Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Our verdict: Looking at total contract cost, the Google Pixel 10a is £947.20 less expensive than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL wins on both fronts with a 6.8" screen and 460 PPI. Camera resolution goes to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with its 50MP rear shooter. Up front, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL wins with a 42MP selfie camera.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.8"
Display
P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1080 x 2424 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch
421 460
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Android 16 Android 14
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
153.9 x 73 x 9 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight
183 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance
IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£12.95/mo (£99.00 upfront) £37.00/mo (£399.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£409.99 £389.00
Google Pixel 10a Google Pixel 10a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.8"
Display P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2424 1280 x 2856
Pixels Per Inch 421 460
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 42 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Android 16 Android 14
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 153.9 x 73 x 9 mm 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm
Weight 183 grams 199 grams
Water Resistance IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £12.95/mo
£99.00 upfront
£37.00/mo
£399.00 upfront
SIM-free £409.99 £389.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 10a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 10a is cheaper on contract at £379.80 over the life of the deal from £12.95 per month with £99.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 10a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 10a's 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 10a uses a P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 10a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 10a features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 10a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £389.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 10a and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 10a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 10a and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?

The Google Pixel 10a is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 10a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 10a is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is more compact. It's 16g lighter at 183 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is actually the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 10a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?

The Google Pixel 10a is rated IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 10a and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?

The Google Pixel 10a runs Android 16 and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.