Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: should you upgrade?

There’s a new budget king on the horizon; the Google Pixel 9a is finally here, and it’s just as good as we’d hoped it would be. Google’s cheapest phone is a triumph, combining a minimalistic flat design with show-stopping performance, a long-lasting battery, and a great camera. It’s easily one of the best budget smartphones you can buy, and a great buy if you’re looking for a reasonably priced smartphone.

But a competitor can be found right in Google’s own stable. The Pixel 8a is still a strong phone, and now you can find it for a discount, should you buy it instead of Google’s latest? Or, if you already have a Pixel 8a nestled in your pocket or bag, should you be looking to update to the new phone? We’ve got the answers, and the changes are significant in some ways. In others, not so much. If you have a Pixel 8a and are considering upgrading, or are looking for a new phone, read this first.

Google Pixel 9a: vs. Google Pixel 8a: specs

Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: design and display

The Pixel 9a, like the Pixel 8a, is the final smartphone in its series and the most budget-friendly option. That lower price means it doesn’t feature all of the Pixel 9’s and Pixel 9 Pro’s capabilities. However, it’s still an excellent smartphone with a lot to recommend.

Google’s latest A model introduces significant design changes, including flatter sides that resemble the standard Pixel 9 series. This marks a shift from the more rounded edges of the Pixel 8a. A big part of the refreshed design is the new camera bar. Instead of the now-traditional Pixel camera bar, the Pixel 9a features a more compact, pill-shaped camera module with a much reduced camera bump, resulting in a noticeable visual difference. This more minimalist design is refreshing, and while we miss the iconic Pixel elements, it’s a strong look, and should appeal to many, along with its flat screen and sides.

The Pixel 8a is a much more traditional Pixel, with the raised camera bar and curved edges. Again, we love this design, and it’s important to note the two are different, without one being better than the other.

The new display on the Pixel 9a measures 6.3 inches, an increase from the Pixel 8a’s 6.1 inches, and utilizes Actua pOLED technology. This display boasts a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, up from 2,000 nits, making the newer model significantly more enjoyable to use in bright conditions. Both have a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations.

Once again, Google has prioritized sustainability by using recycled materials to construct the new phone. Notably, the Pixel 9a incorporates more recycled plastic in its back cover. Another notable improvement is its IP68 water resistance rating, which enhances the level of protection compared to the Pixel 8a’s IP67 rating.

Google has made some changes this time around in terms of color options. You can purchase the Pixel 9a in Obsidian or Porcelain, along with two new colors this year: Iris and Peony.

Design, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, so whichever you prefer will come down to you. These are radically different phones though, and you should keep that mind when you’re looking to buy or upgrade.

Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: performance

The performance differences between the Google Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a primarily arise from their processors. The Pixel 9a features the newer Google Tensor G4 chip, while the Google Tensor G3 powers the Pixel 8a. This upgrade to the Tensor chip leads to several performance enhancements. The Tensor G4 delivers faster processing speeds, improved efficiency, and enhanced AI capabilities compared to its predecessor.

In real-life use, as you might expect, the Pixel 9a is a great performer. The Tensor G4 is as solid as a flagship processor should be, and it should be able to handle anything you throw at it. We found it handled even the most demanding games well, though it still has the thermal issues that have plagued Tensor chips from the very start. While it doesn’t get too hot by any means, the phone does get noticeably warm during more demanding tasks, and that’s not something you’ll encounter when using phones like the OnePlus 13R . Unfortunately, this is an issue that the Pixel 8a also exhibits, so this won’t separate the two phones at all.

Yes, the Pixel 9a is the more powerful of the two by dint of having the more recent processor. But is it something you’ll really notice? The Pixel 8a’s processor is still very powerful, and any problems it has are replicated on the Pixel 9a anyway, making this another category that’s close to a tie.

Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: battery life and charging

The Pixel 9a has a larger 5,100mAh battery than the Pixel 8a’s 4,492mAh battery, and this really makes a difference. The Pixel 8a put in a good shift with its battery, lasting over a day on a single charge, but not making it to two. The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, manages a longer battery life, though it’s not longer than you might think, given the big difference in capacities.

Regarding charging capabilities, the Pixel 9a supports wired charging of up to 23W, compared to 18W in the previous model, allowing for faster charging with compatible chargers. This is slower than we’d like, but it’s still a clear upgrade. However, wireless charging remains at a modest 7.5W, which really isn’t fast enough.

Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: cameras

Camera performance is one area where Pixels typically shine, and this year is no different. Google is trying something different with the Pixel 9a’s camera system, changing the camera sensor to 48MP from the Pixel 8a’s 64MP. While that may seem like a downgrade, the old Pixel magic still applies, and the Pixel 9a is still one of the best camera phones in this bracket. We’ve found it to be a bit more variable than previous phones though, and found that some shots would come out a little under exposed and a little alcking in color. This is easily remedied in Google’s editing tools, but it does mean some of the Pixel’s point-and-shoot capabilities have been lost.

We had some issues with the Pixel 8a’s camera too, but it’s important to note that both are still excellent, and in a lot of ways, are similarly strong. You’re going to be hard-pressed to figure out which is the better from everyday use though.

Beyond this, it’s essential to remember that, thanks to the Tensor G4 chip, the Pixel 9a benefits from enhanced AI capabilities. This improves image processing, including features like Macro Focus and “Add Me” group editing. Both phones continue to offer excellent photo editing software tools like Magic Editor and Magic Eraser.

Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: software and support

While subtle, the software and support differences between the Google Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a are significant for long-term users. Both phones benefit from Google’s impressive commitment to seven years of software updates, ensuring access to the latest Android features and security patches for an extended period. However, the Pixel 9a, launching with Android 15, inherently starts its support cycle a year later than the Pixel 8a, which launched with Android 14. This means the Pixel 9a will receive updates until 2032, while the 8a’s support will conclude in 2031.

Furthermore, the Pixel 9a’s newer Tensor G4 chip offers enhanced AI processing and improved efficiency in handling future Android updates compared to the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3. This translates to smoother performance and better optimization for future software iterations on the Pixel 9a. While both phones offer a robust and long-lasting software experience, the Pixel 9a’s later launch and upgraded chip provide a slight advantage in terms of longevity and future-proofing.

Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: pricing and availability

Google has set the prices for its new budget phone, the Pixel 9a, at $499 for the 128GB model and $559 for the 256GB version. Both models come with 8GB of RAM. The Pixel 9a is available now, having replaced the Pixel 8a in Google’s roster. You can still find the Pixel 8a, and though it’s going to become increasingly tough to find from new, you can be sure you’ll find some great deals for it as time goes on.

Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: is it worth upgrading?

If you are in the market for a new budget phone and don’t currently own a Pixel 9a, there are many reasons to consider it. The phone features the Tensor G4 chip, which is also used in the other Pixel 9 series devices. It boasts an impressive camera system and a 6.3-inch display.

Upgrading from a Pixel 8a to a Pixel 9a offers several compelling advantages, particularly slightly enhanced performance, improved display brightness, and a slight extension in battery life. However, the improvements are fairly slight, and not enormously worth upgrading for. While Google has clearly improved over last year’s model in a number of places, it’s very much an incremental change, rather than anything truly ground-breaking. As such, we don’t recommend upgrading from the Pixel 8a, if you’re already using it.

If you’re looking for a new phone, as mentioned, then it’s hard to argue against the Pixel 9a. But if you’re upgrading from last year’s model? We recommend you wait for the Pixel 10a, at least.