Google’s A-series telephones have at all times been about delivering premium options at a extra reasonably priced mid-range value level. The brand new Pixel 9a seems set to proceed that custom.
However how does it stack up in opposition to its predecessor, the Pixel 8a? Let’s dive into the important thing variations and whether or not the Pixel 9a is definitely worth the improve.
Design & Construct
The Pixel 9a is getting a little bit of a facelift, bringing it extra according to Google’s flagship Pixel 9 lineup. Not like the Pixel 8a, which nonetheless has some curves and a traditional Pixel digicam strip, the 9a goes for a very flat design with right-angled edges. The flush digicam island is a giant departure from all of Google’s latest telephones.
When it comes to measurement, the Pixel 9a can also be barely bigger with a 6.3-inch show, in comparison with the 6.1-inch display screen on the Pixel 8a. The brand new telephone measures 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm, making it a contact taller and wider.
Apparently, regardless of its larger display screen, the Pixel 9a is definitely lighter at 186g in comparison with the Pixel 8a’s 188g.
Chris Martin / Foundry
For individuals who cherished the extra compact nature of the Pixel 8a, the dimensions enhance might not be ultimate. Nonetheless, for customers preferring a bigger show for content material consumption, the Pixel 9a is a welcome improve.
Cameras
On paper, the Pixel 8a appears to have the higher hand with its 64Mp principal sensor in comparison with the 48Mp principal digicam on the Pixel 9a. Nonetheless, larger numbers don’t at all times imply higher high quality, and that seems to be the case right here.
The Pixel 9a’s sensor is extra superior, borrowing from the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, that includes an f/1.7 aperture, dual-pixel autofocus, and OIS.
What does this imply for on a regular basis use? The Pixel 9a ought to carry out higher in low-light conditions, with improved dynamic vary and sharper pictures, regardless of having fewer megapixels.
Google’s software program magic will undoubtedly play a job as properly, making certain top-tier picture processing no matter {hardware} adjustments.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Each telephones retain the 13Mp ultrawide digicam, so there received’t be a lot of a distinction there.
However the Pixel 9a’s improved principal digicam may have a noticeable influence on total picture high quality, particularly in difficult lighting situations.
Battery Life
One of the crucial thrilling adjustments with the Pixel 9a is the battery. Google is equipping it with a a lot bigger 5100mAh battery, in comparison with the 4492mAh cell contained in the Pixel 8a.
That’s a major leap that may make the Pixel 9a probably the greatest Pixel telephones for battery life. Coupled with the extra environment friendly Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9a has sturdy potential to last more than its predecessor, particularly in real-world use.
The Pixel 8a already offered first rate endurance, however the Pixel 9a is anticipated to push issues even additional, making it a extra dependable possibility for customers who want a telephone that lasts all day and past.
As a reminder, the Pixel 8a can final a day, however something past that might be troublesome. It can also cost from lifeless to 41% in half-hour. Google claims that the Pixel 9a affords over 30 hours of battery life and as much as 100 hours with Excessive Battery Saver.
Mattias Inghe
Charging is barely improved, from 18W to 23W, however it’s nonetheless gradual by fashionable requirements. The 7.5W Qi wi-fi charging is even slower, although the improved battery life ought to make up for it.
Different variations
As talked about earlier, the Pixel 9a comes outfitted with the Tensor G4 chip, which affords some efficiency features over the Tensor G3 within the Pixel 8a. Whereas the distinction won’t be huge, customers may even see some enhancements in AI-driven duties and effectivity.
In our Geekbench 6 multi-core check, the Pixel 9 scored 4185 factors, comfortably outscoring the Pixel 8a‘s 3955. Whereas these scores are artificial and don’t at all times imply a noticeable distinction in the actual world, we count on to see comparable outcomes with their A-series counterparts.
When it comes to color choices, the Pixel 9a introduces new shades like Peony (pink) and Iris (purple), whereas the Pixel 8a was obtainable in Aloe (inexperienced) and Bay (blue). If color decisions are essential to you, it is a element price contemplating.
Lastly, each telephones will obtain seven years of software program updates, however the Pixel 9a will proceed to be supported till 2032, whereas the Pixel 8a will attain the top of its updates in 2031.
Worth & Availability
The Pixel 8a launched at £499/$499 for the 8GB/128GB variant and £559/$559 for 256GB of storage.
You should purchase it straight from Google and different third-party sellers, akin to Amazon UK and Amazon US. Nonetheless, reductions have made it extra reasonably priced over time.
The Pixel 9a is on the market to pre-order straight from Google, beginning on the similar value of £499/$499 as its predecessor. It will get you 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, however it’s additionally obtainable in a 256GB variant at £599/$599.
Verdict
In case you’re already utilizing the Pixel 8a, its successor doesn’t seem like essential improve. The enhancements are good, however they might not be sufficient to justify shopping for a brand new telephone so quickly.
Nonetheless, should you’re coming from an older Pixel telephone or switching to the A-series for the primary time, the Pixel 9a is shaping as much as be a wonderful selection. With its bigger show, higher battery life, and improved digicam, it might be the perfect worth Pixel telephone but.
If you’d like the most recent and best mid-range telephone with out breaking the financial institution, the Pixel 9a seems like a stable wager. But when yow will discover the Pixel 8a at a steep low cost, it might be an actual discount, particularly with such lengthy software program help.
In the end, we received’t know for certain till we evaluate the Pixel 9a for ourselves – look out for that quickly.