How the 2 mid-rangers stack up

The newcomer

Pixel 9a

Google’s mid-range Pixel 9a gives spectacular high-end options like a 48-megapixel important shooter, a 13-megapixel ultrawide digicam with macro, its Tensor G4 chip, and 8GB of RAM, all in a cheap $500 bundle.
Final yr’s mid-ranger

Pixel 8a

Google’s newest midranger handset, with a 6.1-inch show, a 64-megapixel important digicam, 8GB of RAM, and the Tensor G3 chip first discovered on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional smartphones.

After a whirlwind of leaks and rumors, Google has finally taken the wraps off its newest mid-range Android cellphone, the Pixel 9a. Serving as a direct sequel to final yr’s glorious Pixel 8a, the 9a employs the identical primary method as its predecessor.

This is a breakdown of all the key variations between the 2 mid-range Google Pixel handsets, together with particulars on specs, pricing, availability, design, and extra.

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Value, specs, and availability

Stable year-over-year upgrades

	Google Pixel 9a	Google Pixel 8a
Model	Google	Google
Show	1080 x 2424 pixel decision pOLED, (422.2ppi), 60-120Hz variable refre4sh price, 1,800 nits (HDR), 2,700 nits (peak brightness)	1080×2400 OLED at 430 PPI, as much as 120Hz, 1400 nits (HDR), 2000 nits (peak brightness)
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	28GB, 256GB
Battery	5,100mAh	24+ hour, as much as 72-hour with excessive battery saver
Ports	USB-C	USB Kind-C® 3.2
Working System	Android	Android 14, 7 years of OS assist
Entrance digicam	f/2.2 13-megapixel	13 MP
Rear digicam	f1.7 48-megapixel huge, f/2.2 13-megapixel ultrawide	64 MP Quad PD huge digicam
Dimensions	6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4-inches (154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm)	6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches
Colours	Iris, peony, porcelain, obsidian	Aloe, Bay, Porcelain, Obsidian
Weight	6.6oz (185.9g)	6.6 oz

The Google Pixel 8a launched Might 14, 2024, at a base asking value of $500. The mid-range cellphone is available in obsidian, porcelain, bay and aloe colorways, and ships in two configurations: a 128GB storage variant, and a dearer 256GB variant.

With this yr’s Pixel 9a, Google hasn’t modified a lot when it comes to pricing construction. The gadget prices the identical base $500 as its predecessor, and is available in each 128GB and 256GB storage choices. The 9a could be bought in a selection of obsidian, porcelain, iris, or peony colorways.

With this yr’s Pixel 9a, Google hasn’t modified a lot when it comes to pricing construction.

Within the US, the Pixel 9a shall be out there someday in early April. Google has confirmed the existence of a “part high quality situation” which is resulting in some delays in shipping and availability of the product.

Google Pixel 9a on blue/purple background.

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Design and construct

This one comes down to private choice

When it comes to bodily construct, the Pixel 8a and 9a each share a standard Google design heritage. The newer 9a takes inspiration from the high-end Pixel 9 collection with its boxier aesthetic, however its new rear digicam module lacks the signature digicam bar we have come to know and love on different Pixel gadgets, together with on the 8a.

…the 9a’s new digicam bump would not protrude.

On a brighter word, the 9a’s new digicam bump would not protrude, which is a stark distinction from the 8a’s large-and-in-charge module. As all the time, design choice right here shall be a matter of private choice.

Each gadgets use plastic and aluminum as their main chassis supplies, and each are related in footprint: the newer 9a has a really barely bigger 6.3-inch show in contrast with the 8a’s 6.1-inch panel.

8:28

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Show

The newer mannequin gives barely extra display screen actual property

Talking of show, the underlying display screen expertise utilized in each Pixel a telephones is analogous. Each the 9a and the 8a use OLED panels, and each are able to refreshing at a zippy 120Hz refresh price.

Show decision stays broadly an identical throughout each fashions, at 1080 x 2424 and 1080 x 2400 pixel decision for the 9a and the 8a, respectively. The newer cellphone’s display screen is able to a peak brightness of two,700 nits, which is a marked enchancment over the 8a’s peak of two,000 nits.

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Internals

Each fashions get the fundamentals proper

Pixel 8a at the beach with purple background

The Pixel 9a options Google’s newest ARM-based processor, the in-house Tensor G4. By comparability, final yr’s Pixel 8a ships with the older Tensor G3 chipset. Each telephones function the identical 8GB of RAM, making for an honest mid-range providing throughout each items.

Each gadgets embody under-display optical fingerprint sensors, stereo audio system, and Qi wi-fi charging assist. The 9a is licensed for water and dirt resistance on the IP68 stage, in comparison with the 8a’s IP67.

Neither gadget is a powerhouse by any means, however at $500, there’s little to complain about within the {hardware} division.

iPhone 17 Pro concept render from asherdipps

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Cameras

An identical setup, at the very least on paper

Each the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9a function twin rear-facing digicam setups: one important wide-angle shooter, and one supplementary ultra-wide sensor. Optics are related throughout the 2 fashions, and far of the distinction in photographic output will come right down to Google’s computational algorithms, colour science tech, and different software-based optimizations.

Neither of the fashions are flagship-level when it comes to providing the latest-and-greatest digicam {hardware}, however Google has a superb observe document on the subject of making probably the most out of unimpressive optics.

Hands holding a Pixel 9 Pro Fold over a background of dollar signs.

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Verdict: How do the 2 Google Pixel a collection telephones stack up to one another?

With no value enhance this yr, the newer Pixel 9a is the way in which to go — except you will discover a superb deal on a Pixel 8a

With Google’s determination to keep up a $500 base asking value for this yr’s Pixel a collection providing, the 9a appears to be a reasonably solid value overall. It options the identical Tensor G4 chipset as its dearer siblings, has extra cameras and a sooner show panel than its Apple iPhone 16e mid-range counterpart, and shall be supported with a full seven years of Android OS function updates.

A wonderful mid-range cellphone

Pixel 9a

Google’s mid-range Pixel 9a gives spectacular high-end options like a 48-megapixel important shooter, a 13-megapixel ultrawide digicam with macro, its Tensor G4 chip, and 8GB of RAM, all in a cheap $500 bundle.

If, nevertheless, you may rating your self a great low cost on final yr’s Pixel 8a, you then’ll nonetheless be in for a reasonably nice cellphone expertise throughout, and you will be benefiting from much more bang in your buck. The 8a will nonetheless be receiving software program assist for years into the longer term, and the {hardware} bundle is well-rounded.

Nonetheless a strong selection general

Pixel 8a

The Pixel 8a is a mid-ranger Google handset, with a 6.1-inch show, a 64-megapixel important digicam, 8GB of RAM, and the Tensor G3 chip first discovered on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional smartphones.

If you happen to’re considering of selecting up a Pixel 9a, you then’ll have to attend just a bit bit longer — Google is within the technique of finding out the part high quality situation that it is recognized forward of launch. Earlier than making a choice between the 2 telephones, I would advise ready till subsequent week’s Amazon Spring Deal Sale purchasing occasion: there is a first rate likelihood that Google will promote the older Pixel 8a at a reduced price to promote by current stock.