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In 2021, Google launched the “digicam bar” to its lineup of Pixel telephones. The thought behind placing an enormous bump alongside the whole width of the cellphone’s rear was ostensibly to present the digicam’s lenses extra space, however actually, it was as a lot a advertising and marketing transfer as a sensible one: Whereas different telephones proceed to make just do tremendous with a small sq. within the nook, the digicam bar provides Pixels a novel look that Google acknowledges is a “trademark of the lineup.”
Sadly for the search large, it’s a nasty trademark. I hate it.
A lot to the chagrin of my pockets and purses, nearly each Pixel Google has launched for the reason that 6 has had a digicam bar in some type. It traps mud, it provides circumstances an unpleasant hump, and it makes it tougher to carry the cellphone in a single hand or in panorama mode.
Fortunately, after years of Google’s strict adherence to the digicam bar, there’s lastly an possibility for individuals like me. Earlier this yr, Google launched its budget-oriented Pixel 9a, the primary cellphone from the corporate to omit the digicam bar since its debut mannequin. That instantly made it my favourite Google cellphone you should buy proper now, and even with the Pixel 10 on the horizon, it appears prefer it’s going to be related for years to come back.
How does the Pixel 9a evaluate to the Pixel 9?
Google Pixel 9a in numerous colours
Credit score: Michelle Ehrhardt
Each spring, Google releases an “a” mannequin of its most up-to-date Pixels, slicing a couple of specs and slashing the value to match. I’ve typically been fairly impressed with these units—their compromises are largely arduous to identify, they usually principally present the identical total expertise as their forebears. Nonetheless, I’ve been hesitant to declare these variations a more sensible choice than the total fashions, till now.
The Pixel 9a is nearly neck-and-neck with the Pixel 9, and because of the redesigned digicam, I’d say it’s much less of a strict downgrade and extra of another choice with totally different priorities.
It has the identical processor because the Pixel 9 (the Google Tensor G4), the identical dimension display screen (6.3-inches), the identical max refresh price (120Hz), and is definitely slightly lighter and has a barely bigger battery. It’s received much less reminiscence, sure, and fewer megapixels on the digicam, however for those who principally use your cellphone for web-based apps, it is going to be primarily supply you a similar capabilities as another Pixel 9, proper all the way down to Audio Eraser and different Pixel-exclusive software program.
If not for its lack of a digicam bar, I might most likely hand you a 9a and let you know it was a 9, and also you’d go for months with out noticing the distinction.
Why the digicam bar hate?
Google Pixel 9 from the again
Credit score: Michelle Ehrhardt
I’ve received a couple of points with the Pixel digicam bar, though a lot of them would possibly sound like nitpicks, relying in your tastes. It makes Pixels a bit tougher to suit into a decent pocket or a small bag, and I believe it makes them much less comfy to carry horizontally, which generally is a ache for avid gamers. The perimeters can be a little bit of a mud magnet, no less than for those who put a case on it, and the digicam bar is thick sufficient that it’s arduous to put a Pixel down utterly flat.
However for me, the true subject is that it’s ugly. That’s extremely subjective, I’ll admit, but it surely’s a typical sufficient criticism that Google has made pains to defend the digicam bump. How unhealthy it’s varies from cellphone to cellphone, however on the bottom Pixel 9, it’s a 3rd as thick because the cellphone itself. That’s some nasty work, and for those who’re like me, it’s fairly self-evident why you would possibly choose an alternate.
How does the Pixel 9a’s digicam maintain up?
That’s why I used to be so comfortable after I noticed that the Pixel 9a removed the digicam bump in favor of an almost flush capsule in one of many corners. It’s unobtrusive, simple to suit a case round, and much sufficient out of the way in which that the Pixel 9a lays utterly flat when positioned on its rear. It’s just like the digicam cutout on an iPhone or Galaxy, however smaller.
What do you assume thus far?
To be honest, the change does include some caveats. Whereas the common Pixel 9’s digicam has a 50 MP huge lens and a 48 MP ultrawide lens, the Pixel 9a solely has a 48MP huge lens and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. However right here’s my scorching take: You’re shopping for a cellphone, not a digicam. Whereas most of us have changed devoted cameras with our smartphones, it’s value contemplating whether or not you’re the kind of one that wants absolutely the prettiest footage always, or for those who’d choose a much less unwieldy machine with a smaller price ticket. Whereas I do assume you possibly can spot a light distinction between the 9 and 9a’s photographs, for informal photographers, the 9a ought to nonetheless maintain up simply tremendous.
Right here’s a couple of examples of Pixel 9a photographs, from numerous distances and in several lighting situations:
Photographs taken on the Pixel 9a
Credit score: Michelle Ehrhardt
And the identical, however for the common Pixel 9:
Photographs taken on the Pixel 9
Credit score: Michelle Ehrhardt
Isn’t the Pixel 10 popping out quickly?
Even when I’ve satisfied you on the Pixel 9a over the 9, there’s an elephant within the room—the Pixel 10 is set to come back out later this month. Nevertheless, as Google has formally revealed, it’s nonetheless going to have a digicam bar, and a fairly thick-looking one at that.
I hoped that the 9a was an indication of issues to come back for Google’s non-budget telephones, however alas. If you happen to’re a fellow digicam bar hater, the Pixel 9a goes to stay a related possibility for you lengthy after the bottom Pixel 10 launch, particularly as a result of the 10a doubtless received’t come out till subsequent yr, if historic precedent stands.
It appears the Pixel 9a would possibly even be a good possibility for those who’re an iPhone fan, as leaks have lately advised the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max could be getting their very own elongated digicam bump, though the trustworthiness of these rumors continues to be up within the air.
No matter your preferences, the Pixel 9a is a rattling good piece of equipment for $500, an enormous low cost from the $800 Pixel 9. If you happen to principally use your cellphone for calls, texting, and the web, it’s not only a good compromise—it is the perfect Google cellphone you should buy.
