On the Pixel 9a, the iconic camera bar that once made the Pixel line distinct is gone. Instead, Google has opted for a more subdued, pill-shaped cut-out on the back. The good thing is that thanks to the phone’s flat back, it doesn’t wobble when placed on a surface. Plus, it doesn’t collect dust between the camera lenses.

The Pixel 9a has an excellent screen that's very bright and colorful, continuing Google’s dominance in this aspect of the smartphone world. This would be a great display for a phone at any price, but it’s a standout feature on a bargain phone; you won’t find a better or brighter screen on a phone this cheap.

I tested the $499 Pixel 9A for two weeks and was impressed by how many features Google added without raising the price. Let's hope tariffs don't change that.