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 predominant shooter, a 13-megapixel ultrawide digicam with macro, its Tensor G4 chip, and 8GB of RAM, all in an economical $500 bundle.
Final 12 months’s mid-ranger

Pixel 8a

Google’s newest midranger handset, with a 6.1-inch show, a 64-megapixel predominant 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 12 months’s wonderful Pixel 8a, the 9a employs the identical fundamental method as its predecessor.

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

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Worth, 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 fee, 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 worth 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 12 months’s Pixel 9a, Google hasn’t modified a lot when it comes to pricing construction. The system prices the identical base $500 as its predecessor, and is available in each 128GB and 256GB storage choices. The 9a may be bought in a selection of obsidian, porcelain, iris, or peony colorways.

With this 12 months’s Pixel 9a, Google hasn’t modified a lot when it comes to pricing construction.

Within the US, the Pixel 9a will likely be obtainable someday in early April. Google has confirmed the existence of a “part high quality concern” 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 non-public choice

When it comes to bodily construct, the Pixel 8a and 9a each share a typical Google design heritage. The newer 9a takes inspiration from the high-end Pixel 9 sequence 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 does not protrude.

On a brighter notice, the 9a’s new digicam bump does not protrude, which is a stark distinction from the 8a’s large-and-in-charge module. As all the time, design choice right here will likely be a matter of non-public 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 actual property

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

Show decision stays broadly equivalent 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 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 12 months’s Pixel 8a ships with the older Tensor G3 chipset. Each telephones function the identical 8GB of RAM, making for a good mid-range providing throughout each models.

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

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

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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 predominant 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, coloration 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 wonderful observe report 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 sequence telephones stack up to one another?

With no worth enhance this 12 months, the newer Pixel 9a is the way in which to go — until you will discover a wonderful deal on a Pixel 8a

With Google’s choice to take care of a $500 base asking worth for this 12 months’s Pixel a sequence 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 will likely be supported with a full seven years of Android OS function updates.

A superb mid-range cellphone

Pixel 9a

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

If, nevertheless, you may rating your self a superb low cost on final 12 months’s Pixel 8a, then you definitely’ll nonetheless be in for a reasonably nice cellphone expertise throughout, and you will be benefiting from much more bang on 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 predominant digicam, 8GB of RAM, and the Tensor G3 chip first discovered on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional smartphones.

When you’re considering of selecting up a Pixel 9a, then you definitely’ll have to attend just a bit bit longer — Google is within the technique of finding out the part high quality concern that it is recognized forward of launch. Earlier than making a call between the 2 telephones, I would advise ready till subsequent week’s Amazon Spring Deal Sale buying occasion: there is a respectable probability that Google will promote the older Pixel 8a at a reduced fee to promote by current stock.