Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Google Pixel 9a

Our verdict: Add up the full contract cost and the Google Pixel 9a comes in £459.04 cheaper than the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Display sharpness is where the Google Pixel 9 Pro pulls ahead, hitting 497 PPI. On paper, the Google Pixel 9 Pro wins the camera battle with 50MP on the rear. Selfie fans take note: the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a 42MP front camera.

Screen
6.3" 6.3"
Display
LTPO AMOLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution
1280 x 2856 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch
497 421
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 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/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight
199 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
£67.33/mo (£30.00 upfront) £13.95/mo (£75.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£374.99 £289.99
Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a
Screen 6.3" 6.3"
Display LTPO AMOLED P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits
Resolution 1280 x 2856 1080 x 2424
Pixels Per Inch 497 421
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 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/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 tri-band
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm
Weight 199 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 £67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront
£13.95/mo
£75.00 upfront
SIM-free £374.99 £289.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Google Pixel 9a cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9a is cheaper on contract at £379.80 over the life of the deal from £13.95 per month with £75.00 upfront.

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

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.3", the Google Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper display at 497 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Google Pixel 9a has a P-OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1800 nits.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 9 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?

The Google Pixel 9a is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.99.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Google Pixel 9a comes in 128GB, 256GB.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Google Pixel 9a uses the Google Tensor G4 (4nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Google Pixel 9a?

It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 9a is lighter but the Google Pixel 9 Pro is more compact. It's 13g lighter at 186 grams, though the Google Pixel 9 Pro is actually the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.

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

The Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 9 Pro and Google Pixel 9a run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro runs Android 14 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.