The above features, alongside the annual hardware upgrades, make the Pixel 9a a big deal, literally and figuratively. The newcomer's under-$500 starting price has remained unchanged, suggesting that it could be an even better bang for the buck than the Pixel 8a it replaces.

The Google Pixel 9a is a mid-range device with few compromises, and it promises to offer one of the best values of any phone. The handset has a lot of changes: Google ditched the camera bump, installed a new processor, and increased the screen size, all without increasing the price.

The Google Pixel 9 is at its record-low price, making it a great choice for those who want a premium phone that won't break the bank.