Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8a: What’s the difference?

Google’s Pixel A sequence of inexpensive smartphones has been creeping nearer and nearer to the bottom Pixel smartphone over the previous couple of years. Now, with the brand new Pixel 9, the distinction is extra distinguished as soon as once more. However that additionally means a considerably greater price ticket. When you had been ready for the Pixel 9 to make your selection, right here’s a take a look at the Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8a!

The specs sheet for the shows appears comparable at first look. Each telephones have Full HD+ decision OLED shows, a 60-120Hz dynamic refresh price, and comparable sizes (6.3-inch for the Pixel 9 and 6.1-inch for the 8a). The primary distinction is in brightness, with the Pixel 9 peaking at 2,700 nits, in comparison with the Pixel 8a’s 2,000 nits peak brightness.

The Pixel 9 has a quicker processor within the Tensor G4, even when it isn’t an enormous step up over the Tensor G3 that powers the Pixel 8a. What’s going to present an even bigger enhance in on a regular basis efficiency is the 12GB of RAM you get with the previous, in comparison with the 8a’s 8GB of RAM. Efficiency shouldn’t be a priority with both telephone, however the Pixel 9 will deal with intensive duties higher.

Each have the identical storage choices, 128GB or 256GB. We’ve been speaking about how disappointing 128GB as a base storage possibility is for just a few years now. However whereas it’s nonetheless considerably excusable for an inexpensive sub-$500 telephone just like the Pixel 8a, issues ought to have been completely different with the Pixel 9.

Each smartphones will provide the identical software program expertise, however we’ll have to attend to see if all the brand new Gemini options launched with the Pixel 9 may even be obtainable on the Pixel 8a.

In contrast to when in comparison with the Pixel 8, the place the Pixel 8a was virtually similar to its counterpart at first look, there’s a definite distinction between it and the Pixel 9, courtesy of the latter’s new design parts.

To start out with, you get iPhone-esque flat sides that make holding the telephone slightly extra snug. Each telephones are equally compact, so the dealing with expertise isn’t as a lot of a difficulty right here, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant enchancment. Much more distinct is the brand new pill-shaped digicam bump that stops simply in need of touching the sides of the again. It’s a novel design, and the color-matched bump provides it a extra seamless look. The black visor that hides the cameras additionally appears to face out much more, particularly on the brighter Pixel 9 colorways.

It’s essential to notice the dimensions discrepancies between the 2 gadgets, even when they’re miniscule. Curiously, the Pixel 8 is 1.7mm wider, 1.6mm thicker, and 0.4mm shorter than the Pixel 9. Because of its bigger battery and extra substantial supplies, the Pixel 9 weighs round 7g extra. Each are thought-about compact gadgets, even when the Pixel 9 makes higher use of its quantity.

Regardless of its plastic again, the Pixel 8a doesn’t really feel low-cost in any manner. However the Pixel 9 is unquestionably the extra premium of the 2, a distinction you’ll be able to inform simply by taking a look at them facet by facet. The Pixel 9 can also be the extra sturdy possibility, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and front and a greater IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance.

So far as Pixel 9 colorways go, you get some attention-grabbing choices right here with Wintergreen and Peony. You possibly can all the time play it secure with the usual Obsidian and Porcelain, too, with the latter trying fairly good. Accessible colours for the Pixel 8a embody Bay, Aloe, Obsidian, and Porcelain, with the blue Bay nonetheless a standout.

The Pixel 9 will doubtless have the lead within the digicam division, regardless that the Pixel 8a’s 64MP major sounds extra spectacular on paper. Nonetheless, we’ll reserve out last judgement till we evaluation the machine.

Google has upgraded the Pixel 9’s digicam considerably, with a 48MP ultrawide digicam now becoming a member of the 50MP predominant digicam. In the meantime, the Pixel 8a’s secondary digicam is a 12MP ultrawide that received’t beat the Pixel 9. The 8a digicam is loads succesful, in fact, and is without doubt one of the finest price range telephone cameras you may get. Nonetheless, the 2 telephones aren’t fairly on the identical degree. The Pixel 8a does have a greater front-facing digicam on paper, although, with its 13MP selfie digicam taking up the ten.5MP unit of the Pixel 9.

Regardless of being thinner and barely much less extensive, Google squeezed a bigger 4,700mAh battery into the Pixel 9. The Pixel 8a’s battery life is nice, and the same spec’d Pixel 9 shouldn’t have any hassle comfortably lasting via the day with juice to spare. The excellent news is that the Pixel 9 presents quicker 27W charging, which ought to make an enormous distinction over the Pixel 8a’s painfully gradual 18W wired charging.

The Pixel 9’s charging will not be even near options just like the OnePlus 12, however no less than brings as much as par with route competitors just like the Samsung Galaxy S24. Each Pixels additionally help wi-fi charging, however as soon as once more, it’s quicker with the Pixel 9.

The Pixel 9 is $100 costlier than its predecessor, making a extra vital hole between the bottom Pixel and the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 9 went on pre-order on August 13, 2024, and shall be obtainable on normal sale on August 22. In the meantime, the Pixel 8a was launched in Might 2024 and is less expensive at $499.

Once we in contrast the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8, it was tough to seek out sufficient to distinguish between the 2. That’s fortunately not practically as a lot of a difficulty right here: the Pixel 9 is the higher telephone. The newer Pixel has a quicker processor, extra RAM, a bigger battery with quicker charging, and a greater digicam setup. It’s additionally extra sturdy and appears and feels extra premium than the Pixel 8a.

Sadly, this comes at a value. The Pixel 9 begins at $100 greater than its predecessor, so that you’ll need to shell out $300 additional for the higher expertise. In contrast to earlier generations, there’s a transparent distinction between the A-series and the bottom Pixel; the 2 are enjoying on completely different fields. If price range isn’t a priority, I’d suggest the Pixel 9.

That mentioned, the Pixel 8a is without doubt one of the finest inexpensive smartphones you may get. Its digicam far surpasses what its value level suggests, and it’s highly effective sufficient. Whereas its construct high quality isn’t one of the best, seven years of software program updates guarantee you’ll be able to maintain on to it for a very long time if you wish to.