Google's $499 budget phone shares many similarities with the pricier baseline Pixel 9. Here's what you'll get -- and what you won't -- for that lower price.

Google's finally taken the wraps off the Pixel 9a, its next midrange smartphone. On paper, it looks like a hell of a bargain: for $500, you get a Tensor G4 chipset, a comparatively huge 5,100 mAh battery, and a quality plastic and aluminum build.

The Google Pixel 9a looks like a really solid budget Android phone. However, waiting for the Pixel 10a might be worth it. Here's why.