The Google Pixel 9a is now available, and you can get it for just €549. It’s the budget version of the base model in the main series, with a few tweaks that help lower its price. However, this time around, there’s one aspect that varies greatly: the price.
In case you don’t remember, the Pixel 9 started at €899, so the Pixel 9a has €350 to its advantage. Is there a catch with Google’s new affordable device? Let’s find out, and the best way to do it is by comparing the Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 9 to determine which is the better buy .
Comparison of specifications: Google Pixel 9a vs. Google Pixel 9
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Specs
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Google Pixel 9a
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Google Pixel 9
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|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and weight | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm. 186 grams. |
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm. 198 grams. |
| Screen | 6.3″ Full HD+ (2424 x 1080 pixels) with P-OLED panel, refresh rate up to 120 Hz, brightness up to 2700 nits, HDR10+ and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. | 6.3″ Full HD+ (2424 x 1080 pixels) with an actual OLED panel, refresh rate up to 120 Hz, brightness up to 2700 nits, HDR10+, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 with Mali-G715 MP7 graphics + Titan M2 security chip. | |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X. | 12GB LPDDR5X. |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1. | |
| Rear Camera | 48MP main camera with ƒ/1.68, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, and macro mode. 13MP ultra-wide camera with ƒ/2.2 and a 120° field of view. LED flash and 4K recording at 60 FPS. |
50MP main camera with ƒ/1.68, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, and macro mode. 48MP ultra-wide camera with ƒ/1.7, 123° field of view, and Dual Pixel PDAF. LED flash, Laser AF, and 4K recording at 60 FPS. |
| Front Camera | 13 MP with ƒ/2.2 and 96.1º field of view. | 10.5 MP with ƒ/2.2 and 95º field of view. |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, WiFi 6E (Pixel 9A) / WiFi 7 (Pixel 9), Dual SIM 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS, GNSS, NavlC, NFC, Google Cast, under-screen fingerprint reader, 2D facial recognition, stereo speakers, SOS satellite connection (Pixel 9) and IP68 protection against dust and water. | |
| Battery | 5100 mAh with 23W fast charging and 7.5W wireless charging. | 4700 mAh with 27W fast charging and up to 15W wireless charging (with Google Stand). |
| Operating system | Android 15 with seven years of guaranteed updates. | Android 14 with seven years of guaranteed updates. |
| Price | From €549 (launch). | From €899 (launch). |
Design is the Pixel 9a’s worst enemy, although its screen is not bad at all compared to the Pixel 9
For several generations, the Pixel A has tended to be very similar to the standard version. However, the Pixel 9a stands out more from the Pixel 9, while still retaining its essence. This is largely influenced by the price difference, but is it that significant? Let’s take a look:
- Design (aesthetics): This is probably the Pixel 9a’s weakest point, as Google took minimalism to the extreme and went overboard. The 9a’s aesthetic is too lacking in personality (and the Pixel 9 isn’t perfect).
- Design (build quality): The 9a continues to rely on a plastic back, while the 9 uses glass. A similar story goes for the display protection, which is Gorilla Glass 3 on the Pixel 9a and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the Pixel 9. However, the Pixel 9a is lighter (186g vs. 198g) and maintains IP68 protection.
- Display: They have exactly the same specs, including a 6.3-inch size, Full HD+ resolution, 2700 nits peak brightness, and up to 120Hz variable refresh rate. However, the Pixel 9a’s panel is P-OLED, whose image quality is slightly inferior to the Pixel 9’s actual OLED.
Same performance and more modest cameras, although the Pixel 9a has a better battery
- Performance: Both phones use the same Tensor G4 chip, so there shouldn’t be much difference in power. However, the Pixel 9 benefits from its 12GB of RAM when multitasking.
- Operating system: Both are compatible with Android 15 and are guaranteed seven years of updates. However, the Pixel 9 has already used up one of those years because it launched with Android 14.
- Cameras: The Pixel 9a’s sensors are smaller than those of the Pixel 9, going from 50 MP + 48 MP to 48 MP + 13 MP. Don’t expect bad photos, though, because we all know Google can do wonders.
- Battery: Perhaps the Pixel 9a’s only strong point, as it has a 5,100 mAh capacity. That’s 400 mAh more than the Pixel 9’s 4,700 mAh, which will make a difference.
- Charging system: The Pixel 9a has 23W fast charging versus 27W on its sibling. The same goes for wireless charging, which is only 7.5W, instead of the 15W on the Pixel 9 (with Google Stand).
- Connectivity: Very similar overall, although there are a couple of differences. The first is that the Pixel 9a has Wi-Fi 6E instead of 7, and the second is that it doesn’t have an emergency satellite connection.
Google Pixel 9a vs. Google Pixel 9: Conclusions and which one should you buy?
As you’ve seen throughout this comparison, the Pixel 9a is further removed from the Pixel 9 than other generations, although it’s still a very good device. However, what will truly define our recommendation will be the price.
Considering the official launch prices (€549 vs. €899), the Pixel 9a has a lot going for it. It’s €350 less, a difference that more than makes up for its hardware cutbacks. However, this isn’t the reality today.
At the time of writing, the Pixel 9 is available on Amazon for €649. That’s only €100 more than the Pixel 9a , but you get all the same: better design and build quality, a higher-quality display, 4GB of extra RAM, better cameras, more charging power, and even better connectivity. All in all, for just €100 more, the Pixel 9 is a much smarter buy.
