixel or looking for a smarter, tougher daily driver, the 9a brings the best of Google—and then some. It’s available now in four colors, including the all-new Iris.

In other tech news, see the Fujifilm Instax Mini 41.