Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a Comparison: A Look Beyond Cosmetic Enhancements

The Google Pixel 9a, the latest addition to Google's Pixel series, has been making waves in the tech world. This mid-range smartphone offers a host of improvements over its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, making it a compelling choice for many.

Improved Hardware and Software Support

One of the standout features of the Pixel 9a is its extended support. The device offers seven OS updates to Android 22 and seven years of security updates through 2032, matching the support period of the Pixel 8a. However, the Pixel 9a takes a step further by promising these updates for a longer period.

Enhanced Battery Life and Water Resistance

The Pixel 9a is rated to last six hours longer than the Pixel 8a in battery life, providing users with a more extended usage time. Additionally, the Pixel 9a boasts an IP68 water resistance upgrade compared to the Pixel 8a, offering better protection against water damage.

Camera Upgrades and Design Changes

In terms of photography, the Pixel 9a features a 48MP main camera, a slight downgrade from the Pixel 8a's 64MP. However, the Pixel 9a truly shines for close-up photography, thanks to its Macro Focus and Add Me features. The device also sports a larger aperture for better light, a slightly wider Field of View, a Dual Pixel system with improved autofocus, and better color correction via the Tensor G4.

The Pixel 9a also sees a change in design, with a new hard-edged design and a waterdrop camera cutout, replacing the camera bar of the Pixel 8a.

Performance and Charging Speed

Under the hood, the Pixel 9a uses the Tensor G4 chip, one generation ahead of the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a. This upgrade contributes to the Pixel 9a's improved performance, as shown by its Geekbench 6 benchmark scores of 1,702 / 4,310, compared to the Pixel 8a's scores of 1,648 / 4,136.

The Pixel 9a also charges faster than the Pixel 8a, taking 105 minutes to hit 100%, compared to over two hours for the Pixel 8a. However, it should be noted that the Pixel 9a's 7.5W wireless charging speed is unchanged, and it currently does not support Qi2.

Practical Usage and Display

In practice, the Pixel 9a can last two days with light use and about 1.5 days with heavier use. The device also features a larger, brighter 6.3-inch display compared to the Pixel 8a, making it easier to view content outdoors. The Pixel 9a beats any other cheap- or mid-range Android phone for outdoor visibility, with only 300 nits short of the Pixel 10.

The Pixel 9a also offers an extra 400 nits of brightness in HDR mode and 700 nits in peak brightness mode, making colours more vivid in bright sunlight.

Pricing and Availability

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of the Pixel 9a is its price. It does not have a price increase compared to the Pixel 9, making it an affordable option for many. The Pixel 9a was launched on an unspecified date, and the Google Pixel 10 was officially announced on August 20, 2025, and released on August 28, 2025.

Additional Features

The Pixel 9a also includes dual-band GNSS for the first time, which aids in pinpointing Google Maps location or tracking workouts.

In terms of colour accuracy, the Pixel 9a's colour accuracy is far closer to real life than the Pixel 8a, which tends to oversaturate colours.

In conclusion, the Google Pixel 9a offers a significant upgrade over the Pixel 8a, with extended software support, improved battery life, enhanced camera capabilities, and a sleek new design. Its affordable price point and extended support period make it an attractive option for many.