Google Pixel 9a launched globally and in India last week. The new device is Google’s ‘affordable’ alternative to the flagship Pixel 9 lineup. It’s available at a cheaper price but share quite a lot of specifications with the more expensive models. The Pixel 9a sits just below the Pixel 9 in terms of pricing. But how different are the two phones?
In this article, we’ll compare the Pixel 9a with the Pixel 9 based on their specifications and features.
Table of Contents
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: price in India
Google Pixel 9a launched in India at Rs 49,999. It comes in a single 8+256GB variant. The Pixel 9, on the other hand, launched at Rs 79,999 but it’s currently available at Rs 74,999 on Flipkart. Google has delayed the Pixel 9a’s availability until April due to component quality issues.
| Variant | Google Pixel 9a price | Google Pixel 9 price |
| 8+256GB | Rs 49,999 | NA |
| 12+256GB | NA | Rs 74,999 (currently) |
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: design, display
The Pixel 9a continues with the Pixel 9 design philosophy but offers a major and welcoming change. The large and portruding camera bar is no longer there and instead you get a flat design with the Pixel 9a. This gives the phone a cleaner and a more ergonomic design comapred to the Pixel 9.
Both phones have the same display expect for the durability, which is better on the Pixel 9. The latter also has Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, while the 9a comes in a plastic back panel.
| Specs | Google Pixel 9a | Google Pixel 9 |
| Display | 6.3 inch Actua OLED display (1080 x 2424), 120 Hz refresh rate, 1,800 nits HDR and 2,700 nits peak brightness, HDR support | 6.3 inch Actua OLED display (1080 x 2424), 120 Hz refresh rate, 1,800 nits HDR and 2,700 nits peak brightness, HDR support |
| Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, IP68 rating | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front and back), IP68 rating |
| Colours | Iris, Porcelain, Obsidian | Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, Obsidian |
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: processor
Both phones are powered by the in-house Tensor G4 chipset. This means that you can expect a similar performance from both phones. However, the Pixel 9 has more RAM than the Pixel 9a, and this could give the former more edge over the latter in handling tasks. You can check out our Google Pixel 9 review to get an idea of its performance.
| Specs | Google Pixel 9a | Google Pixel 9 |
| Chipset | Tensor G4 | Tensor G4 |
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: cameras
The Google Pixel 9a has a dual-camera setup like the Pixel 9 but with slightly inferior sensors. The front camera is an upgrade though and you get the same ‘Super Res Zoom’ like the Pixel 9. Since Google’s phones are known for photography, you should get a good camera performance from the Pixel 9a. It also comes with the same AI editing features and tools like the flagship lineup.
| Specs | Google Pixel 9a | Google Pixel 9 |
| Rear cameras | 48MP wide, 13 MP ultra-wide | 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 10.5 MP |
| Zoom | Super Res Zoom up to 8x, optical quality at 0.5, 1x | Super Res Zoom up to 8x, optical quality at 0.5x, 1x and 2x |
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: battery, charging
The Pixel 9a has a bigger battery than not just the Pixel 9 but the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL as well. It’s the biggest on a Pixel yet. This means that you would get a longer battery life than the Pixel 9. Charging speed is however slightly slower on the Pixel 9a.
| Specs | Google Pixel 9a | Google Pixel 9 |
| Battery | 5,100 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 23W wired, 7.5W wireless | 27W wired, 7.5W wireless |
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: software
This is one area where you get the same benefits with both the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9. They ship with the latest Android 15 (clean UI) and will get 7 years of OS and software updates.
| Specs | Google Pixel 9a | Google Pixel 9 |
| Android version | Android 15 | Android 15 |
| No. of updates | 7 years OS, software updates | 7 years OS, software updates |
Verdict
Based on just the specifications, the Pixel 9a stands quite strong against its older sibling. You get the same display and software, bigger battery, and better selfie camera with the Pixel 9a. The compromises would be on build quality, cameras, and faster charging. Otherwise, the Pixel 9a can still be a good alternative over the Pixel 9.
