Pixel 8a
Pixel 9
🏆 Verdict
Pixel 9 is the better pick overall by 7.1 points, leading in Performance, Build & durability and Charging. Pixel 8a remains a strong contender elsewhere.
Pixel 8a offers more for the money ($499 vs $799 at launch).
By category
Performance
Pixel 9 is faster with the Google Tensor G4 (performance index 70 vs 58). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use. Pixel 9 has more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Pixel 8a's main camera is 64 MP vs 50 MP. More pixels help cropping and digital zoom, but final quality depends on sensor size and processing. Pixel 8a has the higher-resolution selfie camera (13 MP vs 10.5 MP).
Battery
Pixel 9's battery is 208 mAh larger (4,700 vs 4,492 mAh), about 5% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Charging speeds are similar.
Display
Pixel 9 has the larger screen (6.3" vs 6.1"). Pixel 9's screen gets brighter (2,700 vs 2,000 nits), which shows outdoors.
Build & durability
Pixel 9 is rated IP68 vs IP67 on the other.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (7 years).
Specifications
| Pixel 8a | Pixel 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Tensor G3 | Chipset | Google Tensor G4 |
| 8 GB | RAM | 12 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB | Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| 6.1" OLED | Display | 6.3" OLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2400×1080 (431 ppi) | Resolution | 2424×1080 (421 ppi) |
| 2,000 nits | Peak brightness | 2,700 nits |
| 64 MP | Main camera | 50 MP |
| 13 MP | Ultrawide | 48 MP |
| None | Telephoto | None |
| 13 MP | Front camera | 10.5 MP |
| 4,492 mAh | Battery | 4,700 mAh |
| 18 W | Wired charging | 27 W |
| 7.5 W | Wireless charging | 15 W |
| IP67 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 188 g | Weight | 198 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 7 years |
| $499 | Launch price | $799 |
| 2024-05 | Released | 2024-08 |
Pixel 8a
Pros
- Lower price ($499)
Cons
- Slower chip
- No optical telephoto
- Dimmer screen
Pixel 9
Pros
- Faster chip (Google Tensor G4)
- 12 GB RAM
- 2,700 nits peak
- IP68 rated
Cons
- No optical telephoto
- Pricier ($799)
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.