The shiny new Google Pixel 9 was unveiled this week at Made by Google 2024, and with the Pixel 8a only launched a few months ago, we’re wondering which is better for the price.
My Pixel 6 has served me well, but if I were to upgrade, should I go for the cheaper Pixel 8a or go straight for the Pixel 9 for the better specs? But what’s the big difference between the two? Well, $300 to start with.
So, should you get the new Google Pixel 9 or should you opt for the affordable Pixel 8a? Let’s get started.
Google Pixel 8a vs. Google Pixel 9: Price
The Google Pixel 8a and the Google Pixel 9 differ in terms of their budget.
Google announced that the Pixel 9’s starting price is $799. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, launched with a price tag of $499. If you can’t stomach that stark $300 price difference, you’re probably better off with the Pixel 8a.
If you can afford it, though, read on and I’ll break down exactly what you’re getting for the specs. The biggest difference I’m going to talk about now is the processor. The Pixel 8a has the Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8 Pro, while the Pixel 9 comes with the new Tensor G4 chip, which is designed to handle more AI features.
Google Pixel 8a vs. Google Pixel 9: Specifications
This is the most important part, let’s see what the Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 9 offer between their price ranges.
The Pixel 9 launches with the Google Tensor G4 chip, 12GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. On the outside, it features a 6.3-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2424 pixels and 422 PPI, a refresh rate of 60-120 Hz, and brightness up to 2700 nits (1800 nits in HDR).
The cameras on the back are 50MP wide angle and 48MP ultra wide angle with macro focus, super-res zoom up to 8x and optical quality at 0.5x, 1x and 2x. On the front there is a 10.5MP camera with autofocus. ƒ/2.2 aperture and an ultra-wide field of view of 95°.
The Pixel 8a features the Google Tensor G3 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It has a 6.1-inch 1080 x 2400 OLED display with 430 PPI, a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, and brightness of up to 2000 nits (1400 nits in HDR).
As for the cameras, the Pixel 8a supports a 64 MP Quad PD wide-angle and a 13 MP ultra-wide-angle camera on the rear with Super Res zoom up to 8x and optical quality at 0.5x and 1x. On the front, there is a 13 MP camera with af/2.2 aperture and a 96.5° ultra-wide-angle field of view.
So that’s an interesting mix of components. Overall, the Pixel 9 is superior to the Pixel 8a in terms of performance and display. The Pixel 8a is no slouch in terms of performance, though, as it has the same CPU as its Pro sibling.
If you’re not into photography, the Pixel 8a is for you. The cameras between the two are pretty competitive, but the Pixel 9 comes out on top because it has an ultra-wide-angle camera on the back and 2x optical zoom.
Google Pixel 8a vs. Google Pixel 9: Design
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a look similar, but the former has an updated design. While the Pixel 8a has a flat back with rounded edges and an edge-to-edge camera strip, on the Pixel 9, those edges are flatter and the camera array is converted into a pill-shaped housing.
The Pixel 9 is available in several colors, including black, pink, white, and green. The Pixel 8a replaces pink with blue. The Pixel 9 weighs 200g and measures 15 x 7 x 0.8cm, while the Pixel 8a measures up to 190g and 15 x 7 x 0.1cm.
The Pixel 8a might look a little odd next to the Pixel 9, as it’s larger and heavier overall, but also has a smaller display. (Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 isn’t available in blue, my favorite color for the device.)
Google Pixel 8a vs. Google Pixel 9: How to choose
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 8a target similar but different audiences. If you want a reliable smartphone that won’t break the bank, the Pixel 8a is a great choice, but if you want to go the extra mile in terms of performance and cameras, the Pixel 9 should be your choice.
As for performance, my Pixel 6 with the original Google Tensor chip works fine. The only slowdown I see is when running large mobile games like Diablo Immortalso I wouldn’t worry about your phone slowing down in at least three years (from my experience).
If you know you need top-notch performance, go with the Pixel 9, but otherwise you’re probably fine with the Pixel 8a. $300 is a lot of money and it’s not worth it unless the extra camera and AI features really matter to you.
However, since we haven’t benchmarked the Pixel 9, we can’t say what other advantages it might offer.
For now, stay up to date with news, rumors, and updates on everything Made by Google 2024 and all things tech by following LaptopMag To XFacebook and Flipboard as soon as it is available.
