Spigen’s Pixel 9a Teardown Case Makes The Boring Budget Android Phone Look Classy

After pretty much haphazardly launching the phone because unboxing videos leaked prematurely online, the Pixel 9a is finally here and let’s just say – it’s exactly what we expected. The 9a lands at a glorious $499 price tag, undercutting the iPhone 16E by a cool hundred bucks, although it does make one very visible compromise – the back now comes without the classic Pixel camera bumper.

In order to really differentiate the budget-friendly A series from the flagship series, Google decided to ditch the camera bump for a more flat, flushed design. The result is a phone that’s marginally thicker (rather than being thin with an exaggerated camera bump), but it’s not really a compromise if you think about the fact that the thicker phone also has a much larger battery as a result! However, the Pixel 9a is more of a performance phone than a flaunter phone, which means it almost certainly needs a personality upgrade – something that Spigen does all too well.

Designer: Spigen

With its gorgeous teardown-inspired aesthetic, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid Zero One case leans heavily into the transparent design trend that’s become all the rage these days. The case’s semi-transparent backplate, printed with an intricate circuit-board-style design, creates the illusion that you’re peering into the phone’s internals—without actually having to tear it apart. It’s a throwback to the classic teardown aesthetics that once made devices like the transparent Game Boy Color and iMac G3 so iconic. Except here, Spigen isn’t just aiming for nostalgia; it’s giving the Pixel 9a a much-needed visual identity.

The case itself is built from a mix of polycarbonate and TPU, giving it a solid feel while maintaining a slim profile. It doesn’t add unnecessary bulk, which is crucial for a phone that’s already on the thicker side. Spigen’s Air Cushion technology reinforces the corners, absorbing impact from accidental drops, while raised bezels around the screen and camera help prevent scratches from everyday use. The real standout feature, however, is its MagFit compatibility, meaning the case works seamlessly with MagSafe accessories. Google’s Pixel lineup has never officially embraced MagSafe, but Spigen’s solution bridges that gap, allowing Pixel 9a users to snap on magnetic chargers, wallets, and stands just like iPhone users do. Yes, the 9a has wireless charging! And yes, I’m just as surprised as you are.

And while most transparent cases are notorious for turning yellow in months, Spigen’s specially treated polymer never changes color with age. The transparent material doesn’t yellow over time like cheap clear cases, keeping the design crisp and clean. The print is fairly durable too, which means it won’t scratch out or wear down with time. I’d know, I have the Ultra Hybrid case for the iPhone 15 Pro and it’s served me loyally without showing any signs of wear or tear. It’s also kept my phone pristine on the inside, which means after a year or two, I’ll still get great exchange value on my old phone.

For $44.99, it’s a bit on the pricier side for a case, especially when you’re already buying a phone that’s meant to be budget-friendly. But considering it enhances both the Pixel 9a’s aesthetics and functionality, it’s an investment in both fashion and function. Google’s decision to flatten out the camera bump may have made the 9a feel a little too plain, but Spigen steps in to fill that void with a case that shows that even boring phones can look incredibly sexy when they reveal what’s within!

The post Spigen’s Pixel 9a Teardown Case Makes The Boring Budget Android Phone Look Classy first appeared on Yanko Design.