I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed using the Google Pixel 9a. It’s an impressive phone with excellent performance, a sleek design, and remarkable battery life. For the first time in a while, I feel that the Pixel A-series is actually worth the full price, and Google has done a fantastic job of addressing user feedback. The Pixel 9a is one of the most enjoyable Google smartphones I’ve used.
That being said, no phone is flawless right out of the box. There are always settings to tweak and personalize to make the experience feel more like yours. If you’re upgrading from an older Pixel and transferring your settings, there are still some key adjustments to ensure you’re getting the best out of your new device. Below are the five settings I changed or checked as soon as I got my hands on the Pixel 9a.
Set up face unlock
Google’s past attempts at face unlock on Pixel devices haven’t always been successful. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL’s implementation was clunky at best, with many users struggling with the sensor. But by the time the Pixel 7 came around, Google improved the feature significantly. The face unlock on the Pixel 9a is quick, reliable, and a convenient way to unlock your phone. One change I’d suggest right away is enabling the option to skip the lock screen after face recognition. It’s frustrating to unlock your phone with your face only to be prompted to swipe up to access the home screen. By selecting this setting, your phone will take you directly to your home screen as soon as it recognizes you, saving you an unnecessary step.
Enjoy the higher refresh rate
If you’re upgrading from an older Pixel, like the Pixel 6a, make sure to enable all the features of the Pixel 9a’s 6.3-inch Actua display. A great place to start is by ensuring that the “Smooth Display” setting is turned on. While you can opt to keep the refresh rate at 60Hz for better battery performance, I’ve found the Pixel 9a’s battery life to be strong enough to comfortably support the full 120Hz refresh rate. I’ve been able to enjoy smooth scrolling without worrying about battery life, often managing up to two full days of usage. Additionally, I like to adjust the screen timeout setting on every new device. The default is usually set to 30 seconds, which can be limiting when you want to check a message or read something without the screen turning off prematurely. I typically change mine to 2 minutes, which gives me the flexibility to interact with my phone without the need for constant unlocking.
Take a moment to customize your home screen
One of the first things I do with any new device is personalize the home screen. I’ve caught myself many times simply transferring my old setup, which often means the experience feels stale and unexciting. When I set up the Pixel 9a, I took some time to experiment with a fresh layout and even tried out a few different widgets. It’s a simple way to give your phone a new look and make it feel like your own. I also played around with Google’s themed icons. While not flawless, the icons are a nice touch if you want a cleaner, more cohesive home screen. Some apps don’t fully support the feature, but many popular ones will, giving you a more streamlined aesthetic.
Make sure you’re up and running
This is one step I often forget, especially since I frequently swap SIM cards for work. Before you head out, make sure to turn off Wi-Fi for a moment when setting up your Pixel 9a. It ensures that your phone properly transfers your number and activates mobile data. There have been times when I assumed everything was fine because I was connected to Wi-Fi, only to realize later that mobile data was still off, which led to missed calls and texts. It’s a small mistake that can be easily avoided by ensuring your mobile data is enabled once you leave the house. On a positive note, I’ve found connectivity to be strong on the Pixel 9a. The Exynos 5300 modem, which some worried about, has performed well. I’ve had no issues with Wi-Fi or 5G connections, which was a relief compared to some connectivity problems I encountered with the Pixel 7a.
Turn on dark theme
This is one of those settings that feels almost too obvious to mention, but it’s an essential one. I’m sure many of you already use dark mode, but it’s worth pointing out if you haven’t switched it on yet. I personally find that dark mode helps with battery life and makes using the phone at night much easier on the eyes. Chrome’s bright white light is jarring when you’re switching to your phone, but dark mode solves that problem while offering a sleeker look. It’s a simple setting that can make a big difference in your overall experience.
I enjoy setting up phones from scratch rather than transferring settings from an old device because it gives me a chance to learn about new features and cut out apps I no longer need. Although transferring settings can save time, I feel like it limits the opportunity to fully explore and personalize the device.
Enjoy your new phone
No matter what settings you decide to tweak, you’re in for a treat with the Pixel 9a. Google has done a great job with its design, and the software runs smoothly, making for a delightful experience overall. Powered by the Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9a delivers responsive performance, and the battery life is excellent. I’ve yet to experience the overheating issues that plagued previous Pixel models, and connectivity has been solid throughout. Although there are areas where Google can improve, such as with the Gemini Live feature, the Pixel 9a package is still incredibly appealing, even at its $500 launch price.