Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 9
Compare Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 9 side by side: Google Tensor G3 vs Google Tensor G4, 64MP vs 50MP camera, 4492mAh vs 4700mAh battery, $499 vs $799…
Pixel 8a
$499
5categories won
Pixel 9
$799
10categories won
6 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Google Pixel 9 takes the overall win
The Google Pixel 9 proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 8a, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the Pixel 8a leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the Pixel 9. Choose the Pixel 9 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 8a if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Pixel 9 takes battery honors offering 4,700 mAh alongside 27W charging.
Pixel 9 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Google Tensor G4 and 12GB RAM.
Pixel 8a wins photography with 64MP main imaging.
Pixel 8a provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $499 vs $799.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Pixel 8a vs Pixel 9: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.3" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2424Winner |
| Pixel density | 431 ppi | 422 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 2700 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G4 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,050,000 | 1,290,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 4310 | 4760Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 12 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 256GB |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 64 MPWinner | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 48 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 13 MPWinner | 10.5 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,492 mAh | 4,700 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 18 W | 27 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 7.5 W | 15 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 188 gWinner | 198 g |
| Thickness | 8.9 mm | 8.5 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Build | Matte aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 front, matte composite plastic back | Satin metal frame, polished back glass |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 14 | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 8 yearsWinner | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $499Winner | $799 |
Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a brings flagship Tensor G3 silicon, a 120Hz 2000-nit Actua OLED display, AI photo editing suite, and 7 years of full OS updates to the sub-$500 category.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G3
- Main camera
- 64MP
- Battery
- 4,492mAh
Google Pixel 9
Upgraded with 12GB of RAM for seamless on-device Gemini AI, an upgraded 48MP macro ultrawide lens, ultrasonic fingerprint unlocking, and a 2700-nit Actua display, the Pixel 9 is Google’s most refined entry flagship yet.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G4
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,700mAh