Google Pixel 9a vs Xiaomi 16 Ultra
Compare Google Pixel 9a vs Xiaomi 16 Ultra side by side: Google Tensor G4 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, 48MP vs 50MP camera, 5000mAh vs 6200mAh…
Pixel 9a
$499
2categories won
Xiaomi
16 Ultra
$1,299
12categories won
2 categories tied · 16 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Xiaomi 16 Ultra takes the overall win
The Xiaomi 16 Ultra proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 9a, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the 16 Ultra leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the 16 Ultra. Choose the 16 Ultra if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 9a if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
16 Ultra takes battery honors offering 6,200 mAh alongside 120W charging.
16 Ultra provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and 24GB RAM.
16 Ultra takes photography with 50MP optics and 3.2x optical telephoto capabilities.
Pixel 9a provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $499 vs $1299.
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 9a vs 16 Ultra: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 9a | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.73" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424 | 1440 x 3200Winner |
| Pixel density | 422 ppi | 521 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 3600 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 9a | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 |
| Process node | 4 nm | — |
| AnTuTu score | 1,150,000 | — |
| Geekbench multi | 4600 | — |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 24 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 9a | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 4Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 3.2x |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 13 MP | 32 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps | — |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 9a | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,000 mAh | 6,200 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 18 W | 120 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 7.5 W | 80 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 9a | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 186 gWinner | 226 g |
| Thickness | 8.9 mm | 9.2 mm |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Build | 100% recycled aluminum frame, matte composite back | — |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 9a | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 15 | Android 17 |
| OS updates | 7 years | — |
| Security updates | 7 years | — |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 9a | 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | — |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $499Winner | $1,299 |
Google Pixel 9a
Google equips the Pixel 9a with the same Tensor G4 processor and Gemini Nano intelligence found on the $1,000 Pixel 9 Pro, paired with an enlarged 5000mAh battery and a completely flush camera visor.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G4
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
Xiaomi 16 Ultra
Equipped with a second-gen 1-inch LOFIC sensor with 15EV dynamic range, stepless physical f/1.6–f/4.0 aperture, a mammoth 200MP 1/1.4" periscope telephoto, 120W wired and 80W wireless charging, and 6,200 mAh capacity, the 16 Ultra is a DSLR in your pocket.
- Display
- 6.73"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 6,200mAh