Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: What are the differences?

Google just introduced the Pixel 9a, the latest smartphone in the Pixel 9 family.

The Pixel 9a is the new "budget" model in the Pixel 9 generation of smartphones which already consisted of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

With the Pixel 9a being the new entry-level smartphone for the Pixel line, Mashable looked at how it stacks up against the Pixel 9 base model phone. 

Astonishingly, Google has packed a lot into the Pixel 9a, which will make it nearly indistinguishable from the Pixel 9 for a great deal of Pixel users. However, there are some key differences that could be the deciding factor when choosing which Pixel phone to buy.

Here are those key differences between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 9a Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Price

The most obvious difference between the Google Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 is the price.

At $499, the Pixel 9a is the lowest priced of Google's current Pixel line of phones. In comparison, the Pixel 9 base model starts at $799.

That's a $300 difference between the devices. Yes, as we will get to, the Pixel 9 does have a few features and components that factor in here and give it the upper hand. However, if those specific things don't matter to you, consumers can now buy a brand new Pixel phone for less than $500 with the Pixel 9a.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Memory

When it comes to technical specs, the Pixel 9a packs a lot of power in a $499 device. In fact, the Pixel 9a is powered by the same powerful Google Tensor G4 processor that's found in the Pixel 9.

The Tensor G4 was made with AI in mind, so the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 can both handle pretty intensive processes.

However, when it comes to memory, the Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM and the Pixel 9a only has 8GB of RAM.

For most basic, everyday tasks, users likely won't notice much of a difference. Especially, when you consider that both phones have the same processor. 

However, power users will very likely notice a difference. The more memory a smartphone has, the better it handles multitasking and apps running in the background. When this is factored in, users will likely experience a smoother overall performance with the Pixel 9. If you often perform other memory intensive tasks like video editing or playing games, the Pixel 9 will likely provide a noticeable performance boost over the Pixel 9a too. 

Google Pixel 9 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Camera

Take a lot of pictures? Camera quality is another area where the Pixel 9 will be preferable over the new Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9 provides a significant boost in image quality based on the sensors used in the device. 

The Pixel 9a has a 48 MP wide and 13 MP ultrawide camera whereas the Pixel 9 comes with a 50 MP wide and 48MP ultrawide camera. The latter will produce higher resolution images.

If photos and videos are a major factor in your purchasing decision, you'll likely want to go with the 9.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Design

There aren't just differences in the image quality between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9. There's also a major difference in the physical camera design themselves.

The Pixel 9 phone has a camera bar on the back of the phone with a significant sized camera bump. The bump is roughly one-third as thick as the Pixel 9 itself.

The Pixel 9a, however, is unique in that it has a flat back design. There is no camera bump. The Pixel 9a can actually lay flat on its back against any flat surface.

Google Pixel 9a flat back design Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This may or may not be a big deal for you. However, the size of the Pixel 9's camera bump was a major point of criticism for some Pixel users when the phone was launched last year. If you fall in that group, the Pixel 9a may just be the smartphone for you.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Display and Battery Charging

We've laid out the biggest differences between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9, but there are a few other significant variations between the two devices that we should mention too.

For example, most users may not notice a difference in the display when looking at both devices. Both are built with a 6.3-inch Actua display. However, the Pixel 9's display uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass, which is said to be tougher and more drop and scratch resistant than other cover glass. The Pixel 9a utilizes the older and thinner Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Google Pixel 9 camera bump Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Another area where the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a differ is when it comes to fast charging times. While both Pixel phones boast more than 24 hours of battery life, the Pixel 9 can charge faster than the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9 has fast charging rates of 27 watts whereas the Pixel 9a has a rate of 23 watts when charged with a Google 45W USB-C charger plugged into a wall.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Verdict

As usual, it really comes down to your preferences.

Do you play a lot of games and perform a significant amount of video editing tasks on your smartphone? Do you multitask and often have a lot of apps running at the same time? Do you take a lot of photos? If so, the Pixel 9 is probably the best bet.

But, if you're more like the average smartphone user, you can save $300 and get all the same features as the more expensive Pixel 9 models with the Pixel 9a. Oh, also if you hate camera bumps then the Pixel 9a is definitely the smartphone for you.