Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Should you buy the new Pixel or choose the discounted predecessor

Google Pixel 9a is here with updated internals, a bigger battery and an improved camera. With this, the big question to answer is: Should you consider the all-new Pixel 9a or choose the Pixel 8a that’s now selling at a massive discount over its launch price? Here’s how the two phones compare. Before that, the Pixel 9a comes in one variant featuring 8GB RAM and 256GB and is priced at Rs 49,999. On the other hand, the Pixel 8a is selling at a discounted price of Rs 37,999 for the 8GB variant.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Display and design
Pixel 9a features a slightly larger 6.3-inch Actua OLED display, compared to the 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 8a. Both screens support a 120Hz refresh rate, but the Pixel 9a offers higher peak brightness at 2,700 nits versus the 2,000 nits of the Pixel 8a. Both devices use Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection and have an IP rating for water and dust resistance, with the Pixel 9a rated at IP68, an improvement over the Pixel 8a’s IP67.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Performance and software
The Pixel 9a is powered by the newer Google Tensor G4 processor, while the Pixel 8a runs on the Tensor G3. The updated chipset is expected to provide better AI-driven features and improved efficiency. Both phones come with 8GB of RAM, but storage options differ: the Pixel 9a offers a single 256GB variant, while the Pixel 8a provides choices of 128GB and 256GB. Both devices will receive seven years of OS and security updates, with the Pixel 9a launching with Android 15 and the Pixel 8a running Android 14 out of the box.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: Camera
Both devices have a dual-camera setup with a 13MP ultrawide lens, but the Pixel 9a gets a new 48MP primary camera, replacing the 64MP sensor on the Pixel 8a. The upgraded camera on the Pixel 9a includes features like Macro Focus and improved night photography. Both models offer 4K video recording, Magic Editor, and AI-powered image enhancements.