Google's A-series Pixel phones have consistently offered exceptional value, bringing premium features to the mid-range segment. With the recent launch of the Pixel 9a, consumers now have a choice between two compelling devices at similar price points. The Pixel 8a, released in 2024, remains a strong contender despite its successor's arrival.

Also: Google Pixel 8a hands-on: 3 features make this my favorite$499 phone today

This decision is particularly relevant for current Pixel 8a owners considering an upgrade, as well as new buyers weighing their options. While both phones share Google's software excellence and AI capabilities, they differ in several key areas from design philosophy to hardware specifications. 

Let's break down the key differences. 

Specifications

You should buy the Pixel 8a if...

1. You prefer a more compact form factor and signature design

The Pixel 8a sticks with Google's iconic camera bar design that is synonymous with the Pixel brand. For many users -- myself included -- this distinctive horizontal bar represents the essence of the Pixel aesthetic. At 6.1 inches, the 8a's display is slightly smaller than the 9a's 6.3-inch screen, making it slightly more comfortable for one-handed use and easier to fit into pockets. The smaller size coupled with the same FHD+ resolution means that the display will look slightly sharper than the 9a as well.

Also: Google's Pixel 8a is an AI phone that punches above its price - especially with this Black Friday deal

The device's matte finish resists fingerprints while still offering a premium feel. If you value the classic Pixel esthetic and slightly more compact dimensions, the 8a is a solid choice.

2. You want reliable performance and support

The Tensor G3 processor powering the Pixel 8a remains more than capable of typical smartphone activities, handling everyday tasks and light gaming with ease. The onboard 8GB of RAM is not flagship level and carries some tradeoffs in performance, but that's a shortcoming that the Pixel 9a shares as well.

With six years of remaining software and security update support, the Pixel 8a will continue receiving the latest Android features and security patches well into the future, making the 8a a sustainable purchase even in 2025.

3. You want to save some money on your purchase... eventually

Though the Pixel 9a is now available worldwide, the 8a has yet to see its expected price drops in the U.S. The European markets, however, have already seen a reduction in price from E549 to E449. For historical context, the Pixel 7a saw a$150 drop in price after the 8a was released in the U.S., so the price drop could be dramatic if and when it happens.

If you don't want to wait, you can monitor second-hand options on platforms like eBay, Swappa, and Back Market where second-hand and refurbished units can be found for significantly lower prices, often with warranties and buyer protections.

Buy the Pixel 8a for$499

$487 at Amazon

You should buy the Pixel 9a if...

1. You want flagship-level battery life without the premium price

The Pixel 9a addresses one of the Pixel family's biggest weaknesses with a substantial battery upgrade. Its 5,100mAh battery -- the most in any Pixel phone to date -- offers a 25% increase over the 8a with endurance of up to 30+ hours of regular use or 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled, along with wired charging speeds up to 23W.

Also: How to get Google's new Pixel 9a for free

The Pixel 9a also introduces a copper vapor chamber cooling system, the same one found in the premium Pixel 9 Pro and XL variants. This manages heat dissipation during processor-intensive tasks to prevent performance throttling which can reduce heat-related battery degradation over time.

2. You want pro-level photography features in a mid-range phone

While the main camera's megapixel count decreased from 64MP to 48MP, the Pixel 9a's improved f/1.7 aperture allows for better light capture and more natural bokeh. The new Dual Pixel autofocus system also delivers faster, more accurate focusing, especially for action shots. Macro Focus capability, astrophotography mode, and the Tensor G4-driven "Add Me" feature for group photos make the 9a camera system more capable than its predecessor.

The camera module's design has been revised to an inset waterdrop-style housing that sits more flush with the phone's body. This gives the device a sleeker look and makes it less prone to catching on pockets and potentially more durable in the long run.

3. You want an incredibly bright display

The Pixel 9a offers a significantly brighter display at 2,700 nits peak brightness, an upgrade from the Pixel 8a's 2,000 nits, making it much more usable in direct sunlight and improving HDR content viewing. The slightly larger 6.3-inch display with more uniform bezels also provides a more immersive experience for content consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.

Buy the Pixel 9a for$499

$499 at Amazon

Alternatives to consider

BEST X ALTERNATIVE

Samsung Galaxy A56 - A worthy alternative to the Pixel 9a

The Samsung Galaxy A56 features a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, an Exynos 1580 processor, up to 12GB RAM, and a versatile triple camera setup. Samsung promises six years of updates, one year less than Google's seven-year policy. 

View at Amazon

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