Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a Comparison: Features, Performance, and More Differences

The Pixel series is a smartphone line that offers a pure Android experience developed by Google. In 2024, the Pixel 9 series was released, and in 2025, the highly anticipated budget model, Pixel 9a, will make its debut. But first, let's take a look at its predecessor, the Pixel 8a. Now, let's compare them.

Compare the body designs of Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a side by side.

Pixel 9a

Pixel 8a

Let's start by comparing the body design.

Both the Pixel 9a and 8a feature a recycled plastic back, reflecting the cost-cutting approach typical of the budget-friendly "a" series. While the build quality is not bad, those who prefer a more premium feel may want to consider the higher-end Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro.

The design differences between the Pixel 9a and 8a are quite noticeable. The 9a has a nearly flat and minimalist design with almost no camera bump, whereas the 8a features a metal camera bar, giving it a slightly more premium look.

Overall, the Pixel 9a has a more modern and universal design, making it a practical choice for long-term use. However, for those who appreciate a more distinctive look, the Pixel 8a stands out with its unique design.

Compare the Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a Body and Display at Actual Size

Let's compare the body and display sizes in actual scale.

When placed side by side, it's clear that the Pixel 9a is larger than the 8a. The Pixel 9a features a 6.3-inch display, while the 8a has a 6.1-inch screen. Although the difference is only 0.2 inches, it is quite noticeable in reality.

One interesting point is that despite the larger size, the Pixel 9a is actually 1 gram lighter at 187 grams. This weight reduction is largely due to the removal of the metal camera bar found in the Pixel 8a. By eliminating decorative elements, the Pixel 9a prioritizes practicality, which should appeal to most users of the budget-friendly Pixel a series.

While the display size has increased, the resolution remains nearly the same, meaning there is no improvement in pixel density. Both models use OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the maximum brightness has been improved—Pixel 8a reaches 2,000 nits, whereas Pixel 9a goes up to 2,700 nits, offering a 35% increase in brightness.

Both the Pixel 9a and 8a have noticeably thicker bezels compared to recent smartphones. While thicker bezels can make it easier to touch the edges of the screen accurately, they also make the overall device larger and less stylish. Whether this is a positive or negative aspect depends on personal preference. You can compare the body size and bezel thickness in detail on this site to make an informed decision.

Compare Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a in a Specifications Chart

The main camera on the Pixel 9a has a lower resolution at 48MP compared to the Pixel 8a’s 64MP. However, the Pixel 9a has a wider f/1.7 aperture, while the 8a has an f/1.89 aperture, which may result in better low-light performance on the 9a. The ultra-wide camera and front camera are the same on both models. Given the AI-driven advancements in smartphone cameras, the newer Pixel 9a is expected to offer a better overall camera experience.

Both models feature Google’s custom-designed Tensor chip, with the Pixel 9a powered by the Tensor G4 and the Pixel 8a using the Tensor G3. While benchmark scores don’t show a huge leap, the Pixel 9a is optimized for Google’s AI models, making web browsing and app launch times significantly faster.

Both devices support eSIM and Google Pay (Osaifu-Keitai). In terms of water and dust resistance, the Pixel 9a is rated IP68, while the 8a is rated IP67, making the Pixel 9a more durable and practical for everyday use.

	Pixel 9a	Pixel 8a
Manufacturer	Google	Google
Release Date
Screen Size	6.3 inch	6.1 inch
Resolution	1,080 x 2,424	1,080 x 2,400
Display Details	pOLED	OLED
Max Refresh Rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Max Brightness	2700 nits	2000 nits
Body Size	73.7mm x 154.9mm x 10.16mm	72.7mm x 152.1mm x 8.9mm
Weight	187 g	188 g
Processor	Google Tensor G4	Google Tensor G3
OS	Android 15	Android 14
Main camera 1	48-megapixel(f/1.7)	64-megapixel(f/1.89)
Main camera 1 details	82° field of view, 1/2", OIS	80° field of view
Main camera 2	13-megapixel(f/2.2)	13-megapixel(f/2.2)
Main camera 2 details	Ultra-wide angle 120°, 1/3.1"	Ultra-wide angle 120°
Main camera 3
Main camera 3 details
Main camera 4
Main camera 4 details
Main camera 5
Main camera 5 details
Sub camera 1	13-megapixel(f/2.2)	13-megapixel(f/2.2)
Sub camera 1 details	96.1° field of view	96.5° field of view
Sub camera 2
Sub camera 2 details
Battery	5,100 mAh	4,492 mAh
Video playback time
RAM(GB)	8 G	8 G
ROM(GB)	128/256 G	128 G
Antutu	1,012,000 ver10(estimated)	819,000 ver10
Water resistance	IPX8	IPX7
Dust resistance	IP6X	IP6X
SIM	dual SIM(nanoSIM + eSIM)	dual SIM(nanoSIM + eSIM)
NFC	Felica	Felica

In the end, which is better, Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a?

When comparing the Pixel 9a and 8a, it comes down to personal preference and priorities. The Pixel 8a features a unique design with a metallic camera bar on the back, which gives it a more distinctive look but may not appeal to everyone. On the other hand, the Pixel 9a aligns more closely with Google’s simple and modern aesthetic, making it more widely acceptable to a larger group of users.

The Pixel a series is popular among users who are cost-conscious. The Pixel 9a offers a larger, more readable display and is 1 gram lighter than the Pixel 8a, which is an appealing feature. However, if you prefer a more compact phone with a touch of luxury at a lower price, the Pixel 8a still holds value.

For those who want to experience the latest AI trends from Google, the Pixel 9a, equipped with the Tensor G4 processor shared with the Pixel 9 series, will likely provide greater satisfaction. Its performance in everyday use is also expected to be smoother.

In general, the Pixel 9a offers more benefits for the majority of users. Unless you can find the Pixel 8a at a significantly lower price, the Pixel 9a is the better choice, offering a simple, smart, and long-lasting experience that fits the spirit of the Google Pixel a series.

Let's Compare Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a in More Detail

We recommend comparing the Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a in more detail through the following link and making an informed purchase decision.