Google’s Pixel 9a doesn’t just look like a strong successor over last year’s model, it also appears to be the best phone that won’t break the bank.

The most obvious difference between the Google Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 is the price. At $499, the Pixel 9a is the lowest priced of Google's current Pixel line of phones. In comparison, the Pixel 9 base model starts at $799.

The Pixel 9a looks a little different from last year’s Pixel 8a. The corners aren’t as rounded and instead match that iPhone-like style the rest of the Pixel 9 family adopted. It’s boring until you consider the Pixel 9a shines in design in all the places Apple’s diehard fans wish the iPhone 16e did.