The Pixel 9a is expected to launch on March 19, 2025, as the latest entry in Google’s budget-friendly A-series. If you’re using a Pixel 8a or considering an upgrade, the big question is: how much has really changed?
Based on leaks, the Pixel 9a could bring one of the biggest performance jumps in the A-series, thanks to a new chip, a smoother display, and a longer lasting battery. But does it do enough to make Pixel 8a owners want to upgrade? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Verdict
After looking at everything, I see two types of buyers here—those already using the Pixel 8a and those coming from an older phone or switching to Google’s ecosystem. If you’re using a Pixel 8a, the upgrades might not feel massive, but they do exist.
Google Pixel 9a ✔️ Enhanced Performance (G4 chip) ✔️ Smoother Display (6.3-inch OLED screen) ✔️ Longer lasting battery (5,100 mAh) ✔️ Durable Build (IP68) ✔️Long-Term Support (seven years of software updates) ❌Plastic Back ❌Moderate Charging Speed ❌Higher price | Google Pixel 8a ✔️ Reliable Performance (G3 chip) ✔️Compact Design (6.1-inch OLED) ✔️Dependable Cameras ✔️Cheaper ❌ Slower Charging (Supports only 18W wired charging) ❌ Plastic Build ❌ Moderate Battery Capacity (4,492mAh battery) |
The Pixel 9a’s smoother 120Hz display, newer Tensor G4 chip, and bigger battery all improve day-to-day use. The real-world difference, though, depends on how you use your phone. If you’re constantly multitasking, gaming, or taking a ton of photos, the Pixel 9a’s better performance and improved AI processing could be noticeable.
All things considered, if your Pixel 8a is running fine and you don’t care much about tiny refinements, it’s probably not worth upgrading just yet.
Best Overall: Pixel 9a
If I had to pick just one phone for most people, the Pixel 9a is the clear winner. Why? Because it gives you that near-flagship experience without burning a hole in your wallet. With a Tensor G4 chip, a buttery-smooth 120Hz display, and a bigger battery, it’s a proper upgrade over the Pixel 8a—without a major price jump. If you want the best mix of performance, battery life, and value, this is your guy. Especially if you’re upgrading from an older phone, you’ll feel the difference immediately.
Best Camera: Too Close to Call
Alright, this one’s tricky. The Pixel 8a has a 64MP main sensor, while the Pixel 9a is rumored to come with a 48MP sensor. Might sound like a downgrade. But here’s the thing—Google’s camera magic isn’t about megapixels; it’s about AI-powered wizardry. If the Pixel 9a’s sensor is physically larger (which we suspect it might be), it could actually perform better in low light. Both phones keep the same 13MP ultra-wide camera, so the real battle comes down to Google’s AI tricks—which, let’s be real, could be exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.
Best Performance: Pixel 9a
If speed is what you’re after, the Pixel 9a takes the crown. With the new Tensor G4 chip, you’re getting better efficiency, smarter AI features, and improved heat management—which means fewer overheating issues and a smoother experience overall.
Best Battery Life: Pixel 9a
Bigger battery? Yes, please. The Pixel 9a gets a massive 5,100mAh battery, a serious step up from the 4,492mAh on the 8a. Pair that with a more efficient processor, and you’re getting a phone that should last longer on a single charge. Now, the 120Hz display could eat up some power, so real-world battery life depends on Google’s software optimizations. But regardless, a bigger battery is always a win in my book.
Best Display: Pixel 9a
Both phones sport OLED screens, but the Pixel 9a finally brings a 120Hz refresh rate to the A-series. The Pixel 8a is stuck at 90Hz, which, don’t get me wrong, is fine—but once you experience 120Hz scrolling, gaming, and animations, there’s no going back. If you want that ultra-smooth experience, the 9a is the way to go.
Best for Longevity: Pixel 9a
Both the Pixel 8a and 9a will get seven years of software updates—which is amazing. So longevity in terms of software support? No difference here. But where the 9a pulls ahead is in its newer Tensor G4 chip. It’s simply better equipped to handle future Android updates compared to the older G3 chip in the 8a. If you want a phone that still feels fast years down the line, the Pixel 9a is the better bet.
Best Value for Money: Pixel 8a (For Some Buyers)
Now, if you’re all about saving money, the Pixel 8a is still a great deal. It gives you solid performance, clean software, and long-term updates—for less cash.
Detailed Comparison: Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a
| Feature | Pixel 8a | Pixel 9a (Leaked and Rumored Specs) |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz | 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Tensor G3 | Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Main Camera | 64MP | 48MP |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP | 13MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4,492mAh | 5,100mAh |
| Charging Speed | 18W wired, 7.5W wireless | 23W wired, 7.5W wireless |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 188 grams | 186 grams |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 15 |
| Price | Starting at $499 | Starting at $499 |
Looking at these two side by side, the biggest changes in the Pixel 9a come down to performance, display, and battery life.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Performance
The jump from Tensor G3 to Tensor G4 might not seem huge at first, but it should make a real difference in efficiency and heat management.
Google’s past Tensor chips have been known to run hot, especially under heavy use, and if the G4 has improved in that area, the 9a could feel faster for longer periods without throttling.
This is something I’d want to test in real-world use, but based on leaks, the Pixel 9a should handle demanding tasks better than the 8a.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9a: Display
The display is another area where the Pixel 9a finally catches up to other mid-range phones. The Pixel 8a was stuck at 90Hz, while the 9a is expected to support 120Hz.
If you’ve never used a 120Hz screen before, it makes a huge difference in how smooth everything feels—scrolling, animations, and general navigation all look more fluid. The Pixel 9a’s larger 6.3-inch screen also gives you a bit more room, but the main upgrade is really about refresh rate and fluidity.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Camera
Camera-wise, it’s a bit tricky. On paper, the Pixel 8a has a 64MP main sensor, while the 9a is rumored to drop to 48MP. But megapixels don’t tell the whole story—Google’s software processing and sensor improvements usually matter more.
If the 9a’s sensor is physically larger, it could actually take better low-light shots and sharper images overall, despite having fewer megapixels. The ultra-wide camera looks to be the same 13MP sensor, so there’s probably no major difference there. The real question is whether the Pixel 9a will get Google’s newest AI-powered photo features, or if those will be reserved for the flagship Pixel 9.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Battery Life
Battery life might be the most underrated upgrade here. The Pixel 9a is expected to have a 5,100mAh battery, which is a big step up from the Pixel 8a’s 4,492mAh.
That alone should mean longer screen-on time, fewer mid-day charges, and better standby drain. Pair that with a more efficient Tensor G4 chip, and the Pixel 9a could easily last longer than its predecessor, even with a higher refresh rate screen.
Charging speeds haven’t improved much, but 23W wired vs. 18W isn’t nothing—it should shave off a few minutes when topping up.
🎮Bonus: Top 2 Accessories for Pixel 9a/8a
To get the most out of your Pixel 9 or 9a, here are two accessories worth considering. The Always Present comes with plenty of features up its sleeve to help you manage your screen time, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer a seamless connection unlike any other earbuds.
Always Present
Do you get lost doom scrolling on TikTok and sometimes regret not spending that time on something more valuable. If you’re like me and need a little extra help staying on track, the Always Present device is exactly what you need.
While your phone is docked in the station, it charges wirelessly. The station also has a call forwarding feature so you don’t miss important calls. With its mobile app, it helps you track your screen time and set goals to use your phone less. This docking station helps you sleep better, boosts productivity, and reduces stress.
Link: Always PRESENT
Price: The product hasn’t launched yet. Reserve it now with a $1 deposit to get it for $299 instead of the regular $500.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a big upgrade for Pixel users. The sound quality is way clearer, so music and calls just sound better. The noise cancellation does a great job of cutting out background noise. Plus, they connect easily and smoothly with Google devices.
Link: Google Pixel Pro 2
Price: You can grab these for $229, and check them out here.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the Pixel 9a doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel, but it fixes key weak points of the 8a. The higher refresh rate, better processor, and bigger battery all add up to a phone that feels smoother, lasts longer, and performs better under stress. If you’re using a Pixel 8a, it’s not an essential upgrade, but for anyone coming from an older phone or switching to Google, the Pixel 9a is easily the better buy.
