Google Pixel 9a Is Now Eligible for Android 16 Beta Programme

The Pixel 9a joins other handsets in Google's smartphone lineup which are eligible for the Android 16 Beta Programme.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 18 April 2025 13:51 IST

Google Pixel 9a Is Now Eligible for Android 16 Beta Programme

Google Pixel 9a will likely one of the first phones to receive Android 16

Highlights

Beta testers can now install Android 16 Beta 4 on Google Pixel 9a
The eligiblity list now includes phones from Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 models
Beta updates may affect device stability and thus, caution is advised

Google released the Android 16 Beta 4 update on Thursday with several fixes for several bugs in tow. However, it also brings crucial news for owners of the latest Google Pixel 9a. As per the Mountain View-based tech giant, the handset, which was launched on March 19, is now eligible for the Android 16 Beta Programme. This enables developers and beta testers who have the Pixel 9a to download the fourth Android 16 Beta on their phone and test out their applications before the operating system (OS) is widely made available.

Android 16 Beta 4 for the Pixel 9a

Google's release notes mention the Pixel 9a in the list of devices that are eligible to receive the latest Android 16 Beta 4 update. With its addition, the entire Pixel 9 lineup is said to be compatible with the beta version of the upcoming OS. The revised eligibility list of the Android Beta Programme is as follows:

Google Pixel 9 Series
Google Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 8 Series
Google Pixel Tablet
Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel 7 Series
Google Pixel 6 Series

If you've enrolled your Google Pixel 9a or other handsets in the lineup in the company's beta programme, you should automatically receive an over-the-air update. Updates are usually released in a phased approach and thus, may take a couple of days to be available to all beta testers. To check for the Android 16 Beta update, navigate to the Settings app > System > Software update > System update > Check for updates.

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Once installed, the device will reboot to complete the process.

Alternatively, Google also allows you to flash the factory image of the Android 16 Beta 4 on your Pixel. However, this is not a straightforward process and requires some expertise. It is to be noted that beta updates are severely less stable than standard software updates. They may have bugs or glitches that could hamper the device's usability. Thus, users must proceed with caution. Further, it is not advisable to install the beta update on the primary device.

Google Pixel 9a

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.30-inch

Processor Google Tensor G4

Front Camera 13-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 13-megapixel

RAM 8GB

Storage 256GB

Battery Capacity 5100mAh

OS Android 15

Resolution 1080x2424 pixels

More Google mobiles Google mobiles price in India

Google Pixel 9

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Flagship build and design
Excellent display
Great cameras
Good battery life
AI features are fun

Bad
Processor is still not great
Heats up
No longer compact

Read detailed Google Pixel 9 review

Display 6.30-inch

Front Camera 10.5-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 12GB

Storage 256GB

Battery Capacity 4700mAh

OS Android 14

Resolution 1080x2424 pixels

More Google mobiles Google mobiles price in India

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Further reading: Google Pixel 9a, Android 16, Android 16 Beta, Android 16 Beta 4, Google, Pixel

Shaurya Tomer

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Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More