Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 9: What’s the Difference?

The Pixel 9a is Google’s latest addition to its popular smartphone lineup, sporting a lower price tag than the standard Pixel 9, but many of the same great features. For those looking for an inexpensive way to get some of the best smartphone technology Google has to offer, the Pixel 9a is an attractive option. 

In this article, we’ll compare the Pixel 9a with the Pixel 9 according to their sticker prices, specs, designs, cameras, software, and performance. We’ll also explain how the Pixel 9a stacks up against midrange devices from other popular smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Nothing Technology. 

Read on as we look into the Google Pixel 9a vs. the Pixel 9.

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Pixel 9a vs 9: Price and Storage

Price is one of the biggest differences between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9. 

The Pixel 9a starts at $499 for 128GB of storage, while the base price for the Pixel 9 is $799 for the same amount. Both phones also offer 256GB models, priced at $599 for the Pixel 9a and $899 for the Pixel 9, which means there’s a $300 price gap regardless of which storage option you choose. 

If you’re looking for a reliable, well-rounded smartphone for a comparatively lower price, the Pixel 9a is the easy pick.

Pixel 9a vs 9: Design

At first glance, the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 look very similar. Both have flat edges, rounded corners, and the same 6.3-inch OLED display. 

But flip the phones over, and you’ll spot one of the biggest visual differences: the rear camera setup. The Pixel 9a features a compact, rectangular camera housing, while the Pixel 9 has a large camera bar that spans the entire width of the phone — a design some users might find a bit oversized.

There are also some key technical differences between the two camera systems, which we’ll cover later in the article.

When it comes to size, the Pixel 9a is slightly taller and wider than the Pixel 9—but also noticeably lighter, weighing 12 grams less. That lighter build might be a plus for users who want a phone that feels more compact and easier to carry around, especially for one-handed use or slipping into tighter pockets.

That said, the Pixel 9 is designed with higher-end materials, and it features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back. The Pixel 9a, by comparison, uses slightly less durable Gorilla Glass 3 and a plastic back panel. If you care about having a more premium, durable feel — something that can better handle everyday wear and tear — the Pixel 9 may be the better choice.

Pixel 9a vs 9: Display

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a share the same display: a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a 60-120Hz refresh rate and 2,700 nits of peak brightness. 

Whether you pick the Pixel 9 or the 9a, you’ll be getting a bright and vibrant screen with smooth scrolling. Both displays will look great in just about any situation. That said, neither match the peak brightness level of the Pixel 9 Pro, which tops 3000 nits. 

Pixel 9a vs 9: Camera 

The biggest difference between the Pixel 9 and 9a are their respective camera setups. 

As we mentioned, the Pixel 9a features a smaller, pill-shaped camera module. The Pixel 9, on the other hand, sports a more traditional horizontal camera bar on the back, familiar to any Android user.

The budget-friendly Pixel 9a comes with a 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP front-facing camera. It’s a solid setup, and in good lighting conditions, should perform really well.

The Pixel 9 steps things up with a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide, although its selfie camera is only 10.5MP. The Pixel 9 also offers more flexibility with video than the 9a, including the ability to shoot at 4K with higher frame rates and improved slow-motion options.

If taking high-quality photos and videos is important for you, the Pixel 9 is the better pick. But for casual users, the 9a’s camera will be more than enough for most situations. 

However, if you want the best camera in the Pixel 9 lineup, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is one of our top phones for video recording. 

Pixel 9a vs 9: Performance 

Processor

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a are both powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which means they should perform almost identically during everyday use. Whether you’re scrolling through social media apps, playing mobile games, or recording video, both phones should handle normal actions smoothly and with ease.

Memory

The Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM, while the Pixel 9a has 8GB. In most cases, the difference won’t be very noticeable. But for heavy users who tend to run multiple apps at the same time or rely on their smartphone for photo editing, video editing, or long gaming sessions, the extra memory on the Pixel 9 will prove valuable.

Cellular Network Connectivity

The Pixel 9 also supports the latest 5G and Wi-Fi technology (mmWave 5G and Wi-Fi 7), while the 9a uses slightly older versions (sub-6GHz 5G and Wi-Fi 6E). 

That means the Pixel 9 can connect to the fastest types of 5G and Wi-Fi, which will give you fast downloads and smooth streaming, provided you have a stable connection. The Pixel 9a will still be fast, but not as fast as the Pixel 9 in peak situations. 

So, if having the best internet speeds is a priority for you, the Pixel 9 is the better choice, especially if you require the extra RAM for demanding tasks.  

Pixel 9a vs 9: Software and AI

The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a also come with Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, but the features you get depend on the model. 

Gemini can help with tasks such as summarizing phone calls, transcribing audio, editing photos, and even making screenshots stored on your phone easier to find. The Pixel 9, with 12GB of RAM, can handle the full version of Gemini and gives you access to tools like Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes. 

The Pixel 9a, with 8GB of RAM, runs a simplified version of Gemini (Nano XXS) that skips more advanced tools but still includes features such as Magic Editor for photos and AI-generated transcripts in the Recorder app.

Pixel 9a vs 9: Battery and Charging

Despite being the budget option, the Pixel 9a features a 5,100mAh battery, the largest one Google has ever put in one of its smartphones. The Pixel 9’s battery clocks in at 4,700mAh. This means you’ll get longer battery life on the 9a, which is great for people who are constantly on the move.

But charging speeds are where the Pixel 9 has an advantage. The 9 offers faster 27W wired and 15W wireless charging, and this versatility is one of the reasons we listed it among our top phones for live-streaming. The 9a supports 23W wired and only 7.5W wireless. 

In sum, the 9a’s battery lasts longer, but the Pixel 9 will charge up in a shorter amount of time.

Google Pixel 9a vs. Other Midrange Phones

The Android market is as crowded as ever with midrange options costing anywhere between $300 and $700. So, how does the Pixel 9a compare

The closest analogues to the Pixel 9a include the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the Nothing Phone (3a). Let’s look at how the Pixel 9a stands up against those devices.  

The Galaxy S24 FE, released in late 2024, features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephone rear camera setup — all for around $650, depending on the configuration. It’s one of the most affordable smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy line. 

On top of that, it also features Galaxy AI, Samsung’s suite of artificial intelligence features aimed at boosting productivity and creativity.

For those looking to spend less, the Nothing Phone (3a) starts at $379, making it one of the most affordable Android phones available. 

Its triple camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 50MP telephoto lens — impressive specs for the price point, though its software lacks the AI tools found in Google or Samsung phones.

In comparison, the Pixel 9a offers a solid combination of both software and hardware features, while coming in at a competitive price in the midrange phone category. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re after solid performance while keeping more money in your pocket, the Pixel 9a is a great choice. You get almost everything the Pixel 9 offers, including the same processor and display, along with a solid camera system, all for $300 less. 

But if you’re after something that has a more premium feel and advancements, the Pixel 9 has a stronger build than the 9a, extra RAM, more AI features, faster charging capabilities, and more advanced camera options.

Of course, trade-in deals and promotions can improve the prices for either phone, and if you're thinking about upgrading your current device to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9a, or even the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Navi can help. 

We keep a running list of the best Pixel 9 deals on our site so you’ll always know the best offers currently available at the major carriers. We also recommend trying our free, unbiased Phone Deal Finder below to quickly find the Pixel deals you qualify for based on your trade-in device and other preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better, Pixel 9 or 9a?

Choosing between the Pixel 9 and 9a really depends on what you care about most. For $300 more, the Pixel 9 offers a more premium build, improved cameras, and faster charging. The Pixel 9a offers similar performance, a bigger battery, and other features, making it a deal for many shoppers.

Are the Pixel 9 and 9a waterproof?

No, the Pixel 9 and 9a are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant with an IP68 rating. That means they can handle being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.

How long will the Pixel 9 and 9a be supported?

Both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a will be supported for seven years, which will bring Android updates, security patches, and feature drops through 2031 for the Pixel 9 and 2032 for the Pixel 9a.

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