Google Pixel 6a 5G vs Google Pixel 9
Our Verdict: The Pixel 6a 5G and the Pixel 9 are two years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 9 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and storage goes higher on the 9, up to 256GB against 128GB. The 9 has the bigger screen, 6.3" against 6.1", and the 6a 5G is the lighter phone at 178g against 198g. If you're on the 6a 5G, the 9 is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the 6a 5G starts at £160 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
13 reviews
Google Pixel 6a 5G
|
Google Pixel 9
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.2 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.3" |
| Display | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 431 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 8 Megapixels | 10.5 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor (5nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,410 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 12 | 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 178 grams | 198 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 - Dust and water resistant | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £159.99 | £274.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 9 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Google Pixel 6a 5G's 6.1", the Google Pixel 6a 5G has the sharper display at 431 pixels per inch versus 421, and both use OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9 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 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £159.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 6a 5G and Google Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is available in 128GB, while the Google Pixel 9 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 6a 5G and Google Pixel 9 use?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is powered by the Google Tensor (5nm), while the Google Pixel 9 uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 20g lighter at 178 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, the Google Pixel 9 is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant, while the Google Pixel 9 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 6a 5G and Google Pixel 9 run?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G runs Android 12 and the Google Pixel 9 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.