The Google Pixel 9a is here, and while it looks and feels premium for a mid-range phone, there’s one major flaw that holds it back—and it’s not what you see on the outside.

First Impressions: A Minimalist Design with Superpowers?

Let’s start with the good stuff. The Pixel 9a comes in a color Google calls Iris—a fancy name that may appeal more to tetrachromats, the rare humans (mostly women) who can perceive far more shades and hues than the rest of us. For the average eye, let’s just call it light blue and move on.

What immediately stands out is the minimalist design. No obnoxious camera bump—just a clean, flat back that allows the phone to lay flush on any surface. For those tired of wobbly phones, this is a welcome change. Google has also chosen a sleek aluminum frame and plastic back, keeping it lightweight yet sturdy.

Display & Durability: Impressive for the Price

The 6.3-inch 1080p display runs at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and hits up to 2,700 nits of brightness, which is excellent for outdoor visibility. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3—not as advanced as the newer Victus glass, but still scratch-resistant enough to survive standard wear and tear. In JerryRigEverything’s famous durability test, the screen withstood scratches at a level 6, with deeper grooves showing at level 7.

Camera Setup: Clean, Simple, Functional

The Pixel 9a packs a 48MP main camera with OIS (optical image stabilization) and a 13MP ultrawide lens. Both are protected under a single piece of glass, alongside a plastic-covered LED flash. This streamlined camera setup avoids the bulky look of previous models and many competitors.

Build Quality: Solid as a Rock

The aluminum side rails and metal buttons give the phone a premium feel. It even passed the bend test with flying colors, showing zero flex from either side. Google has also rated the Pixel 9a with IP68 water resistance—but this is where the concerns begin.

Water Resistance Concerns: Speaker Slot Raises Questions

Unlike most modern phones that use small speaker holes, the Pixel 9a features a large speaker slot at the bottom—big enough to fit a Nintendo Switch cartridge. While a mesh is placed inside for waterproofing, it’s highly vulnerable. Pocket lint, sand, or a careless poke could easily damage it and compromise the phone’s water resistance. Something to be cautious about.

The Real Deal-Breaker: Battery Repairability

So far, the Pixel 9a sounds like a solid device, especially at $499. But here’s where it all falls apart—the battery removal process.

Despite Google’s push toward sustainability and claims of 100% recycled aluminum frames, they continue to use permanent glue and nearly-useless pull tabs to secure the battery. This makes battery replacement dangerous and nearly impossible for the average user, even with isopropyl alcohol or heat tools. Other manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and even budget brands have moved on from this outdated practice.

Why does this matter?
Because no matter how many software updates the Pixel 9a gets, its battery will degrade. And when it does, removing it safely without damaging the phone or harming yourself becomes a risky challenge.

Google needs to do better. Phones should be designed with end-of-life and recyclability in mind. Lithium-ion batteries are 95% recyclable, but only if you can actually remove them.

Final Thoughts: A Great Phone with One Fatal Flaw

The Pixel 9a checks many boxes: premium design, smooth display, solid performance, and excellent cameras. But its anti-repair battery design makes it a no-go for anyone who cares about long-term use or environmental impact.

Verdict: Until Google changes its approach to battery removal, the Pixel 9a is hard to recommend—no matter how good it looks on paper.