The Google Pixel 9a Doesn’t Have a Camera Panel, but That’s Not the Only Reason I Like It
In 2021, Google introduced the “camera bar” to its Pixel line of smartphones. The idea behind the giant bump across the entire width of the phone’s back was ostensibly to create more space for the camera lenses, but it was more of a marketing ploy than a practical one: while other phones continue to make do with a small square in the corner, the camera bar gives the Pixel a unique look that Google acknowledges as “ the Pixel’s signature .”
Unfortunately for the search giant, it’s a bad trademark. I can’t stand it.
Much to the chagrin of my pockets and purses, nearly every Pixel Google has released since the sixth model has had some form of camera bump. It collects dust, gives the body an unsightly bump, and makes the phone harder to hold one-handed or in landscape orientation.
Thankfully, after years of Google’s strict adherence to the camera bar, there’s finally an option for people like me. Earlier this year, Google released its budget Pixel 9a — the company’s first phone without a camera bar since its debut. That immediately made it my favorite Google phone available right now, and even with the Pixel 10 on the way, it looks like it’ll be around for years to come.
How is the Pixel 9a different from the Pixel 9?
Every spring, Google releases the “A” model of its latest Pixels, trimming some of the specs and lowering the price accordingly. Overall, I’ve been quite impressed with these devices — the compromises are barely noticeable, and they generally deliver the same user experience as their predecessors. Still, I’ve been hesitant to call these versions a better choice than the full-fledged models until now.
The Pixel 9a is almost neck and neck with the Pixel 9 , and thanks to the redesigned camera, I’d say it’s not a strict downgrade, but rather an alternative choice with different priorities.
It has the same processor as the Pixel 9 (Google Tensor G4), the same screen size (6.3 inches), the same maximum refresh rate (120Hz), it’s slightly lighter, and has a slightly larger battery. Yes, it has less memory and fewer megapixels in the camera, but if you primarily use your phone for web apps, it’ll essentially give you the same experience as any other Pixel 9, right down to Audio Eraser and other Pixel-exclusive apps.
If it weren’t for the lack of a camera bezel, I’d probably give you a 9a and tell you it’s a 9 and you wouldn’t notice the difference for months.
Why do people hate the camera panel?
I have a few gripes with the Pixel’s camera panel, though many of them may seem like minor issues depending on your preferences. It makes the Pixel a little harder to fit into a tight pocket or small bag, and I find it awkward to hold horizontally, which could be problematic for gamers. The edges can also be a bit of a dust magnet, at least if you put a case over them, and the camera panel is so thick that it’s hard to lay the Pixel flat.
But for me, the real issue is that it’s ugly. That’s highly subjective, I admit, but it’s a common enough complaint that Google has gone out of its way to protect the camera bump. How bad it is varies by model, but on the base Pixel 9, it’s a third thinner than the phone itself. It’s a pretty nasty job, and if you’re like me, it’s pretty obvious why you might prefer an alternative.
How does the Pixel 9a camera perform?
That’s why I was so excited to see that the Pixel 9a ditched the camera bump in favor of a nearly flat cutout in one corner. It’s unobtrusive, easy to slip into a case, and extends out enough that the Pixel 9a rests entirely on its back. It’s similar to the camera cutout on an iPhone or Galaxy, only smaller.
To be fair, this change does come with some caveats. While the regular Pixel 9’s camera has a 50MP wide-angle lens and a 48MP ultra-wide lens, the Pixel 9a only has a 48MP wide-angle lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. But here’s my take: You’re buying a phone, not a camera. While most of us have already swapped dedicated cameras for smartphones, it’s worth considering whether you’re the type of person who wants the best-looking photos at all times, or would prefer a less bulky device at a lower price. While I think you’ll notice a slight difference between the 9 and 9a’s shots, for casual photographers, the 9a should still be a winner.
Here are some sample shots taken with the Pixel 9a at different distances and in different lighting conditions:
And the same thing, but for the regular Pixel 9:
Isn’t the Pixel 10 coming soon?
Even if I’ve convinced you to pick the Pixel 9a over the 9, there’s one more caveat: the Pixel 10 is due out later this month . However, Google has officially said that it will still have a camera panel , and a pretty thick one at that.
I was hoping the 9a would be a harbinger of Google’s upcoming budget phones, but alas. If you, too, hate camera bars, the Pixel 9a will remain a viable option long after the base Pixel 10 launches, especially considering the 10a likely won’t launch until next year, if history is any indication.
It looks like the Pixel 9a could be a worthy option even for iPhone fans, as recent leaks have suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could get their own elongated camera, although the veracity of these rumors is still up for debate.
Regardless of your preference, the Pixel 9a is a damn good device for $500, which is significantly cheaper than the $800 Pixel 9. If you primarily use your phone for calling, texting, and surfing the web, it’s not just a good compromise — it’s the best Google phone you can buy.