3 Reasons I'm quietly considering swapping my iPhone 16 for a Pixel 9a

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Over the last few years, I’ve been firmly in the Apple camp. My iPhone 16 checks all the standard boxes—sleek design, extremely reliable performance, and that coveted “it just works” standard that Apple engineers devote their lives to. Still, whenever a new release drops, I can’t help but wonder if the grass is greener on the other side. The Pixel 9a, Google’s mid-range marvel, is shaping up to be so compelling that I’m seriously considering making the jump. Here are the three reasons that have me rethinking my loyalty to Apple. Note: At this point, performance in the mid-range for mobile phones is so far past what is necessary for my daily needs, that I'm not even going to bother comparing specs for this article. If you're considering the Pixel9a check it out here... https://amzn.to/42W9TnV

1. No Camera Bump
The iPhone 16’s camera island sits proud like a speed bump on the highway of an otherwise impeccably smooth chassis. The pride of a canon RF lens, the beauty of a summer toad. Not to diminish Apple's engineering accomplishments, but it is quite ugly - to me. In contrast, the Pixel 9a embraces a perfectly flat rear panel—no jutting lenses, no wobble when it’s laid face-up on the table. To my eye, it’s simply more refined and harmonious. Plus, the pocket-fit is unbeatable: it slides in and out without catching, and stays flat on any surface. That like... amazing.

2. A Better Typing Experience‍
I’ve spent countless hours typing essays, emails, and everything in between on iOS, but I’ve always found myself frustrated by the autocorrect gymnastics and the somewhat muted haptic feedback. (Hey Apple, how is autocorrect getting worse?!) On the Pixel 9a (and Android in general), the Gboard experience feels more tactile—each keypress gives a satisfying little bump of resistance, and the autocorrect seems to err on the side of giving you what you actually meant to type. For someone who does a ton of typing on their phone, that small improvement in confidence and comfort could make all the difference.

‍3. Exceptional Value for Money - I need less as I age.‍
Let’s talk dollars, cents, and in the loosest sense of the word, frugality. I used to love buying the best of whatever product I was in the market for, but as I'm aging I'm finding phones have gotten so good, that I really don't need the umph that a lot of these flagships are offering. I don' take too many pictures, so I don't need the best camera. I don't game, so I don't need a powerful processor. I don't watchmuch media so I'm not too concerned about resolution or refresh rate. Overall it's a really nice package, and with the tensor chip, I'm not hurting for extra compute. Getting almost everything I use about the flagship lines of mobile phone manufactures at a mid-range price is a prospect that’s hard to ignore.

Final Thoughts
I’ve loved my iPhone 16, but the Pixel 9a is tempting me with a flatter frame, a more confident keyboard, and a more affordable price. When you add in Google’s unique software toolkit and a price tag that won’t break the bank, Pixel has never looked so good.

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