The Google Pixel 9a proves how bad of a value the iPhone 16e really is

In less than a month, Apple and Google both released their newest budget smartphones for 2025. Apple has the iPhone 16e, while Google has the Pixel 9a. At first glance, the phones are similar enough. They’re both the cheapest value offering for their flagship siblings, have a big focus on AI features, and have similar price tags.

There’s an argument to be made for each phone. If you need to be in Apple’s ecosystem but don’t want to pay $799 or $999 for an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 16e gives you all the essentials (with a decent splash of Apple Intelligence) for $599. The Google Pixel 9a is the same type of phone for people who prefer Android, standing in as a lower-cost alternative to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro with capable specs and its own AI goodies — all for just $499.