While Google offers the Pixel A series as a budget-friendly alternative to its flagship lineup, last year’s Pixel 9 might be the smarter buy. It’s currently down to a record-low price of $544 on Amazon, slashing $255 (32%) off its original price.

That puts it just $44 above the Pixel 9a, and the difference could be well worth it, especially since the Pixel 9 remains a more powerful and capable device. The deal applies to the Obsidian Black variant, while Porcelain and Wintergreen are priced at $599, which still nets you significant savings.

Why Buy the Google Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 (review) is the smallest entry in last year’s flagship range. And while it’s already a year old, it’s still a reliable device that punches above its weight, which sports a premium design, plenty of power, and excellent cameras.

It’s a semi-compact smartphone that suits users who prefer a manageable slab. It’s also sleek and distinctive, thanks to its large elliptical camera hump and flat profile. The build includes IP68 dust and water resistance, so it can handle a beach trip or poolside splash. Its 6.3-inch OLED display stays bright even under direct sunlight, delivers rich colors, and supports a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. Both front and back panels are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The Google Pixel 9u0027s camera bump.
The iconic ‘visor’ behind is a thing of the past.

Performance-wise, the Pixel 9 runs on the Tensor G4 chip, making everyday tasks fluid and stable. It can handle gaming, on-device AI loads, and even video editing on the go without breaking a sweat. The 4,700 mAh battery easily lasts a full day, and its runtime outpaces most phones of similar size. Charging is flexible too, with 27W wired and 15W wireless options.

The rear camera setup includes a 50 MP wide shooter that captures photos with impressive dynamic range. Low-light performance is strong, and it’s great to see support for Night Sight in panorama mode, which is perfect for sweeping nighttime scenes. AI-powered tools like Add Me and Zoom Enhance also help elevate your shots with smart refinements.

And for long-term peace of mind, the Pixel 9 is guaranteed to receive updates for 7 years, meaning Android OS upgrades and security patches through 2031.

Do you prefer compact smartphones? Are you considering the Pixel 9 at this price? We’d love to hear your plans.

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