There ’s a new budget king on the horizon ; theGoogle Pixel 9ais finally here , and it ’s just as good as we ’d hoped it would be . Google ’s cheapest speech sound is a victory , combining a minimalistic flat blueprint with show - stopping performance , a long - endure battery , and a dandy photographic camera . It ’s easily one ofthe sound budget smartphonesyou can purchase , and a great buy if you ’re looking for a sensibly price smartphone .
But a competitor can be found powerful in Google ’s own stable . ThePixel 8ais still a stiff phone , and now you’re able to find it for a rebate , should you buy it instead of Google ’s later ? Or , if you already have a Pixel 8a nuzzle in your pocket or bag , should you be looking to update to the new phone ? We ’ve got the answers , and the modification are significant in some ways . In others , not so much . If you have a Pixel 8a and are considering upgrading , or are look for a Modern speech sound , read this first .
Google Pixel 9a: vs. Google Pixel 8a: specs
From : 13MP selfie television camera
Front : 13MP selfie camera
Front : Up to 4 K at 30 fps
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: design and display
The Pixel 9a , like the Pixel 8a , is the final smartphone in its serial publication and the most budget - friendly choice . That lower damage means it does n’t feature all of the Pixel 9 ’s and Pixel 9 Pro ’s potentiality . However , it ’s still an excellent smartphone with a lot to recommend .
Google ’s latest A modelling introduces significant excogitation changes , including flatter English that resemble the standard Pixel 9 series . This marks a shift from the more rounded edge of the Pixel 8a . A braggy part of the refreshed aim is the new camera bar . alternatively of the now - traditional Pixel photographic camera streak , the Pixel 9a features a more heavyset , birth control pill - mold camera module with a much dilute television camera bump , resulting in a noticeable visual difference . This more minimalist design is fresh , and while we miss the iconic Pixel elements , it ’s a strong look , and should appeal to many , along with its bland silver screen and sides .
The Pixel 8a is a much more traditional Pixel , with the raise photographic camera taproom and curving edge . Again , we love this design , and it ’s important to notice the two are dissimilar , without one being better than the other .
The young show on the Pixel 9a measure 6.3 inches , an growth from the Pixel 8a ’s 6.1 inch , and employ Actua pOLED technology . This display boasts a peak cleverness of 2,700 nits , up from 2,000 nit , realise the new model significantly more enjoyable to use in hopeful conditions . Both have a 120Hz refresh rate , ensuring smooth scrolling and animations .
Once again , Google has prioritise sustainability by using recycled materials to manufacture the new phone . Notably , the Pixel 9a comprise more recycled charge card in its back cover . Another renowned melioration is its IP68 water resistance evaluation , which heighten the storey of protective cover compare to the Pixel 8a ’s IP67 rating .
Google has made some change this fourth dimension around in terms of colour options . you’re able to purchase the Pixel 9a in Obsidian or Porcelain , along with two unexampled color this year : Iris and Peony .
pattern , like beauty , is in the eye of the beholder , so whichever you choose will come down to you . These are radically unlike sound though , and you should keep that mind when you ’re looking to buy or upgrade .
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: performance
The performance differences between the Google Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a chiefly arise from their processors . The Pixel 9a features the Modern Google Tensor G4 chip , while the Google Tensor G3 power the Pixel 8a . This upgrade to the Tensor chip lead to several operation enhancements . The Tensor G4 delivers faster processing stop number , improved efficiency , and enhanced AI capabilities compare to its predecessor .
In real - life manipulation , as you might gestate , the Pixel 9a is a big performer . The Tensor G4 is as whole as a flagship mainframe should be , and it should be capable to palm anything you befuddle at it . We determine it handled even the most demanding games well , though it still has the thermal effect that have plagued Tensor chipping from the very start . While it does n’t get too hot by any mean value , the sound does get noticeably affectionate during more demanding labor , and that ’s not something you ’ll encounter when using phones like theOnePlus 13R. Unfortunately , this is an issue that the Pixel 8a also exhibit , so this wo n’t differentiate the two phones at all .
Yes , the Pixel 9a is the more powerful of the two by dint of have the more recent processor . But is it something you ’ll really acknowledge ? The Pixel 8a ’s processor is still very brawny , and any problems it has are replicated on the Pixel 9a anyway , making this another category that ’s close to a tie .
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: battery life and charging
The Pixel 9a has a larger 5,100mAh battery than the Pixel 8a ’s 4,492mAh battery , and this really makes a divergence . The Pixel 8a put in a dear shift with its assault and battery , lasting over a 24-hour interval on a single boot , but not take a crap it to two . The Pixel 9a , on the other hand , manages a longer battery spirit , though it ’s not longer than you might think , given the big difference in capacities .
Regarding charging potentiality , the Pixel 9a supports wired charging of up to 23W , compared to 18W in the previous model , allowing for quicker charging with compatible chargers . This is slower than we ’d like , but it ’s still a clean acclivity . However , wireless charging remains at a modest 7.5W , which really is n’t immobile enough .
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: cameras
Camera execution is one expanse where Pixels typically shine , and this year is no different . Google is try something different with the Pixel 9a ’s camera arrangement , changing the camera sensor to 48MP from the Pixel 8a ’s 64MP . While that may seem like a downgrade , the former Pixel trick still applies , and the Pixel 9a is still one of the good camera phones in this bracket . We ’ve discover it to be a bit more variable than previous phones though , and establish that some injection would come out a small under discover and a little alcking in color . This is easily remedied in Google ’s editing tools , but it does intend some of the Pixel ’s point - and - shoot capabilities have been recede .
We had some issues with the Pixel 8a ’s television camera too , but it ’s of import to note that both are still excellent , and in a lot of fashion , are likewise firm . You ’re going to be heavily - press to figure out which is the better from unremarkable role though .
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: software and support
While elusive , the software package and support difference between the Google Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a are significant for long - term users . Both headphone benefit from Google ’s impressive commitment to seven days of software update , ensuring access code to the latest Android features and protection plot for an elongated point . However , the Pixel 9a , launching with Android 15 , inherently start out its support cycle a class later on than the Pixel 8a , which launched with Android 14 . This means the Pixel 9a will receive update until 2032 , while the 8a ’s bread and butter will conclude in 2031 .
Furthermore , the Pixel 9a ’s newer Tensor G4 chip offer enhanced AI processing and amend efficiency in handling future Android update compared to the Pixel 8a ’s Tensor G3 . This translates to politic functioning and better optimisation for future software iterations on the Pixel 9a . While both phones offer a robust and long - lasting computer software experience , the Pixel 9a ’s later launch and upgraded cow dung cater a fragile advantage in terms of seniority and hereafter - proofing .
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: pricing and availability
Google has place the price for its new budget phone , the Pixel 9a , at $ 499 for the 128 GB model and $ 559 for the 256 GB version . Both models come with 8 GB of RAM . The Pixel 9a is available now , having replaced the Pixel 8a in Google ’s roster . you could still find the Pixel 8a , and though it ’s going to become increasingly tough to receive from new , you could be sure you ’ll find some great deals for it as time goes on .
Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: is it worth upgrading?
If you are in the market for a fresh budget telephone set and do n’t presently own a Pixel 9a , there are many reasons to consider it . The telephone set sport the Tensor G4 microprocessor chip , which is also used in the other Pixel 9 series equipment . It feature an telling camera system and a 6.3 - inch display .
Upgrading from a Pixel 8a to a Pixel 9a offers several compelling vantage , particularly slightly enhanced functioning , improved display brightness , and a slight extension in battery life . However , the improvement are fairly thin , and not enormously worth upgrade for . While Google has clearly ameliorate over last year ’s theoretical account in a figure of places , it ’s very much an incremental change , rather than anything truly flat coat - break . As such , we do n’t advocate upgrading from the Pixel 8a , if you ’re already using it .
If you ’re look for a new phone , as mentioned , then it ’s hard to argue against the Pixel 9a . But if you ’re upgrade from last year ’s role model ? We advocate you wait for the Pixel 10a , at least .
