Thinking of upgrading from your Google Pixel 7a to the new Pixel 9a? Here’s why I think it’s worth making the switch.
The Pixel 7a was one of the first A series devices to establish itself as a serious competitor to other mid-range devices, but a lot has changed in the past two years. The latest Pixel 9a has a range of updates that might not be groundbreaking, but I think they’re enough to seriously consider an upgrade.
We still need to test and review the Pixel 9a before we can make any definitive conclusions, but on paper, It looks like an excellent device. If you still have a Google Pixel 7a and are tempted by the Pixel 9a, here’s why I would take the plunge and upgrade now.Big upgrades where it counts most
The main reason I would upgrade from the Pixel 7a to the Pixel 9a is, without a doubt, battery life. The Pixel 7a has a measly 4,385mAh battery. Despite Google’s assurances of 24 hours of battery life, the phone never consistently made it through a full day without needing a top-up before bedtime during our testing period.
In contrast, the Pixel 9a has been specifically designed to pack a larger battery, which now hits 5,100mAh. That’s more than any Pixel phone, including the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and it’s prompted Google to up its promise from 24+ hours of battery life to 30+ hours on a single charge. We’ll test those claims once we get our hands on the device, but even making it through a full day would be a transformative change.
Another big upgrade is the screen. While I think the 6.1-inch 90hz OLED display is still more than serviceable in 2025, the Pixel 9a kicks things up to a 6.3-inch 120hz pOLED display. The larger, faster, and brighter panel brings the A series to near parity with many flagship displays, and take it from me: once you experience a top-notch display, it’s hard to go back.
