PIX OF THE BUNCH FOR UNDER €600

Google's cheaper 9a close to matching its flagship phone

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I'VE been testing Google Pixel 9a, arguably the most compelling smartphone you can buy for less than €600.

The cut-price device with some of the best AI tools on a smartphone boasts a superb camera system, best ever Pixel battery life and a super smooth Android software experience.

It's essentially more than 90 per cent of what made Google's Pixel 9 Pro devices our phones of the year in 2024 but at a more wallet-friendly price point.

It follows the formula of previous 'a series' smartphones of top-end specs, cameras and chipset — with a few compromises to keep the cost down.

You also get the biggest battery yet in a Pixel phone, a silicon carbon power pack that boosts endurance without making the device bulkier. There's one huge design change too. The unique Pixel camera visor on the rear is ditched in favour of an almost entirely flat back that sits almost flush on desks.

I'm still undecided on this after my early use.

The rear of the phone is an area where costs are cut, as the 9a utilises top quality plastic rather than glass. It still looks and feels premium thanks to the aluminium frame, however.

Around the front, Pixel 9a looks just like the more expensive Pixel 9, with an optical finger-print reader under the screen and facial recogni tion for unlocking the phone and apps.