Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Which phone should you buy?

The Pixel 9a has launched, and it might represent the biggest departure from Google's brand that we've ever seen.

While the phone remains an affordable mid-range phone, comparisons to the more main-line Pixel 9 are unavoidable. The question arises if you can safely save a bit of cash without sacrificing any functionality, or if you're better off spending a little more.

We here at Tom's Guide are well versed when it comes to figuring out some of the complexities of modern phones. As such, we have compiled all the differences of the two phones ot make it easier for you to decide which will be the best option overall.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9 specs

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9 price and availability

The Google Pixel 9 was released last August, starting at $799 for the model with 128GB of storage, and rising to $899 for double that. In the intervening months, prices have dropped, and you can now get one for as low as $599 if you shop around.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a will cost $499 at base, meaning that you'll be saving $300 from the cost of the mainline phone. It is also worth noting that the phone did not see the rumored price rises that many feared were coming after the Pixel 9 price rise.

Unfortunately, it appears that Google is not letting people preorder the phone, instead, the phone is planned to go on sale in April.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9 design and display

One of the most noticeable differences apparent in the Google Pixel 9a is the simple fact that Google's iconic camera bar is gone. Originally revealed when Google launched the Pixel 6 back in 2021, there have been plenty of rumors that Google is dropping the design. Well, it seems that is fully the case as the bar is, officially, gone.

The new camera box is designed to sit flush on the back of the phone and, as such, aims to make it more comfortable to hold. Google has also made the edges slightly flatter than on the Pixel 8a, while also making the display slightly bigger.

Comparatively, the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9a look pretty similar, at least from the front. They're roughly the same size and weight.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9 performance

As was previously reported, the Google Pixel 9a comes with the same Tensor G4 chip that shipped with the Google Pixel 9. In theory, this should mean that the two phones should be relatively comparable when it comes to overall performance.

there's no doubt that Google's Tensor chips fall behind the more powerful Qualcomm and Apple chips. However, they're still pretty decent and will comfortably manage most tasks that we would expect from a smartphone. One noticeable difference between the two phones is that the Pixel 9 ships with 12GB of RAM, while the Pixel 9a only has 8GB.

With that said, the Pixel 9a features a 5,100 mAh battery compared to the Pixel 9's 4,700 mAh battery. While we haven't had a chance to test the battery just yet, the Pixle 8a did reasonably well in our battery tests, and we'd expect the new Pixel 9a to exceed even that.

Both phones also feature the same wealth of AI features, including the wildly popular feature Add Me and the Pixel Studio. The Pixel 9a also benefits from the same features that were introduced in the recent Pixel feature drops, including the ability to create images featuring people. Naturally, Google Gemini also makes an appearance on both, as does Call Notes and more.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9 cameras

One noticeable area where Google has pulled the Pixel 9a is the offered cameras. The Pixel 9a features a 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide and a 13MP selfie camera. It's not the worst setup we've ever seen, but it is disappointingly less than the 64GB main camera seen on the Pixel 8a.

In comparison, the Pixel 9 comes with a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera and a 10.5MP selfie camera. From a pure state perspective, the Pixel 9 is the clear winner when it comes to the camera, although we haven't had the chance to compare the two just yet.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9 outlook

Considering the price difference, it is surprising that the two phones are relatively similar. While we need to put the Pixel 9a through its paces, it certainly appears to be a pretty decent alternative to the Pixel 9.

At a glance, the Pixel 9a sits as a perfectly reasonable alternative to the Google Pixel 9, but there would be no reason to change over to it if you already have the Pixel 9. The two phones are, for the most part, similar enough that if you were considering buying a Pixel phone then the Pixel 9a is probably the better choice.

However, if you're a real camera fan then the Pixel 9 might be the better choice, but we'll have to wait to compare the cameras before stating if it's worth the extra $300.

The real distinction for users will be when it comes to cameras, and how much the Pixel 9a relies on AI to make up the difference.