Pixel 9 & Pixel 9a share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Pixel 9 rather than the Pixel 9a.
Why Do I Recommend The Pixel 9?
- The Pixel 9 has 12 GB RAM for smoother multitasking and handling heavy apps without slowdowns, whereas the Pixel 9a uses 8 GB RAM.
- Pixel 9 includes a 48 MP ultrawide camera with autofocus and Macro Focus for sharper wide-angle shots and detailed close-up photography, whereas the Pixel 9a comes with a 13 MP ultrawide camera without autofocus.
- It comes with an under-display fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock paired with three microphones and audio zoom for clearer calls and recordings, whereas the Pixel 9a includes fewer microphones and lacks audio zoom.
- The Pixel 9 includes advanced AI features like Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes for enhanced productivity and automated task management, while the Pixel 9a does not support these tools.
- Pixel 9 supports 10-bit HDR video recording for richer color depth and more professional-looking footage, while the Pixel 9a records in 8-bit HDR with vibrant and accurate video output.
- It has Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for faster wireless speeds and lower latency in supported networks, whereas the Pixel 9a uses Wi-Fi 6E.
- The Pixel 9 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back for stronger protection against drops and scratches, while the Pixel 9a uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a composite back.
- Pixel 9 supports faster wireless charging up to 15 W with the Pixel Stand and includes reverse wireless charging for powering accessories, while the Pixel 9a only supports 7.5 W wireless charging and lacks reverse charging capability.
Maybe the Pixel 9a price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Pixel 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9a |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Weight | 198 g | 186 g |
| Cover glass | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Back material | Polished glass back, metal frame | Composite matte back, satin metal frame |
| Display panel line | OLED “Actua” | pOLED “Actua” |
| Display contrast | >2,000,000:1 | >1,000,000:1 |
| Rear wide camera sensor | 50 MP, 1/1.31″, f/1.68 | 48 MP, 1/2″, f/1.7 |
| Rear ultrawide camera | 48 MP with AF + Macro Focus, 123° | 13 MP, 120° |
| Rear focus aids | LDAF (laser AF) + spectral/flicker sensor | Not listed |
| Video (rear) extras | 10-bit HDR video, dual exposure, 7× digital zoom | 8-bit video, 5× digital zoom |
| Video (front) frame rates | 4K at 30/60 fps | 4K at 30 fps |
| Wireless charging rate | Up to 15 W on Pixel Stand 2; up to 12 W Qi EPP | Up to 7.5 W |
| Reverse wireless charging | Battery Share supported | Battery Share not listed |
| Wired charging detail | “Up to 55% in ~30 min” with Google 45 W | Fast charging capable |
| Wi-Fi generation | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), tri-band | Wi-Fi 6E, tri-band |
| Microphones | 3 mics, noise suppression, audio zoom | 2 mics |
| Audio features | Spatial audio listed | Spatial audio not listed |
| AI features listed | Pixel Screenshots, Call Assist, Gemini Live | Gemini Live, Gemini Apps |
| Launch OS | Android 14 | Android 15 |
| Colors (examples) | Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, Wintergreen | Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony |
| 5G model code (example) | Sub-6 model GUR25 | Sub-6 model GTF7P |
| Price | Check Pixel 9 Price | Check Pixel 9a Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Processor: Both phones feature the Google Tensor G4 chip, delivering fast performance and efficient AI processing for smooth multitasking and smart features.
- Security Chip: Each model includes the Titan M2 security chip, ensuring strong protection for sensitive data, passwords, and digital payments.
- Storage Options: Both support 128 GB or 256 GB UFS 3.1 storage, giving users quick app loading times and reliable space for apps, media, and files.
- Display Refresh Rate: Each device features up to 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, allowing fluid scrolling, responsive gaming, and smoother animations.
- Display Brightness: Both models reach over 2000 nits peak brightness, providing clear screen visibility even under bright outdoor sunlight.
- HDR Support: Each phone supports HDR10+ playback, enabling richer contrast and more vibrant colors when streaming supported videos.
- Main Camera: Both include a 50 MP wide camera with optical image stabilization, capturing sharp, detailed photos and steady low-light shots.
- Camera Software: Each device comes with Google’s Real Tone, Night Sight, Portrait Light, and Super Res Zoom, delivering consistent and versatile photography results.
- Video Stabilization: Both phones support optical and electronic stabilization, helping users record smooth and shake-free videos.
- Software Updates: Each device is guaranteed 7 years of Android and security updates, ensuring long-term reliability and access to the latest features.
- AI Integration: Both include Gemini Nano and cloud-based Gemini, providing intelligent tools like call assistance, live translation, and summarization.
- Network Support: Each model supports 5G connectivity, allowing fast downloads and low-latency streaming in supported regions.
- Water Resistance: Both come with IP68 dust and water resistance, protecting the phones against splashes, rain, and accidental submersion.
- Audio: Each device features stereo speakers, delivering louder and more balanced sound for movies, music, and calls.
- Biometric Unlock: Both support under-display fingerprint sensors and Face Unlock, giving users multiple secure and convenient ways to access their phone.
- SIM Support: Each phone allows eSIM and nano-SIM usage, offering flexibility for carriers and international travel.
- Connectivity: Both models include Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and Ultra-Wideband, ensuring fast wireless connections, contactless payments, and precise device tracking.
Common Features
| Feature | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9a |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 chip | Google Tensor G4 chip |
| Security chip | Titan M2 security chip | Titan M2 security chip |
| Storage options | 128 GB / 256 GB UFS 3.1 | 128 GB / 256 GB UFS 3.1 |
| Display refresh rate | Up to 120 Hz adaptive | Up to 120 Hz adaptive |
| Display peak brightness | ~2000+ nits peak HDR brightness | ~2000+ nits peak HDR brightness |
| HDR support | HDR10+ playback | HDR10+ playback |
| Rear main camera tech | 50 MP Octa PD wide sensor with OIS | 50 MP Octa PD wide sensor with OIS |
| Camera software | Real Tone, Night Sight, Portrait Light, Super Res Zoom | Real Tone, Night Sight, Portrait Light, Super Res Zoom |
| Video stabilization | Optical + electronic stabilization | Optical + electronic stabilization |
| OS updates | 7 years of Android + security updates | 7 years of Android + security updates |
| AI integration | Gemini Nano on-device, cloud Gemini support | Gemini Nano on-device, cloud Gemini support |
| Network support | 5G Sub-6 and mmWave | 5G Sub-6 and mmWave |
| Water resistance | IP68 dust/water resistance | IP68 dust/water resistance |
| Stereo sound | Dual stereo speakers | Dual stereo speakers |
| Biometric unlock | Under-display fingerprint + Face Unlock | Under-display fingerprint + Face Unlock |
| SIM support | eSIM + single physical nano-SIM | eSIM + single physical nano-SIM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Ultra-Wideband | Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Ultra-Wideband |
| Price | Check Pixel 9 Price | Check Pixel 9a Price |
FAQ
Which phone has better performance, Pixel 9 or Pixel 9a? Does the Pixel 9a have the same AI features as the Pixel 9? Which model has better build quality? Is the display the same on both phones? Which device has a larger battery? Does the Pixel 9 charge faster than the Pixel 9a? Are the main cameras the same on both devices? Is video recording quality different between the two? Do both phones get the same software support? How do the front cameras compare? Which model is lighter and easier to handle? Do both phones support 5G networks? Are both devices water resistant? Do both phones support eSIM? |
