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

FeaturePixel 9Pixel 9a
RAM12 GB8 GB
Weight198 g186 g
Cover glassGorilla Glass Victus 2Gorilla Glass 3
Back materialPolished glass back, metal frameComposite matte back, satin metal frame
Display panel lineOLED “Actua”pOLED “Actua”
Display contrast>2,000,000:1>1,000,000:1
Rear wide camera sensor50 MP, 1/1.31″, f/1.6848 MP, 1/2″, f/1.7
Rear ultrawide camera48 MP with AF + Macro Focus, 123°13 MP, 120°
Rear focus aidsLDAF (laser AF) + spectral/flicker sensorNot listed
Video (rear) extras10-bit HDR video, dual exposure, 7× digital zoom8-bit video, 5× digital zoom
Video (front) frame rates4K at 30/60 fps4K at 30 fps
Wireless charging rateUp to 15 W on Pixel Stand 2; up to 12 W Qi EPPUp to 7.5 W
Reverse wireless chargingBattery Share supportedBattery Share not listed
Wired charging detail“Up to 55% in ~30 min” with Google 45 WFast charging capable
Wi-Fi generationWi-Fi 7 (802.11be), tri-bandWi-Fi 6E, tri-band
Microphones3 mics, noise suppression, audio zoom2 mics
Audio featuresSpatial audio listedSpatial audio not listed
AI features listedPixel Screenshots, Call Assist, Gemini LiveGemini Live, Gemini Apps
Launch OSAndroid 14Android 15
Colors (examples)Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, WintergreenObsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony
5G model code (example)Sub-6 model GUR25Sub-6 model GTF7P
PriceCheck Pixel 9 PriceCheck 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

FeaturePixel 9Pixel 9a
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4 chipGoogle Tensor G4 chip
Security chipTitan M2 security chipTitan M2 security chip
Storage options128 GB / 256 GB UFS 3.1128 GB / 256 GB UFS 3.1
Display refresh rateUp to 120 Hz adaptiveUp to 120 Hz adaptive
Display peak brightness~2000+ nits peak HDR brightness~2000+ nits peak HDR brightness
HDR supportHDR10+ playbackHDR10+ playback
Rear main camera tech50 MP Octa PD wide sensor with OIS50 MP Octa PD wide sensor with OIS
Camera softwareReal Tone, Night Sight, Portrait Light, Super Res ZoomReal Tone, Night Sight, Portrait Light, Super Res Zoom
Video stabilizationOptical + electronic stabilizationOptical + electronic stabilization
OS updates7 years of Android + security updates7 years of Android + security updates
AI integrationGemini Nano on-device, cloud Gemini supportGemini Nano on-device, cloud Gemini support
Network support5G Sub-6 and mmWave5G Sub-6 and mmWave
Water resistanceIP68 dust/water resistanceIP68 dust/water resistance
Stereo soundDual stereo speakersDual stereo speakers
Biometric unlockUnder-display fingerprint + Face UnlockUnder-display fingerprint + Face Unlock
SIM supporteSIM + single physical nano-SIMeSIM + single physical nano-SIM
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, NFC, Ultra-WidebandBluetooth 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?
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a both use the Google Tensor G4 processor, so performance is very similar in day-to-day tasks, but the Pixel 9 benefits from 12 GB of RAM while the Pixel 9a has 8 GB, which gives the Pixel 9 an edge in multitasking and running demanding apps smoothly.

Does the Pixel 9a have the same AI features as the Pixel 9?
Both devices run Gemini Nano on-device and connect to cloud Gemini services, but the Pixel 9 supports additional features like Pixel Screenshots and Call Notes, which are not available on the Pixel 9a.

Which model has better build quality?
The Pixel 9 is built with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back and a polished aluminum frame, while the Pixel 9a uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a composite back, making the Pixel 9 more premium and durable.

Is the display the same on both phones?
Both phones feature a 120 Hz adaptive display with HDR10+ support and peak brightness above 2000 nits, but the Pixel 9 uses an OLED “Actua” panel with slightly higher contrast compared to the Pixel 9a’s pOLED version.

Which device has a larger battery?
The Pixel 9a comes with a 5100 mAh battery, which is larger than the Pixel 9’s 4700 mAh, giving the Pixel 9a longer endurance in daily use.

Does the Pixel 9 charge faster than the Pixel 9a?
The Pixel 9 supports faster wireless charging up to 15 W on the Pixel Stand and reverse wireless charging, while the Pixel 9a only supports 7.5 W wireless charging and does not include Battery Share.

Are the main cameras the same on both devices?
Yes, both use a 50 MP wide sensor with optical image stabilization, but the Pixel 9 has more advanced supporting sensors like LDAF and a higher-resolution ultrawide camera, while the Pixel 9a’s ultrawide is a simpler 13 MP unit.

Is video recording quality different between the two?
The Pixel 9 supports 10-bit HDR video recording and dual exposure controls, while the Pixel 9a records in standard 8-bit HDR and lacks some of the professional-level video features.

Do both phones get the same software support?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a are guaranteed 7 years of Android OS updates and security patches, making them equally reliable for long-term use.

How do the front cameras compare?
The Pixel 9 has a 10.5 MP front camera with autofocus, while the Pixel 9a comes with a 13 MP front camera but without autofocus, meaning the Pixel 9 handles close-up selfies better.

Which model is lighter and easier to handle?
The Pixel 9a weighs about 186 g, which is lighter than the Pixel 9 at 198 g, though the Pixel 9 is slightly slimmer and feels more refined in the hand.

Do both phones support 5G networks?
Yes, both devices support 5G Sub-6, and depending on the region, they can also support mmWave, giving users fast data speeds and low latency.

Are both devices water resistant?
Yes, both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a are rated IP68, meaning they can withstand dust and water immersion, making them equally reliable in harsh conditions.

Do both phones support eSIM?
Yes, both models support dual SIM functionality with one eSIM and one physical nano-SIM, providing flexibility for travel and multiple carriers.

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