The Pixel 9a features a matte finish on its back, which is a sandblasted metal panel. This finish contributes to the phone's durability in several ways:
1. Grip and Handling: The matte finish provides a better grip compared to glossy surfaces, reducing the likelihood of the phone slipping out of your hands. This is particularly beneficial in preventing accidental drops, which are a common cause of damage to smartphones[5].
2. Scratch Resistance: Matte finishes generally hide minor scratches and scuffs more effectively than glossy surfaces. This means that even if the Pixel 9a does get scratched, the matte finish will help conceal these imperfections, maintaining the phone's appearance over time[4].
3. Fingerprint Resistance: Unlike glossy surfaces, matte finishes tend to accumulate fewer fingerprints, which can make the phone look cleaner and require less frequent cleaning[4].
4. Overall Build Quality: The Pixel 9a's design, including its matte finish, is part of a build that is designed to be durable. The phone also features IP68 water and dust resistance, similar to other models in the Pixel 9 series, ensuring it can withstand exposure to water and dust to a certain extent[5][6].
5. Material Use: While the specific materials used for the matte finish on the Pixel 9a are not detailed as being recycled, the phone's overall design emphasizes comfort and durability. The use of a metal back with a matte finish adds to its robust feel and handling[5].
In summary, the matte finish on the Pixel 9a enhances its durability by providing a better grip, hiding minor scratches, resisting fingerprints, and contributing to an overall durable build quality.
Citations:
[1] https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-9-design-love-hate/
[2] https://9to5google.com/2024/05/02/google-pixel-8a-matte-recycled-leak/
[3] https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_9-review-2739p2.php
[4] https://9to5google.com/2024/07/19/are-glossy-side-rails-the-right-choice-for-the-pixel-9-pro-poll/
[5] https://www.pcmag.com/news/i-took-the-499-google-pixel-9a-for-a-spin-heres-what-i-like-most
[6] https://www.androidpolice.com/google-pixel-9-durability/
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1hpyyng/the_pixel_9_series_has_a_more_durable_design/
[8] https://fi.google.com/about/phones/pixel-9a