Google Pixel 9a Announced: Pricing in Canada Will Surprise You

Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a, its latest A-series smartphone, bringing high-end features at a decent price, especially in Canada.

Canadian buyers will be happy to know that the Pixel 9a with its 6.3-inch display (it was 6.1-inch on the 8a) with up to 2700 nits peak brightness (it was 2000 on the 8a) starts at $679, the same price as the previous Pixel 8a, meaning there’s no price increase (which is surprising given the exchange rates). The device brings some decent upgrades, including an AI-powered camera, a durable design, and 7 years of software updates.

The Pixel 9a has a 48 MP main camera on the rear (it was 64 MB on the Pixel 8a, so this went down) and 13 MP ultrawide camera, delivering high-quality images in any lighting condition. What’s new? For the first time on an A-series Pixel, Macro Focus lets users capture extreme close-ups. Also, Add Me allows the photographer to be added to group shots seamlessly, while Night Sight and Astrophotography mode help capture low-light and night sky photos. Real Tone ensures all skin tones are represented accurately in photos and videos.

Google AI brings advanced photo editing tools to the Pixel 9a, including Magic Editor, which can reframe, expand, and enhance photos. Photo Unblur sharpens blurry images, while Best Take ensures group shots have the best expressions. Users can also create custom stickers and memes with Pixel Studio.

The Pixel 9a is the most durable A-series phone yet, featuring an IP68 (an upgrade from IP67) rating for water and dust resistance, a metal frame, and a scratch-resistant Actua display (Gorilla Glass 3 is back). The phone is also made with recycled materials, including an 81% recycled plastic back cover and 100% plastic-free packaging.

Its 5,100mAh battery provides over 30 hours of usage (more than last year’s 24 hours+), the largest battery ever in a Pixel A-series phone.

Google’s Gemini AI is integrated into the Pixel 9a, helping users with writing, planning, and information retrieval. By holding the power button, users can access AI-powered assistance, such as pulling details from emails, suggesting places in Maps, or engaging in voice-based AI conversations.

The Pixel 9a introduces a redesigned camera area on the back that is a smaller bump (gone is the camera bar), what it says is inspired by nature, with a domed, streamlined look. It comes in four colours: Iris, Peony, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Pixel 9a Specs

• Display: 6.3-inch Actua OLED, 1080 x 2424 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Google Tensor G4 with Titan M2 security chip
• Memory & Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB storage
• Rear Cameras: 48MP main (OIS, f/1.7), 13MP ultrawide (120° FOV)
• Front Camera: 13MP (96.1° FOV)
• Battery: 5,100 mAh, 30+ hours battery life, fast charging (was 4492 mAh on Pixel 8a)
• Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance, scratch-resistant display (was IP67 before)
• Security: 7 years of OS and security updates, Face and Fingerprint Unlock
• Colours: Iris, Peony, Porcelain, Obsidian

Accessories such as a Pixel 9a case and Google 45W USB-C Power Charger will be available priced at $39.99 in Canada.

The Pixel 9a will be priced from $679 in Canada and will be available in April. Google continues to bring flagship features to budget-friendly devices and this Pixel 9a comes with some decent upgrades compared to last year. We’ll have more on the Pixel 9a soon.

Update March 19, 2025: Google confirmed to iPhone in Canada in a statement, saying the April launch (instead of March) is because they are “checking on a component quality issue that’s affecting a small number of Pixel 9a devices.”