The Pixel 9a is expected to launch on March 19, and leaks suggest it might not be as much of a downgrade from the Pixel 9 as previous A-series models were.
Rumor has it that the Pixel 9 will have the same Tensor G4 chip, a 120Hz display, and a bigger battery—which means it could perform just as well and even last longer on a charge. That makes me wonder if the Pixel 9 is really worth spending more, or is the 9a the smarter buy? Let’s dig into the details to find out.
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Verdict
For most people, the Pixel 9a will likely offer the best balance of price and performance, but the Pixel 9 isn’t just about extra power. You’re also getting a better camera system, a more premium design, and a display that adjusts to save battery. So, do those extra features really make a difference? Let’s look at the pros and cons to find out.
| Google Pixel 9a ✅ Same Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9 ✅ Affordable ✅ Larger Battery (5,100mAh) ✅ Lightweight Design (186 grams) ❌ Plastic Back ❌ No wireless charging ❌ Weaker haptics (vibration feedback) ❌ Less robust cooling system ❌ Lower RAM: (8GB) ❌No adaptive refresh rate | Google Pixel 9 ✅ Premium Build (aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2) ✅ Enhanced Camera System: (50MP main camera) ✅ Higher RAM (12GB vs 8GB on Pixel 9a ) ✅ Wireless charging ✅ Advanced Cooling System ❌ Higher Price Point ❌ Heavier Weight (198 grams) |
Yes, from the table above, you can see that the Pixel 9a has more compromises than the Pixel 9. But let’s be real—none of them are deal breakers for most people. A plastic back, no wireless charging, and slightly less RAM won’t matter much unless you’re constantly multitasking with 20 apps open. For everyday use, 8GB of RAM will feel just as smooth as 12GB. Also, I think we all can live with a plastic back phone without wireless charging.
Still, all things considered the Pixel 9 makes a strong case—and here’s why.
Best Overall: Pixel 9
If you want the absolute best Google Pixel experience, the Pixel 9 is right up your alley. Not only are you getting better cameras, more RAM, a premium build, but a smarter display as well. That said, at $899, it’s a big jump in price from what the 9a is expected to cost, but the extra features of the Pixel 9 do make a difference for everyday use.
Best Value: Pixel 9a (Leaked)
If the $499 price rumor is true, this could be the best mid-range Pixel yet. You’re getting the same Tensor G4 chip, a 120Hz display, and a huge battery for way less.
Best Camera: Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 has a more advanced ultra-wide camera with a larger sensor and higher resolution (48MP vs. 13MP expected on the 9a), meaning sharper details and better low-light performance. The selfie camera also has autofocus, which helps keep faces crisp in both photos and video calls.
Best Performance: Pixel 9 (Tie)
12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage mean the Pixel 9 will feel snappier in demanding tasks. But for daily use? The 9a’s expected 8 GB might feel nearly identical.
Best Battery Life: Tie (We’ll have to see real-world tests)
With a 5,100mAh battery, the 9a is expected to have significantly better endurance than the Pixel 9. But we’ll have to see real-world tests. Also, if the Pixel 9a won’t adjust its screen refresh rate like the Pixel 9, it might drain more battery when running at 120Hz all the time. The Pixel 9 can drop to a lower refresh rate when you’re reading or looking at static content, which helps save power.
Google Pixel 9a: Leaked Specs
*Disclaimer: Google hasn’t confirmed the Pixel 9a’s specs yet.
The Google Pixel 9a is expected to be announced on March 19, 2025, with pre-orders starting the same day and a release on March 26, 2025. Leaked marketing images reveal a refreshed design, a compact camera bump, and bold new color options, including Iris (purple) and Peony (pink)—a departure from Google’s usual muted tones.
Rumors suggest that the Pixel 9a will feature a 6.3-inch OLED display, Tensor G4 chip, 8GB RAM, and a 5,100mAh battery, making it a strong mid-range contender. If these leaks hold up, this model could offer near-flagship-level performance at a lower price, which will make it a serious alternative to the already available Pixel 9.
- Display: 6.3-inch OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: Google’s Tensor G4 chip.
- RAM: 8GB.
- Storage Options: 128GB and 256GB.
- Battery: 5,100mAh.
- Camera Setup:
- Rear Cameras: 48MP main sensor and 13MP ultra-wide sensor.
- Front Camera: 13MP.
- Colors: Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Peony (pink), and Iris (purple).
- Pricing: $499 for the 128GB model and $599 for the 256GB model.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Key Differences
*The specifications for the Pixel 9a have not been officially confirmed yet.
| Specification | Pixel 9a (Expected) | Pixel 9 |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED, 1080×2424, 60–120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main, 13MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 13MP | 10.5MP |
| Battery | 5,100mAh | 4,700mAh |
| Charging | 23W wired, 7.5W wireless | 27W wired, 15W wireless |
| Build Material | Aluminum frame, plastic back | 100% recycled aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 154.7 x 73.2 x 8.9 mm | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 186 grams | 198 grams |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 14 (7 years of OS/security updates) |
| Price | Starting at $499 for 128GB model | Starting at $799 for 128GB model |
| Colors Available | Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, Iris | Peony, Wintergreen, Porcelain, Obsidian |
Specs only tell part of the story, but based on the confirmed details of the Pixel 9 and the most reliable leaks about the Pixel 9a, here’s how I’d actually compare them.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Design & Build
The build question comes down to priorities. I do like a premium feel, but if the 9a is significantly lighter and cheaper, I’d honestly take plastic and comfort over a slippery glass back any day.
Google seems to be going for a flatter back design with a smaller camera visor for the Pixel 9a. The build is likely plastic, which isn’t as premium but makes the phone lighter and less slippery. I drop my phone at least five times a day, so a plastic back might actually be a good thing—it won’t shatter like glass.
It’s also expected to come in Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Peony (pink), and Iris (purple).
That said, the Pixel 9 features an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and a more refined camera bar. It’s the more premium device, no question, but also heavier.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Display
A 120Hz screen on both phones is a huge upgrade over previous A-series models .But if the rumors are true and the 9a won’t come with LTPO tech, it could drain more battery since it’s locked at 120Hz. That’s something I’d want to see in real-world tests.
Pixel 9a is expected to have a 6.3-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 9 features 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz LTPO. This means it can adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on what you’re doing, saving battery.
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Performance
Here’s what stands out to me: If the Pixel 9a has the same Tensor G4 chip, then performance will likely feel identical for everyday tasks. The extra RAM on the Pixel 9 helps with multitasking, but unless you keep 20+ apps open at all times, I doubt most people will notice a huge difference.
* The 9a is expected to have the same Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9, along with 8GB RAM and UFS 3.1 storage (slightly slower than UFS 4.0). Pixel 9, on the other hand, packs 12GB RAM, UFS 4.0 storage. Faster storage means quicker app launches and better sustained performance.
Google Pixel 9a vs 9: Camera
The Pixel 9a has a rumored 48MP main camera + 13MP ultra-wide. No word on whether the sensor size has improved over previous A-series models.
The Pixel 9 packs a 50MP main + 48MP ultra-wide camera. More megapixels don’t always mean better photos, but the ultra-wide camera is noticeably better on the Pixel 9.
You’ll see the real difference in low-light shots and video. Google’s camera processing is great, but if the sensor in the 9a is smaller, night photos and portrait shots will likely suffer compared to the Pixel 9.
Google Pixel 9a vs 9: Battery
- Pixel 9a (Leaked): 5,100mAh battery, rumored 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging.
- Pixel 9 (Confirmed): 4,500mAh battery, 30W wired, 18W wireless.
Battery life is where the Pixel 9a might actually beat the Pixel 9. It has a bigger battery, and since it likely lacks some power-hungry features (like LTPO), it could last longer. If Google keeps the same bad charging speeds, though, neither of these will be impressive.
🎮Bonus: Top 2 Accessories for Pixel 9a/9
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
If camera quality, premium materials, and smoother performance matter to you, the Pixel 9 is the better buy—but only if you’re willing to pay a lot more. That said, if you just want a fast Pixel with great battery life and a high refresh rate screen, waiting for the 9a makes way more sense. I’d personally wait until Google officially announces the 9a in May before making a decision. If the leaks are true, the Pixel 9a could be the best value Pixel in years.
