Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: What’s different?

Google launched the Pixel 9a on Wednesday, adding a new affordable variant to its Pixel 9 series. The Google Pixel 9a succeeds the Pixel 8a from last year, and it brings a new design and a few hardware changes. But how different is it from the Pixel 8a? Let’s find out in this Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a showdown.

Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Design and display

The Google Pixel 9a follows the flat design language like other Pixel 9 models, which is in contrast to the Pixel 8a’s curvy design. Unlike the Pixel 8a, which has a camera visor bump on the back, the Pixel 9a embraces a cleaner design, without any camera bump or protrusion. Overall, the Pixel 9a has a bigger footprint.

On the front, both phones have an identical design, featuring symmetrical bezels. The Pixel 9a has a larger 6.3-inch p-OLED display with an FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, boasts a smaller 6.1-inch OLED screen with the same resolution and refresh rate.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 9a launched in India at a lower price than iPhone 16e

The screen on the Pixel 9a peaks at 2,700 nits of brightness, whereas the Pixel 8a has a 2,000 nits bright panel. The protection remains the same, i.e., Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Cameras

The Google Pixel 9a gets a 48MP main camera sensor with OIS support. It is assisted by a 13MP ultra-wide unit for group shots or wider landscape pictures. The predecessor Pixel 8a, on the other hand, is equipped with a 64MP main sensor with OIS support. But more megapixels don’t always mean a better camera, so saying which camera sensor is better remains to be seen.

As for the selfie camera, both phones have a 13MP selfie snapper. Both models are capable of recording 4K videos with the rear and from the front camera. Both phones also come with all the AI features for photos.

Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Performance, battery, software

The Pixel 9a is powered by the latest Tensor G4 chipset, paired with a Mali-G715 GPU and Titan M2 security chip. It has 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The Pixel 8a has a year-old Tensor G3 chipset, with the same RAM and storage as the 9a.

One big improvement that the Pixel 9a brings is the battery. The 9a packs a 5,100mAh cell with faster 23W charging support. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, has a 4,492mAh cell with an 18W charging speed.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 9 review

Apart from this, the Pixel 9a also gets the latest Android 15 OS out of the box with seven years of OS and security updates. Since the Pixel 8a is a year old, it runs Android 14 out of the box, but it does support Android 15 and six more years of OS and security updates.

Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Other features

What’s more? The Pixel 9a has a better IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, as compared to the predecessor’s IP67 certification. Both have an in-display fingerprint scanner and the same set of connectivity options, including 5G.

Lastly, the Pixel 9a comes in new colour options, namely, Obsidian, Porcelain. Peony, and Iris. The Pixel 8a has Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe colours.

Overall, the Pixel 9a brings many new upgrades when compared to the Pixel 8a. This includes a new design, a slightly bigger display, a new chipset, and, more importantly, a bigger battery. It also has an updated main camera.

As for pricing, the Pixel 9a comes at a launch price of Rs 49,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and Rs 56,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, is currently retailing at a starting price of under Rs 40,000.