Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 9a

Our verdict: Screen size goes to the Google Pixel 9a at 6.3", while the Google Pixel 8a wins on sharpness with 431 PPI. Camera resolution goes to the Google Pixel 8a with its 64MP rear shooter. For water protection, the Google Pixel 9a leads with an IP68 rating. If contracts aren't your thing, the Google Pixel 8a at £234.99 SIM-free is the cheaper buy.

Screen
6.1" 6.3"
Display
OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution
1080 x 2400 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
431 421
Rear Camera
64 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight
188 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£13.95/mo (£75.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£234.99 £289.99
Google Pixel 8a Google Pixel 8a Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a
Screen 6.1" 6.3"
Display OLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 431 421
Rear Camera 64 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
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/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 188 grams 186 grams
Water Resistance IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £13.95/mo
£75.00 upfront
SIM-free £234.99 £289.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 8a or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9a has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Google Pixel 8a's 6.1", the Google Pixel 8a has the sharper display at 431 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 8a uses a OLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 8a or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 8a features a 64 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 8a or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 8a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £234.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 8a is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 9a use?

The Google Pixel 8a 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 8a or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 8a is the more portable of the two — they weigh about the same (188 grams vs 186 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 8a or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 8a is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant, 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 8a and Google Pixel 9a run?

The Google Pixel 8a 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.