The new Pixel 9A makes expensive phones look kind of dumb

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The midrange phone wars just got interesting, folks. Google just announced its latest “affordable” Pixel, throwing some serious shade at Apple’s recent iPhone 16E.

Let’s dive into why this $499 wonder might just be the smartest phone purchase of 2025.

First things first – that annoying camera bump that’s been plaguing Pixels since forever? Gone. Dead. Sayonara.

The new Pixel 9A’s design features a sleek, flush camera housing that actually looks… dare we say… premium? It gives off serious flagship vibes without the flagship price tag.

Specs That Make Apple Sweat

Here’s where things get spicy. While Apple wants you to shell out $599 for the iPhone 16E with its basic 60Hz display and single camera, Google’s over here like “hold my beer”:

• 6.3-inch 120Hz display (bigger AND smoother than before)
• Peak brightness of 2,700 nits (perfect for those “my eyes!” moments)
• IP68 water resistance (because phones and toilets are oddly magnetic)
• 48MP main camera + 13MP ultrawide (sorry, iPhone 16E owners)
• 5,100mAh battery with wireless charging
• Tensor G4 chip with all the AI bells and whistles

An AI Assistant That Actually Exists

In what feels like a direct jab at Apple’s perpetually “coming soon” AI features, the Pixel 9A ships with Gemini capabilities right out of the box.

Yes, an AI assistant that actually exists and works – revolutionary concept, right?

Seven Years of Updates Because Google Loves Your Dad

Remember when phones became paperweights after two years of updates? Google’s giving the middle finger to planned obsolescence with seven years of OS upgrades and security support.

This is literally the phone you can recommend to your parents without dreading the inevitable “why is my phone acting weird?” calls.

Price Tag That Won’t Make You Cry

At $499 for the 128GB model ($599 for 256GB), the Pixel 9A isn’t just competing – it’s throwing the whole value-for-money chart out the window.

Apple’s iPhone 16E suddenly looks like that overpriced coffee you know you shouldn’t buy but do anyway.

Should You Buy It?

If you’re in the market for a phone that doesn’t require a small loan to purchase, yet still packs features that matter, the Pixel 9A is basically screaming your name.

It’s the Swiss Army knife of phones – practical, reliable, and somehow still looks good doing its job.

Google has announced that pre-orders, which were supposed to start on Wednesday, March 19, are now delayed and will open in the next few weeks.

According to Android Authority, the product was originally going to be available on March 26, but now it’s expected to come out in April.

So there you have it, the Pixel 9A hits stores this April, giving you just enough time to start dropping hints about what you want for your birthday.

Remember – sometimes the best things in life aren’t the most expensive; they’re just the most sensible. And in 2025, sensible looks pretty damn good.

sWhat’s your take on Google’s Pixel 9A? Is it the midrange champ, or does the iPhone 16E still hold your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or join the chat on our Facebook and Twitter. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Kevin Raposo

Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com.