Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 9a
Our Verdict: The Pixel 9a is the follow-up to the Pixel 8 a year later, so the two are close. The 8 5G has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the 9a has the bigger battery of the two, 5100mAh against 4575mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 8 5G is the lighter phone at 0g against 186g. Get the 9a for a few more years of updates, or save money with the 8 5G if you don't mind.
Over a full contract, the 9a works out around £411 all-in, about £184 less than the 8 5G.
10 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Google Pixel 8
|
Google Pixel 9a
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.4 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.2" | 6.3" |
| Display | AMOLED | P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2424 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 424 | 421 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10.5 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,575 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android | Android 15 |
| 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/6/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | - | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 0 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Contracts |
£46.50/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £174.95 | £274.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £411.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £29.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9a?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.2", both screens are similarly sharp at around 424 pixels per inch, and the Google Pixel 8 uses a AMOLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 8 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 9a has a 48 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 8 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 8 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £174.95.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 8 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 9a use?
The Google Pixel 8 is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4 nm), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 8 is the more portable of the two: it's 186g lighter at 0 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 8 or Google Pixel 9a?
The Google Pixel 8 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 9a is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
What operating system do the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 9a run?
The Google Pixel 8 runs Android and the Google Pixel 9a runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.