Pixel 8a
Pixel 9a
🏆 Verdict
Pixel 9a is the better pick overall by 6.4 points, leading in Battery, Build & durability and Performance. Pixel 8a remains a strong contender elsewhere.
By category
Performance
Pixel 9a is faster with the Google Tensor G4 (performance index 66 vs 58). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use.
Camera
Pixel 8a's main camera is 64 MP vs 48 MP. More pixels help cropping and digital zoom, but final quality depends on sensor size and processing.
Battery
Pixel 9a's battery is 608 mAh larger (5,100 vs 4,492 mAh), about 14% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Charging speeds are similar.
Display
Pixel 9a has the larger screen (6.3" vs 6.1"). Pixel 9a's screen gets brighter (2,700 vs 2,000 nits), which shows outdoors.
Build & durability
Pixel 9a is rated IP68 vs IP67 on the other.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (7 years).
Specifications
| Pixel 8a | Pixel 9a | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Tensor G3 | Chipset | Google Tensor G4 |
| 8 GB | RAM | 8 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 | 48 MP |
| 13 MP | Ultrawide | 13 MP |
| None | Telephoto | None |
| 13 MP | Front camera | 13 MP |
| 4,492 mAh | Battery | 5,100 mAh |
| 18 W | Wired charging | 23 W |
| 7.5 W | Wireless charging | 7.5 W |
| IP67 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 188 g | Weight | 186 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 7 years |
| $499 | Launch price | $499 |
| 2024-05 | Released | 2025-04 |
Pixel 8a
Cons
- Slower chip
- No optical telephoto
- Smaller battery
- Dimmer screen
Pixel 9a
Pros
- Faster chip (Google Tensor G4)
- 5,100 mAh battery
- 2,700 nits peak
- IP68 rated
Cons
- No optical telephoto
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.