Google’s A-series lineup of Pixel telephones tends to be controversial. It is a mid-cycle launch, which generally comes after the base-model Pixel is closely discounted, leaving a ton of characteristic overlap. This 12 months’s Google Pixel 9a is extra of the identical however with a twist. To seek out out whether or not the cash spent on the midrange Pixel 9a is healthier than the flagship Pixel 9, I examined each side-by-side for nearly two weeks.
For the primary time in latest reminiscence, the Pixel 9a has a totally completely different design than the bottom Pixel 9 — form of. The overall oval-shaped digital camera cutout continues to be current on the Pixel 9a, however the iconic Pixel 9 digital camera bar is gone. With this alteration, the Pixel 9a’s again is nearly utterly flat, however not all the best way.
Beginning with the nice, it is good that the Pixel 9a does not rock when it is on a flat floor. Regardless of being thicker than the Pixel 9, it does not really feel gargantuan within the hand. The system measures simply 154.7mm x 73.3mm x 8.9mm, which is simply 0.4mm thicker than the usual Pixel 9. That additional area provides 400mAh of battery capability, which seems like a worthy tradeoff.
It is also good that the nearly-flush digital camera lenses will assist the again change into utterly flat when paired with even the thinnest instances. I’ve discovered that the uncovered glass protecting, with out a digital camera bar to guard it, makes the Pixel 9a digital camera housing extra prone to scratching or amassing mud.
When it comes to supplies, the Pixel 9a’s matte plastic again does not really feel as satisfying because the one on the Pixel 8a, however that may very well be merely as a result of lack of curves. The panel is totally flat, just like the Pixel 9, embracing the oblong design language of 2025 smartphones. In comparison with the Pixel 9’s glass again, neither telephone feels inherently extra premium than the opposite.
With that being stated, the Pixel 9a seems to be bland and boring with out the instantly-recognizable Pixel digital camera bar. I have a look at the Pixel 9 and know instantly that it is a Google smartphone, and simply do not feel that very same familiarity with the Pixel 9a.
The shows are each excellent-quality 6.3-inch p-OLED panels, with the Pixel 9a having larger bezels than the usual Pixel 9. You may see the distinction when the telephones are subsequent to one another, however I by no means seen the bezels getting in the best way throughout each day use. Each units provide as much as 2,700 nits of peak brightness, and the identical decision, so this is not a motive to decide on one over the opposite.
Efficiency will shock you
Issues begin to get tough beneath the hood, with the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 sharing the identical Tensor G4 chip however with completely different reminiscence configurations. The upper-priced Pixel 9 will get 12GB of RAM, whereas the cheaper Pixel 9a solely will get 8GB. Because of this whereas the Pixel 9 can run the Gemini Nano XS mannequin, the Pixel 9a has the Gemini Nano XXS mannequin as a substitute.
In follow, the Pixel 9a lacks sure AI staples on day one, like Pixel Screenshots and Name Notes. Though the Pixel 9a will get the identical seven-year OS improve and have drop promise because the Pixel 9, it stands to motive that the previous will get fewer options over time attributable to {hardware} limitations.
|
Benchmark |
Google Pixel 9a (Tensor G4, 8GB RAM) |
Google Pixel 9 (Tensor G4, 12GB RAM) |
|---|---|---|
|
Geekbench 6 (single-core) |
1,728 |
1,722 |
|
Geekbench 6 (multi-core) |
4,443 |
4,360 |
The actually odd a part of that is the Pixel 9a’s benchmark scores. The Pixel 9a constantly beats the Pixel 9 in Geekbench 6 (belief me, I ran these a number of occasions to make sure). I am unable to work out why, contemplating the Pixel 9 has the identical chip and extra out there RAM, however can affirm that the Pixel 9a feels quick, easy, and dependable throughout each day use. There wasn’t any noticeable overheating both, regardless of testing within the Arizona desert.
How the cameras examine
The positives proceed because the Pixel 9a reverses a worrying development of Google telephones delivering images with inaccurate colours. I’ve a full assessment of the Pixel 9a digital camera system, however the quick model is that the brand new 48MP most important digital camera brings the midranger nearer consistent with flagship choices.
It provides options like Macro Focus, all whereas enhancing computational pictures and coloration science, as you possibly can see within the samples under.
Picture 1 of 7
Make no mistake, the Pixel 9’s 50MP most important sensor is considerably bigger in sensor measurement than the Pixel 9a’s digital camera. It additionally sports activities a 48MP ultrawide that can produce extra detailed pictures than the Pixel 9a’s 13MP ultrawide lens. Each cameras will carry out nice in daylight, however the Pixel 9 is the clear winner in nighttime pictures.
The Google Pixel 9 is one of the best for most individuals
For most individuals, the Google Pixel 9 is objectively the higher worth than the cheaper Pixel 9a. Whenever you look previous the $799 retail value on paper, you may notice that it is fairly straightforward to discover a Pixel 9 for under barely greater than the Pixel 9a. Each Amazon and Finest Purchase have the Pixel 9 discounted to $649 on the time of publishing, with the latter providing a $100 low cost in case you activate the telephone on the time of buy.
Sure, which means you may get a Pixel 9 — with extra reminiscence, a greater digital camera, and a greater display — for simply $50 greater than a Pixel 9a. It isn’t exhausting to get it for even much less in case you’re prepared to make the most of service contract offers (watch out of these) or trade-in promotions.
Apart from the value, I really feel far more assured that the Pixel 9 will get extra options and updates over its software program assist window than the Pixel 9a as a result of additional reminiscence. Past that, the slimmer bezels, glass again, digital camera bar, and higher show are simply bonuses. That is why I feel the Pixel 9 is the higher purchase for most individuals until you are particularly in search of a primary Android telephone with an extended battery life.
Google’s newest and best
The Google Pixel 9 is powered by the Tensor G4 chip and packs loads of AI smarts with the assistance of 12GB of reminiscence. Which means it’s going to run Gemini Nano XS now, and certain future updates for years to come back. Plus, you get a wonderful digital camera system and a premium design.
The Google Pixel 9a is for the no-nonsense fanatic
Initially, I used to be prepared to jot down off the Google Pixel 9a attributable to its debut limitations. With simply 8GB of RAM, it is not in a position to run the most recent Pixel-exclusive AI instruments on day one, not to mention future instruments that could be launched years down the highway. Nevertheless, I quickly realized that this may not solely be acceptable to potential Pixel 9a patrons — it may very well be preferable.
The Pixel 9a is decisively for the no-nonsense form of Android telephone person. It is made for the form of individual that can gladly take a conventionally-ugly smartphone with multi-day battery life. Or, the form of person who thinks having fewer AI options shoved on their telephone is a characteristic, not a bug. For these folks, who simply desire a primary and good Android telephone, there may not be one thing higher than the Pixel 9a.
Google’s 2025 midranger
The Google Pixel 9a is a pared-down model of the usual Pixel 9, with just a few calling playing cards of its personal — like the large battery and nearly-flat rear. On the within, you get the identical Tensor G4 processor as the remainder of the Pixel 9 collection and a brand new 48MP digital camera sensor.
