79
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A55
- Excellent Super AMOLED display
- IP67 water resistance at this price
- 4 years of OS updates
Google
Google Pixel 9a
Best Value Editor's Pick
0 /100
Our Verdict
The Pixel 9a is an excellent mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight with superior computational photography and clean Android experience. It's the best value proposition in its category, though its display and battery life won't match flagship competitors.
Detailed Scores
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding camera quality with Magic Eraser and Real Tone features
- Pure Android experience with guaranteed 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches
- Excellent value for money at mid-range pricing
- Reliable and consistent performance for daily use
- Water and dust resistant (IP67 rating)
Cons
- 60Hz display with lower refresh rate compared to competitors
- 5G limited to sub-6GHz bands, missing mmWave
- Modest battery capacity requires daily charging for heavy users
- No microSD card slot for storage expansion
Specifications
specs.Processor Google Tensor (2nd Gen)
specs.RAM 8GB LPDDR5X
specs.Storage 128GB UFS 3.1
specs.Display 6.1-inch OLED, 1080x2400px, 60Hz
specs.Rear Camera 12.2MP f/1.7 (main) with OIS
specs.Front Camera 8MP f/2.0
specs.Battery 4700mAh with 25W fast charging
specs.OS Android 14 (upgradeable to Android 15+)
specs.Dimensions 152.7 x 72.9 x 8.9mm
specs.Weight 187g
specs.Water Resistance IP67
Where to Buy
Amazon.co.uk
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Compare With
91
OnePlus
OnePlus 13
- Massive 6000 mAh battery
- 100W wired + 50W wireless charging
- Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
90
Apple
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Exceptional A18 Pro performance for any task
- Outstanding quad-camera system with advanced computational photography
- Brilliant 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Google Pixel 9a receive software updates?
Google guarantees 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates from the release date (August 2024), ensuring support until August 2028.
Does the Pixel 9a support wireless charging?
No, the Pixel 9a only supports wired charging via USB-C at 25W maximum. There is no wireless charging capability.
What makes the Pixel 9a camera special?
The camera excels through computational photography powered by the Tensor chip, including features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Face Unblur, and Night Sight, delivering professional-looking photos without a large sensor.
Is the Pixel 9a 5G capable?
Yes, it supports 5G connectivity but limited to sub-6GHz bands. It does not support mmWave 5G, which may impact speeds in certain regions.
Can I expand storage on the Pixel 9a?
No, the Pixel 9a does not have a microSD card slot. The 128GB storage is fixed and cannot be expanded externally.