The Pixel 9a represents a bigger mid-range phone upgrade over the Pixel 8a than you might think.
Google has finally announced its new Pixel 9a mid-range smartphone, and it’s… almost exactly what we were expecting. Internet leaks are a bit of a bummer sometimes, aren’t they?
If you’re struggling to muster up much enthusiasm for the heavily trailered Pixel 9a, though it’s worth considering how it compares to the Pixel 8a. Taking a closer look reveals it to be quite the overhaul.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Design
I was a big fan of Google’s previous Pixel design language, to which the Pixel 8a will go down as the final adherent.
However, you can’t deny that the Pixel 9a looks to be a much sharper operator. Its flattened-out design might be distinctly iPhone-like, but it also looks more purposeful and premium.
Google’s new phone is actually a fraction bigger at 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm. It’s only slightly lighter at 186g (vs 188g), too.
But when you consider the extras that Google is cramming in, keeping to roughly the same footprint feels like an engineering feat in itself.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Display
Google is increasing the size of the Pixel 9a’s display from 6.1 to 6.3 inches. That’s the same size as the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro screens.
The resolution remains FHD+, and the refresh rate still tops out at 120Hz. However, the brightness is being cranked up a notch.
While the Pixel 8a screen could hit 2000 nits in peak conditions (that is, limited areas of the screen during HDR content), the Pixel 9a display can go all the way to 2700 nits. That’s a 35% increase.
With the increase in size and brightness combined, the Pixel 9a is shaping up to be much better than the Pixel 8a for media playback.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Battery
As we’ve noted elsewhere, perhaps the most eye-catching spec upgrade in the Pixel 9a is its battery.
This 5100mAh cell well truly dwarfs the Pixel 8a’s 4492 mAh unit, marking a 14% increase in capacity.
But the reason we’re particularly excited is that the Pixel 9a battery is the largest of any Pixel phone to date. It even tops the Pixel 9 Pro XL with its 5060mAh cell.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Performance
The Pixel 9a runs on the same Tensor G4 processor as the rest of the Pixel 9 family. What is slightly underwhelming within a flagship context (see our Pixel 9 Pro review) should turn out to be class-leading in a mid-range phone.
Naturally, this should also mean a massive performance boost over the Pixel 8a and its Tensor G3 chip.
If you want an early preview of what we’re talking about here, check out the comparative benchmark scores on our Pixel 9 review. That phone’s Geekbench 6 multi-core score represents a 47% increase over the Pixel 8 and its own Tensor G3.
Expect a similar performance gap between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9a.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Camera
On paper, the Pixel 9a’s 48Mp main camera sounds like a downgrade on the Pixel 8a’s 64Mp sensor. Not only does it have fewer pixels, but the sensor is slightly smaller too (1/2″ vs 1/1.73″).
Take those two metrics together, however, and both cameras produce the same 0.8µm pixel size, meaning nothing has been lost in light-capturing terms. Indeed, with a wider f/1.7 aperture (compared to f/1.9 in the Pixel 8a), the Pixel 9a’s main camera should allow more light in.
Given these specs, the Pixel 9a’s main camera would appear to be the same unit as can be found on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Which, if you missed our full review, represents one of the better foldable cameras on the market.
Impressively, one aspect of the Pixel 9a that’s unchanged is the starting price: £499/$499. Despite the comprehensive spec bump, you don’t have to pay extra.
