Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Our Verdict: The Pixel 9 Pro XL is essentially last year's Pixel 8a with a few updates. The 8a has the better camera on paper, 64MP versus 50MP, and the 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery of the two, 5060mAh against 4492mAh, 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 storage goes higher on the 9 Pro XL, up to 1TB against 256GB. Get the 9 Pro XL if you want the newer hardware; if not, the 8a is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 8a is the cheaper buy at £200 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.4
13 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Google Pixel 8a
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 12 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 | 64 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 13 Megapixels | 42 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| Battery | 4,492 mAh | 5,060 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android | 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 188 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP67 - Dust and water resistant | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £199.99 | £399.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 8a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 8a's 6.1", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 431, and the Google Pixel 8a uses a OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a LTPO AMOLED.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 8a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8a features a 64 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 8a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £199.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL use?
The Google Pixel 8a is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4 nm), while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 8a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 8a is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is more compact. It's 11g lighter at 188 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 8a or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8a 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 8a and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL run?
The Google Pixel 8a runs Android 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.