Karlis Dambrans/Shutterstock We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. I know a thing or two about budget smartphones, especially those of the Pixel variety. The last smartphone I bought was a second-hand Pixel 6 Pro in 2024, and it’s still my primary phone and primary content creation tool. Before that, I used the Pixel 4XL, my favorite smartphone of all time. I mention this because the Pixel 9a, Google’s most overlooked smartphone, is a device that’s on my radar for 2026. There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9a that makes it a great choice in 2026, especially for those looking for a solid budget device with flagship aspirations. The Pixel 9a sells on the second-hand market for between $300 and $350 on sites like Amazon and Back Market, and new for around $400 at Google itself. This is a great deal for those looking for an upgrade from an aging Android or Pixel device. And you’ll be covered at least until 2032 in terms of Google support. That’s almost six more years of Android and security updates. And because Google is behind Android, your Pixel 9a will be first in line for future OS updates and will have the cleanest version of Android without extra layers placed on top. Why the Google Pixel 9s is a great choice in 2026 Karlis Dambrans/Shutterstock Although the Pixel 10a is Google’s latest budget offering, starting at $500, the difference between the 9a and 10a specs is minor. The two phones are essentially the same, both using the Tensor G4 chip, and most of the differences can easily be overlooked when saving over $100 new, and much more when shopping used. In terms of competition around the same price point, the Google Pixel 9a is on par with or outperforms other budget devices such as the Samsung S24 FE, Motorola Moto G Stylus, and iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e is the most interesting smartphone comparison, and recommended for those already part of the Apple ecosystem and upgrading from older iPhones. The Galaxy S24 FE is a very budget-friendly smartphone that beats the Pixel 9a in terms of specs, but Google’s software optimization, computational photography, and lower price when buying new still make the Pixel 9a a solid choice. The Motorola Moto G Stylus is great for those who need a larger screen and like to use a stylus, but the Pixel 9a’s Tensor Core makes it better for gaming and multitasking. The Pixel 9a will be competitive for years to come Karlis Dambrans/Shutterstock There are many new phones competing for the budget market, like the Pixel 10a, Galaxy S25 FE, and iPhone 17e. These are all great smartphones in their own right, but right now I wouldn’t consider them affordable for cash-strapped consumers. But one of the benefits of these devices is that they will help bring down the price of the Pixel 9a. Many netizens also view the Pixel 9a as a flagship smartphone masquerading as a budget device. It has enough power to handle all your daily tasks while still providing a solid gaming experience. Any potential shortcomings as it ages will be made up for by the Pixel software experience and long-term support offered by Google. The design is also stellar, losing the camera bump and featuring a covered plastic back that feels premium and won’t shatter like glass. Some won’t mind the larger bezels used on the Pixel 9a compared to other smartphones. But as YouTube tech channel Everyday Legends noted, you might notice them, but you’ll notice the extra money you’ve saved in your bank account much more. Post navigation Why Android Antivirus Apps Just Aren’t Necessary Anymore
Karlis Dambrans/Shutterstock We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. I know a thing or two about budget smartphones, especially those of the Pixel variety. The last smartphone I bought was a second-hand Pixel 6 Pro in 2024, and it’s still my primary phone and primary content creation tool. Before that, I used the Pixel 4XL, my favorite smartphone of all time. I mention this because the Pixel 9a, Google’s most overlooked smartphone, is a device that’s on my radar for 2026. There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9a that makes it a great choice in 2026, especially for those looking for a solid budget device with flagship aspirations. The Pixel 9a sells on the second-hand market for between $300 and $350 on sites like Amazon and Back Market, and new for around $400 at Google itself. This is a great deal for those looking for an upgrade from an aging Android or Pixel device. And you’ll be covered at least until 2032 in terms of Google support. That’s almost six more years of Android and security updates. And because Google is behind Android, your Pixel 9a will be first in line for future OS updates and will have the cleanest version of Android without extra layers placed on top. Why the Google Pixel 9s is a great choice in 2026 Karlis Dambrans/Shutterstock Although the Pixel 10a is Google’s latest budget offering, starting at $500, the difference between the 9a and 10a specs is minor. The two phones are essentially the same, both using the Tensor G4 chip, and most of the differences can easily be overlooked when saving over $100 new, and much more when shopping used. In terms of competition around the same price point, the Google Pixel 9a is on par with or outperforms other budget devices such as the Samsung S24 FE, Motorola Moto G Stylus, and iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e is the most interesting smartphone comparison, and recommended for those already part of the Apple ecosystem and upgrading from older iPhones. The Galaxy S24 FE is a very budget-friendly smartphone that beats the Pixel 9a in terms of specs, but Google’s software optimization, computational photography, and lower price when buying new still make the Pixel 9a a solid choice. The Motorola Moto G Stylus is great for those who need a larger screen and like to use a stylus, but the Pixel 9a’s Tensor Core makes it better for gaming and multitasking. The Pixel 9a will be competitive for years to come Karlis Dambrans/Shutterstock There are many new phones competing for the budget market, like the Pixel 10a, Galaxy S25 FE, and iPhone 17e. These are all great smartphones in their own right, but right now I wouldn’t consider them affordable for cash-strapped consumers. But one of the benefits of these devices is that they will help bring down the price of the Pixel 9a. Many netizens also view the Pixel 9a as a flagship smartphone masquerading as a budget device. It has enough power to handle all your daily tasks while still providing a solid gaming experience. Any potential shortcomings as it ages will be made up for by the Pixel software experience and long-term support offered by Google. The design is also stellar, losing the camera bump and featuring a covered plastic back that feels premium and won’t shatter like glass. Some won’t mind the larger bezels used on the Pixel 9a compared to other smartphones. But as YouTube tech channel Everyday Legends noted, you might notice them, but you’ll notice the extra money you’ve saved in your bank account much more.
