Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e: Which one is right for you?

Google just debuted its yearly refresh of the ‘a’ series of smartphones dubbed the Pixel 9a. Priced at Rs 49,999, it is a formidable choice in the high-end smartphone segment with Google’s Tensor G4 processor, a 48MP primary camera with Google’s computational photography prowess, and a larger 5,100mAh battery.

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

However, it faces tough competition from the newly launched iPhone 16e that has been grabbing eyeballs thanks to Apple Intelligence support, and the powerful Apple A18 processor. So, if you’re confused about which premium ‘mid-range’ phone to get your hands on, here’s a comparison of the specs and features of the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e to figure out which one is the best choice for you.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Build and design

At 7.8mm thick and 167g, the iPhone 16e is lighter and slimmer than the Google Pixel 9a. In contrast, the 9a is far thicker at 8.9mm and heavier at 186g. However, there’s a reason for the added bulk. Upon first look, you will notice that the Pixel 9a has no protruding camera bump which sets it apart from other modern-day smartphones that have camera bumps the size of a UFO. To be fair, the iPhone 16e’s single camera bump is not too bad either.

Both phones house aluminium frames, but the Pixel 9a features a plastic panel, which can feel markedly different from the glass rear panel on the 16e. The display of the Pixel 9a is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, whereas the iPhone 16e employs the tougher Ceramic Shield Glass. As for IP ratings, both phones come with IP68 certifications which means they are resistant to dust and water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Display

The Apple iPhone 16e sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate and 1170 x 2532 pixels resolution. It supports HDR10+ and comes with a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. Unfortunately, Apple has chosen to go for a massive notch on this phone which mars overall immersiveness.

The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, features a larger 6.3-inch pOLED display with 1080 x 2424 pixels resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It has a peak brightness of a whopping 2,700 nits and HDR support. The Pixel 9a pulls ahead in the display department since it can get brighter and comes with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Performance and software

Powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor, the Pixel 9a features 8GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. The Tensor G4 has a maximum clock speed of 3.1GHz and based on past experience with this processor on the Pixel 9, you could face some heating and throttling issues.

The iPhone 16e houses the latest Apple A18 processor which is built on a 3nm process with a maximum clock speed of 4.04GHz. So, you can expect to get similar performance as you could see on the iPhone 16 with the same processor. The 16e comes with 8GB RAM, but its internal storage goes up to 512GB. However, this variant will dent your wallet significantly, priced at Rs 89,900.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 16e with A18 chipset, Action Button launched in India

The Pixel 9a gets Android 15 out of the box with the promise of seven major software updates, while the iPhone 16e has iOS 18.3.1 and Apple generally pushes out updates for six to seven years for all of its phones.

As for AI features, the iPhone 16e gets support for features like Genmoji, Photo Clean Up, Image Wand, Writing Tools, Recording summaries and transcriptions, and more. The Pixel 9a boasts of AI features such as Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, and more.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Cameras

Coming to optics, the Pixel 9a comes out ahead in terms of pure numbers. The iPhone 16e’s single camera setup looks pale in comparison to the Pixel 9a’s dual camera array. On the Pixel 9a, you get a 48MP primary camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) and a 13MP ultrawide shooter, giving you the flexibility to get up close or a wider shot.

The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, only comes with a single 48MP camera with OIS. Both phones support 4K video recording up to 60fps, but the iPhone 16e has Dolby Vision support, which results in better output.

For selfies, the Pixel 9a houses a 13MP front camera while the iPhone 16e features a 12MP alongside a FaceID sensor.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Battery

When it comes to battery capacity, the Pixel 9a has a clear advantage with its 5,100mAh battery compared to the iPhone 16e’s smaller 4,005mAh cell. The Pixel 9a supports 23W wired charging, and both phones offer 7.5W wireless charging. The iPhone 16e is missing MagSafe support.

ALSO READ: Best MagSafe power banks for your iPhone in 2024

Despite the iPhone 16e’s smaller battery, it shouldn’t be dismissed. Apple often manages to achieve impressive battery life even with smaller capacities. We’ll need to see how it performs in real-world usage, so stay tuned for our future reviews.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Price

The Pixel 9a is significantly more affordable than the iPhone 16e. The 8GB + 128GB Pixel 9a costs Rs 49,999, while the same configuration of the iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 59,900.

ALSO READ: Google Pixel 9a price in India: Here’s how much it will set you back by

For the 8GB + 256GB variant, the Pixel 9a is Rs 56,999 compared to the iPhone 16e at Rs 69,900. The 8GB + 512GB iPhone 16e model costs a whopping Rs 89,900.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Which one is the best for you?

Choosing between the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e depends on what you prioritise in a smartphone. If you’re looking for the best value, the Pixel 9a is the clear winner. Priced at Rs 49,999, it offers a smoother 120Hz display, larger 5,100mAh battery, dual-camera setup, and a host of AI-driven photography features. While the Tensor G4 processor may not be the fastest, it still delivers a capable Android experience with seven years of updates, making it a solid long-term choice.

On the other hand, if you want superior performance and iOS longevity, the iPhone 16e is worth considering. The Apple A18 chip outperforms Tensor G4, ensuring faster performance and better efficiency. However, you’re stuck with a 60Hz display, a single rear camera, and a smaller battery, which may not justify the higher price tag.