Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Compare Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Nothing Phone (3a) Pro side by side: Google Tensor G4 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, 50MP vs 50MP camera, 5060mAh vs 5400mAh…
Pixel 9 Pro XL
$1,099
7categories won

Nothing
Phone (3a) Pro
$429
6categories won
6 categories tied · 19 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro takes the overall win
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the Pixel 9 Pro XL leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the Phone (3a) Pro. Choose the Phone (3a) Pro if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 9 Pro XL if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
Phone (3a) Pro takes battery honors offering 5,400 mAh alongside 65W charging.
Both handsets deliver top-tier speed with Google Tensor G4 and smooth everyday multitasking.
Pixel 9 Pro XL wins photography with 50MP main imaging and 5x dedicated optical zoom.
Phone (3a) Pro wins on budget and value at $429 compared to $1099.
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 9 Pro XL vs Phone (3a) Pro: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.8" | 6.72" |
| Resolution | 1344 x 2992Winner | 1080 x 2412 |
| Pixel density | 486 ppi | — |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nitsWinner | 2000 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,320,000 | — |
| Geekbench multi | 4850 | — |
| Maximum RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Maximum storage | 1TBWinner | 512GB |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Optical zoom | 5xWinner | 2x |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 42 MPWinner | 32 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps (Video Boost), 4K at 60fps | — |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,060 mAh | 5,400 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 37 W | 65 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 23 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 221 g | 194 gWinner |
| Thickness | 8.5 mm | 8.4 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Polished aluminum frame, silky matte glass back | — |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | Android 16 |
| OS updates | 7 yearsWinner | 4 years |
| Security updates | 7 yearsWinner | 5 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Phone (3a) Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $1,099 | $429Winner |
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
With an exceptional 3000-nit Super Actua display, 16GB of RAM powering on-device Gemini AI, an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and industry-leading computational cameras, the Pixel 9 Pro XL represents Google’s hardware apex.
- Display
- 6.8"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G4
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,060mAh
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
Nothing refines its distinctive transparent vision by introducing 25W wireless charging, dedicated 2x portrait optics, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processing to the popular sub-flagship line.
- Display
- 6.72"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,400mAh