Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9a scores 6.4 in our rating, and the Google Pixel 9 scores 6.8. The Google Pixel 9a leads in value for money, while the Google Pixel 9 is ahead in performance, camera, battery and design. At launch in the US, the Google Pixel 9a cost $300 less ($499 vs $799). The Google Pixel 9a is the newer phone, announced Mar 19, 2025.
Key differences
Why choose the Google Pixel 9a
- Bigger battery 5,100 mAh vs 4,700 mAh
- Lower launch price $499 vs $799
- Newer model Mar 19, 2025 vs Aug 13, 2024
- Lighter 185.9 g vs 198 g
Why choose the Google Pixel 9
- Faster wired charging 27 W vs 23 W
- Faster wireless charging 15 W vs 7.5 W
- More RAM 12 GB vs 8 GB
- Thinner 8.5 mm vs 8.9 mm
- Satellite messaging
- Newer Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6E
PhoneRanked scores
Calculated from specs, relative to phones from the same year and price range. How we rate phones
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
Overall
6.4
6.8
Display
7.9
8.1
Performance
6.0
6.2
Camera
6.2
7.3
Battery
5.1
5.5
Design
8.0
8.6
Value for money
5.4
4.8
Display
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
Size
6.3 inches
6.3 inches
Type
OLED, Actua
OLED, Actua
Resolution
1080 × 2424 px
1080 × 2424 px
Pixel density
422 ppi
422 ppi
Refresh rate
120 Hz
120 Hz
Adaptive refresh
✕ No
✕ No
Peak brightness
2,700 nits
2,700 nits
Protection
Gorilla Glass 3
Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Performance
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
Process
4 nm
4 nm
Max CPU clock
3.1 GHz
3.1 GHz
GPU
Mali-G715 MP7
Mali-G715 MP7
RAM
8 GB
12 GB
Storage
128 GB / 256 GB
128 GB / 256 GB
Storage type
UFS 3.1
UFS 3.1
microSD slot
✕ No
✕ No
Cameras
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
Main camera
48 MP, f/1.7, 1/2"
50 MP, f/1.68, 1/1.31"
Optical stabilization
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Ultrawide
13 MP
48 MP
Rear cameras
2
2
Rear video
4K@60
4K@60
Front camera
13 MP
10.5 MP
Front video
4K@30
4K@60
Battery and charging
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
Capacity
5,100 mAh
4,700 mAh
Wired charging
23 W
27 W
Wireless charging
7.5 W
15 W
Reverse wireless
✕ No
✓ Yes
Charger in box
✕ No
✕ No
Design and build
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
Dimensions
154.7 × 73.3 × 8.9 mm
152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm
Thickness
8.9 mm
8.5 mm
Weight
185.9 g
198 g
Form factor
Bar
Bar
Frame
Aluminum
Aluminum
Back
Plastic
Glass
Water resistance
IP68
IP68
Fingerprint
Under-display optical
Under-display ultrasonic
3D face unlock
✕ No
✕ No
SIM
Nano-SIM + eSIM
Nano-SIM + eSIM
Colors
Iris, Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony
Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony
Connectivity and features
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
5G
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
USB
USB-C 3.x
USB-C 3.x
NFC
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
3.5 mm jack
✕ No
✕ No
Stereo speakers
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
Satellite
✕ No
✓ Yes
IR blaster
✕ No
✕ No
Software
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
OS at launch
Android 15
Android 14
Interface
Pixel UI
—
OS updates
7 years
7 years
Security updates
7 years
7 years
Launch and price
Spec
Google Pixel 9aGoogle Pixel 9
Announced
Mar 19, 2025
Aug 13, 2024
Released
Apr 10, 2025
Aug 22, 2024
Status
Released
Discontinued
US launch price
$499
$799
Green marks the stronger value in a row. Specs come from official manufacturer data, cross-checked with established tech media; each phone page lists its sources. Report an error
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