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How does the Pixel 9a compare to the Pixel 9?

The Pixel 9a is more than $400 cheaper but offers comparable specs and features

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The long-anticipated Pixel 9a launched in Canada in the spring, several months after the Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL and Pro Fold had already hit the shelves. 

For consumers waiting for a more budget-friendly version of the Pixel 9 series, it was worth the wait, as Google gave the Pixel 9a many of the standout features but at a considerably lower price point. 

Like its popular ‘a’ series predecessors, the 9a strikes an impressive balance between performance and value, making it a smart pick for most consumers. 

But given that the Pixel 9a is more than $400 cheaper than the Pixel 9, it begs the questions:  

  • Is there some horrible catch that explains why it is so substantially cheaper?
  • What will you be missing out on if you opt for the budget-friendly option?  
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Thankfully, there’s no horrible catch, and the differences between the two phones are not as significant as you might expect. There are even a few areas in which the Pixel 9a outperforms the more expensive model. 

What: Pixel 9a
Release date: April 10, 2025
Colours: Iris (light purple), Peony (pinkish-salmon), Porcelain (cream), Obsidian (black)
Price: 128GB: $679; 256GB: $809
Where to buy:Google, AmazonBest Buy

Spec comparison: Pixel 9 vs Pixel 9a 

Here’s a look at how the two phones stack up against each other: 

Cameras 

It’s quite possible the main reason you are considering buying a Pixel phone in the first place is because of the brand’s excellent reputation when it comes to cameras, as well as Google’s acclaimed photo features and editing tools, including Add Me,Magic Editor and Magic Eraser and Reimagine.  

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If this is the case for you, rest assured, the Pixel 9a has you covered with all the same photo features as the Pixel 9.   

When it comes to image quality, the Pixel 9 does have better tech and specs, but most users won’t notice a significant difference between the photos produced by both phones.  

But it’s worth noting that the Pixel 9 has more advanced autofocus technology built into both its main and ultra-wide cameras when compared to the 9a. This means the Pixel 9 yields sharper images, particularly when you compare photos taken by the ultra-wide cameras. But the difference isn’t noticeable unless you zoom in to analyze the photos. 

The Pixel 9’s lower aperture values on both front cameras allow it to produce better images in low light. And, the Pixel 9 also has an edge in video quality with a 7x digital zoom versus 5x zoom for the 9a.  

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While the Pixel 9 does offer clear advantages, both phones have earned strong reviews for their innovative features and strong photo quality, and the differences will be negligible for all but the most discerning users. 

Pixel 9 and 9a
The Pixel 9 (left) and the Pixel 9a (right). Photo by POSTMEDIA PHOTO

Design and build quality 

The Pixel 9a does feel a bit beefier in your hand. It’s slightly larger and has a thicker bezel, but it’s also a little bit lighter than the Pixel 9. 

But the most noticeable differences are on the rear of the phones. The Pixel 9 has a glass back while the 9a’s is plastic. The Pixel 9 also has a significantly raised metal camera bar (presumably to house the more powerful cameras), while the 9a’s cameras are more embedded, making the design feel more streamlined. 

The Pixel 9 has the tougher, more advanced Gorilla Victus 2 glass on both the front and back, while the Pixel 9a uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front.  

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While the glass back certainly gives the Pixel 9 a more premium feel, if you’re using a case, it’s not much of an advantage. 

When it comes to display, the specs on the Pixel 9 and 9a are pretty much identical, and both phones share the same screen, the 160 mm Actua display. 

Finally, the Pixel 9a comes in Iris, Peony, Obsidian and Porcelain, while the Pixel 9 comes in Peony, Wintergreen (mint green), Porcelain and Wbsidian. 

So while the Pixel 9 does have the edge when it comes to aesthetics and durability, those advantages become significantly less relevant if you plan to use a case. 

The Pixel 9a colour options
The Pixel 9a comes in Iris (light purple), Peony (pinkish-salmon), Porcelain (cream), Obsidian (black). Photo by GOOGLE

Performance 

Both phones have the same processor (Google Tensor G4), but you may have noticed that the Pixel 9 offers 12GB of RAM versus 8GB of RAM with the 9a.  

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For everyday use, the vast majority of people won’t notice any difference in performance between the two handsets.  

However, extra RAM can come in handy for gaming, as well as using advanced AI tools, which may become a more common part of everyone’s daily mobile experience in the not-too-distant future. 

Battery/charging 

The Pixel 9a has the edge here with a 5100 mAh battery giving the phone a 30+ hour battery life, compared to the Pixel 9’s 4700 mAh battery and 24+ hour battery life.  

However, the Pixel 9 charges faster in both wired and wireless modes.  

The Verdict 

The Pixel 9a offers exceptional value to the vast majority of users, who aren’t giving up much by choosing the less expensive model over the Pixel 9. 

The Pixel 9 does have a definitive technical edge when it comes to cameras, but you’re not missing out on any of the innovative new AI features that Google has developed with the 9 series  

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And if camera performance is a key consideration, then you may opt instead for thePixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL.  

If you are an AI tool power user, the Pixel 9a is probably not for you. AI tools are notoriously RAM-hungry, and while the Pixel 9a will run basic AI tasks like image generation about as quickly as the Pixel 9, it will lag with larger, more complex tasks like video processing. This is another area where someone may want to opt for the Pixel 9 Pro or Pro XL, which offers 16GB of RAM.  

Given the difference in price, you might expect a more significant difference in terms of specs and features. If you do opt for the Pixel 9a, the savings are almost exactly enough to buy a Pixel Watch 3 to pair with your new phone. Most users will get way more value out of this combo than the Pixel 9 alone.  

What: Pixel 9a
Price: 128GB: $679; 256GB: $809
Where to buy:Google,Amazon, Best Buy 

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