How the two mid-rangers stack up

The newcomer

Pixel 9a

Google’s mid-range Pixel 9a offers impressive high-end features like a 48-megapixel main shooter, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera with macro, its Tensor G4 chip, and 8GB of RAM, all in a cost-effective $500 package.
Last year’s mid-ranger

Pixel 8a

Google’s latest midranger handset, with a 6.1-inch display, a 64-megapixel main camera, 8GB of RAM, and the Tensor G3 chip first found on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.

After a whirlwind of leaks and rumors, Google has finally taken the wraps off its latest mid-range Android phone, the Pixel 9a. Serving as a direct sequel to last year’s excellent Pixel 8a, the 9a employs the same basic formula as its predecessor.

Here’s a breakdown of all the major differences between the two mid-range Google Pixel handsets, including details on specs, pricing, availability, design, and more.

See our process

How we test and review products at Pocket-lint

We don’t do arm-chair research. We buy and test our own products, and we only publish buyer’s guides with products we’ve actually reviewed.

Price, specs, and availability

Solid year-over-year upgrades

	Google Pixel 9a	Google Pixel 8a
Brand	Google	Google
Display	1080 x 2424 pixel resolution pOLED, (422.2ppi), 60-120Hz variable refre4sh rate, 1,800 nits (HDR), 2,700 nits (peak brightness)	1080×2400 OLED at 430 PPI, up to 120Hz, 1400 nits (HDR), 2000 nits (peak brightness)
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	28GB, 256GB
Battery	5,100mAh	24+ hour, up to 72-hour with extreme battery saver
Ports	USB-C	USB Type-C® 3.2
Operating System	Android	Android 14, 7 years of OS support
Front camera	f/2.2 13-megapixel	13 MP
Rear camera	f1.7 48-megapixel wide, f/2.2 13-megapixel ultrawide	64 MP Quad PD wide camera
Dimensions	6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4-inches (154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm)	6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches
Colors	Iris, peony, porcelain, obsidian	Aloe, Bay, Porcelain, Obsidian
Weight	6.6oz (185.9g)	6.6 oz

The Google Pixel 8a launched May 14, 2024, at a base asking price of $500. The mid-range phone comes in obsidian, porcelain, bay and aloe colorways, and ships in two configurations: a 128GB storage variant, and a more expensive 256GB variant.

With this year’s Pixel 9a, Google hasn’t changed much in terms of pricing structure. The device costs the same base $500 as its predecessor, and comes in both 128GB and 256GB storage options. The 9a can be purchased in a choice of obsidian, porcelain, iris, or peony colorways.

With this year’s Pixel 9a, Google hasn’t changed much in terms of pricing structure.

In the US, the Pixel 9a will be available sometime in early April. Google has confirmed the existence of a “component quality issue” which is leading to some delays in shipping and availability of the product.

Google Pixel 9a on blue/purple background.

Google’s Pixel 9a debut comes with an unexpected delay

The Google Pixel 9a won’t be available until April due to a quality control issue.

Design and build

This one comes down to personal preference

In terms of physical build, the Pixel 8a and 9a both share a common Google design heritage. The newer 9a takes inspiration from the high-end Pixel 9 series with its boxier aesthetic, but its new rear camera module lacks the signature camera bar we’ve come to know and love on other Pixel devices, including on the 8a.

…the 9a’s new camera bump doesn’t protrude.

On a brighter note, the 9a’s new camera bump doesn’t protrude, which is a stark contrast from the 8a’s large-and-in-charge module. As always, design preference here will be a matter of personal preference.

Both devices use plastic and aluminum as their primary chassis materials, and both are similar in footprint: the newer 9a has a very slightly larger 6.3-inch display compared with the 8a’s 6.1-inch panel.

8:28

Quirks and all, the Google Pixel 8a is my new favorite mid-range phone

The Pixel 8a is a bit of a conundrum, and my favorite recent mid-range phone launch.

Display

The newer model offers slightly more screen real estate

Speaking of display, the underlying screen technology used in both Pixel a phones is similar. Both the 9a and the 8a use OLED panels, and both are capable of refreshing at a zippy 120Hz refresh rate.

Display resolution remains broadly identical across both models, at 1080 x 2424 and 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution for the 9a and the 8a, respectively. The newer phone’s screen is capable of a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, which is a marked improvement over the 8a’s peak of 2,000 nits.

The phone that no one bought: the Pixel 8a deserved better

Budget and mid-tier phones should receive way more attention than they’re getting.

Internals

Both models get the basics right

Pixel 8a at the beach with purple background

The Pixel 9a features Google’s latest ARM-based processor, the in-house Tensor G4. By comparison, last year’s Pixel 8a ships with the older Tensor G3 chipset. Both phones feature the same 8GB of RAM, making for a decent mid-range offering across both units.

Both devices include under-display optical fingerprint sensors, stereo speakers, and Qi wireless charging support. The 9a is certified for water and dust resistance at the IP68 level, compared to the 8a’s IP67.

Neither device is a powerhouse by any means, but at $500, there’s little to complain about in the hardware department.

iPhone 17 Pro concept render from asherdipps

Apple’s iPhone 17 is taking shape, and it looks a lot like a Google Pixel

We’re still a few months away from the formal unveiling of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, but the rumor mill is already churning – here’s what we know.

Cameras

A similar setup, at least on paper

Both the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 9a feature dual rear-facing camera setups: one main wide-angle shooter, and one supplementary ultra-wide sensor. Optics are similar across the two models, and much of the difference in photographic output will come down to Google’s computational algorithms, color science tech, and other software-based optimizations.

Neither of the models are flagship-level in terms of offering the latest-and-greatest camera hardware, but Google has an excellent track record when it comes to making the most out of unimpressive optics.

Hands holding a Pixel 9 Pro Fold over a background of dollar signs.

How to get a new Google Pixel for as cheap as possible

Use every discount at your disposal to purchase a new Android smartphone.

Verdict: How do the two Google Pixel a series phones stack up to each other?

With no price increase this year, the newer Pixel 9a is the way to go — unless you can find an excellent deal on a Pixel 8a

With Google’s decision to maintain a $500 base asking price for this year’s Pixel a series offering, the 9a looks to be a fairly solid value overall. It features the same Tensor G4 chipset as its more expensive siblings, has more cameras and a faster display panel than its Apple iPhone 16e mid-range counterpart, and will be supported with a full seven years of Android OS feature updates.

An excellent mid-range phone

Pixel 9a

Google’s mid-range Pixel 9a offers impressive high-end features like a 48-megapixel main shooter, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera with macro, its Tensor G4 chip, and 8GB of RAM, all in a cost-effective $500 package.

If, however, you can score yourself a good discount on last year’s Pixel 8a, then you’ll still be in for a pretty great phone experience all around, and you’ll be benefiting from even more bang for your buck. The 8a will still be receiving software support for years into the future, and the hardware package is well-rounded.

Still a solid choice overall

Pixel 8a

The Pixel 8a is a mid-ranger Google handset, with a 6.1-inch display, a 64-megapixel main camera, 8GB of RAM, and the Tensor G3 chip first found on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.

If you’re thinking of picking up a Pixel 9a, then you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer — Google is in the process of sorting out the component quality issue that it’s identified ahead of launch. Before making a decision between the two phones, I’d advise waiting until next week’s Amazon Spring Deal Sale shopping event: there’s a decent chance that Google will sell the older Pixel 8a at a discounted rate to sell through existing inventory.