When it comes to travel in 2025, a smartphone is an essential tool for navigating cities, capturing memories, and staying connected. The Google Pixel 9a is a mid-range handset that aims to meet the demands of travelers with its impressive features. Before a trip to New York, I put the Pixel 9a to the test to see how it would fare in a bustling city environment.
The Pixel 9a’s design stood out to me during my time in New York. Its lightweight and compact build made it comfortable to hold for extended periods while exploring the city. Despite not being the lightest phone on the market, the Pixel 9a’s 6.3-inch screen was easy to see and use, striking a good balance between size and portability.
The display quality of the Pixel 9a was another highlight. The P-OLED screen delivered vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for watching videos and browsing the web. The fast 120Hz refresh rate ensured smooth performance, even in busy city settings with bright sunlight.
Performance-wise, the Pixel 9a held up well during my travels. The Google Tensor chipset offered strong performance for everyday tasks like using Google Maps, browsing the web, and taking photos. I experienced no slowdowns or issues while multitasking, making the Pixel 9a a reliable companion for travel.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Pixel 9a was its battery life. With a 5100mAh battery, the Pixel 9a lasted through long days of heavy usage, including constant GPS and data usage, and extensive photography. The battery life exceeded my expectations and proved to be a standout feature of the phone.
The camera capabilities of the Pixel 9a were another highlight, particularly the 48MP main rear lens. The photos captured with the Pixel 9a were vibrant, well-exposed, and offered strong dynamic range and low-light performance. The realistic skin tones and quality of selfies from the front-facing camera added to the overall photography experience.
However, the lack of a telephoto lens on the Pixel 9a was a drawback during my travels. The limited zoom capabilities restricted my ability to capture distant subjects with clarity, especially in situations like capturing landmarks from a distance. The absence of a telephoto lens was a significant limitation for me as a frequent traveler who values zoom capabilities.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 9a offers a compelling package for travelers with its design, display, performance, battery life, and photography capabilities. However, the lack of a telephoto lens may be a deal-breaker for those who prioritize zoom capabilities in their smartphone camera. For travelers seeking a versatile phone for city exploration, the Pixel 9 Pro XL may be a better option with its superior zoom capabilities.
