Google Pixel 6a 5G vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Our Verdict: If you've got the Pixel 6a 5G, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is two years of updates on from it. The 9 Pro XL has a far higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the 6a 5G's 12MP, plus a 42MP selfie camera against 8MP, and there's more battery in the 9 Pro XL, 5060mAh to 4410mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 9 Pro XL has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 460 PPI, and the 9 Pro XL goes up to 1TB of storage, where the 6a 5G tops out at 128GB. Coming from the 6a 5G, the 9 Pro XL is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 6a 5G is the cheaper buy at £160 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Google Pixel 6a 5G
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1280 x 2856 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 431 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 8 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor (5nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,410 mAh | 5,060 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| 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, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 178 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 - Dust and water resistant | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£45.00/mo
£299.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £159.99 | £364.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 6a 5G's 6.1", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 431, and the Google Pixel 6a 5G uses a OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G features a 12 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 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
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 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is available in 128GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 6a 5G and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is powered by the Google Tensor (5nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 21g lighter at 178 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 6a 5G or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant, 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 6a 5G and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G runs Android 12 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.