Google has ultimately let out the budget - friendly improver to its Pixel 9 serial publication , the Pixel 9a .
If you ’re still sporting 2023 ’s Google Pixel 7a and argue whether it ’s time to upgrade , you ’ve come to the right place . We ’ve compared the specs of both and highlighted the key differences between the affordable Androids right here , and you might be surprised about just how much has changed in the past few generation .
Keep reading to see what ’s new with the Pixel 9a and how it compares to the Pixel 7a .
Price and Availability
The Pixel 9a start at £ 499/$499 and is confirmed to set up sometime in April , with an exact date still TBC .
The Pixel 7a has an functionary starting RRP of £ 449/$449 , however as it launched back in 2023 , we ’ve not only pick up many trade for the handsets over the years but also expect the price to omit further following the Pixel 9a ’s official launch .
Google Pixel 9a forgoes the camera bar
The protruding photographic camera bar first appeared on theGoogle Pixel 6series and became a staple with its successors , including thePixel 7a , though it has always divided users . It had a tendency to collect dust , would get caught in pockets and just began to experience tired .
In fact , even when we first reviewed the Pixel 7a , we berate the camera bar as it “ quickly becomes an annoying ledge for dust . ”
While Google spruced thing up with the Pixel 9 serial publication , which saw a newfangled pill - mold television camera cake that no longer stretch out from either side of the phone , the Pixel 9a see a huge inspection and repair and all forgoes the television camera saloon altogether . Instead , the Pixel 9a ’s rear camera is somewhat domed , which is a first for Google ’s A - Series .
Google Pixel 9a has a larger display with up to 120Hz refresh rate
The Pixel 9a is the larger of the two , with a 6.3 - column inch Actua Display which rival the flagship Pixel 9 . Speaking of the screen , it ’s also fitted with a 120Hz refresh rate to ensure animation and scrolling finger smooth and slowdown - spare , plus it shoot a line the gamy brightness of any Pixel A - series ever with up to 2700 nit .
The Pixel 7a , on the other hand , has a 6.1 - inch 1080p OLED display with a 60 - 90Hz refresh rate . Although this refresh rate might pale in comparability to the Pixel 9a , it still stupefy the pricieriPhone 16andiPhone 16 Pluswhich cap out at just 60Hz . Plus , as the Pixel 7a is a small - ish telephone set , we found the OLED instrument panel offers “ deep blacks and plenty of detail ” .
Whether or not you favor a larger phone is down to personal taste , with some favour to have more screen genuine estate of the realm while others prefer a more pouch - sized handset .
Google Pixel 7a has a 64MP primary camera
On paper , it ’s fair to arrogate that the Pixel 7a ’s camera system might be ranking to the Pixel 9a as it boast a 64MP main and a 13MP ultrawide lens , while the Pixel 9a has a 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide set - up .
However , a gamy resolution does n’t necessarily guarantee better snap , and with a larger sensor , wider aperture and OIS , the Pixel 9a will likely have the bound in everyday picture taking . Google also promises the Pixel 9a will benefit from macro focusing , which is a first for the Pixel A - serial and means you may appropriate diminished details in your snap .
Otherwise , both the Pixel 9a and Pixel 7a boast AI - power picture redaction tools , such as Magic Eraser which allows you to take undesirable objects from your snaps , however the Pixel 9a shoot a line new extra . There’sAdd Mewhich combines two grouping photos into one , so everyone makes it into the photo andBest Takewhich admit you to check everyone looks their in force in a photo .
Flip both handsets over and you ’ll regain a 13MP selfie lens of the eye . In fact , the Pixel 9a boasts a larger front camera than the Pixel 9 ’s 10.5MP , though we ’ll have to wait until we go over the Pixel 9a to determine what difference of opinion this really makes .
Google Pixel 9a has a higher IP rating
Although the Pixel 7a still has a solidIP67rating , which means the French telephone is junk - crocked and protect against the effects of temporary immersion in water , the Pixel 9a is among the ilk of flagship devices such as theSamsung Galaxy S25 UltraandiPhone 16 Pro Maxwith itsIP68rating . This means the Pixel 9a is promised to be Google ’s “ most long-wearing A - series yet ” .
For a more in - depth face at how the two IP ratings take issue , ourIP67 vs IP68guide should assist .
Google Pixel 9a has Gemini built-in
Much like the rest of the Pixel 9 series , the Pixel 9a has Google ’s personal AI helper , Gemini , make into the handset . Plus , the Pixel 9a declare oneself access toGemini Livewhich allows you to have more natural , colloquial chats with the vocalism assistant .
Google also promises that Pixel 9a will soon have access toGemini Live video and screen - sharing capabilities , which allow you to share your camera and screen with the tool and have a “ conversation about what you see . ”
The inclusion of Gemini is potential thanks to the Pixel 9a’sTensor G4chip which is found across the rest of the Pixel 9 serial . Like its herald , the Tensor G4 CPU favours AI performance over vapourous power , which will likely result in the Pixel 9a scoring low on our benchmarking tests .
However , we found in ourPixel 9 Pro XLreview , which also utilise Tensor G4 , that in tangible - public use , the phone feels nimble and responsive , and could handle just about anything we threw at it . We ’d anticipate the Pixel 9a to be the same .
Otherwise , powering the Pixel 7a is Google’sTensor G2chip . We found that although the cow chip is now slightly outdated , it was still hailed as a “ fast piece of atomic number 14 ” able to take intense gaming such as Call of Duty Mobile and unremarkable task in its tread .
The Pixel 7a can also get at Gemini , although it ’s not pre - set up on the French telephone , alongside the other AI - powered tools such as Live Translate and the seriously useful Call Screening tool .
Early Verdict
The Pixel 9a is an exciting new gain to Google ’s Pixel lineup , thanks to its revamped design , AI smartness found in the pricier models of the Pixel 9 series , and the upgraded IP68 dust and water resistance . Plus , Google has promised a flagship - level seven years of OS upgrade .
Having said that , the Pixel 7a still represents a solid Android handset . It does n’t have all the AI tools and features of the newer Pixel models and still sports that divisive aim , but it will still see three more eld of Android upgrades and can likely be found at a significant price reduction .
We ’ll hold off from delivering a conclusive decision until we review the Pixel 9a ourselves . However , it certainly seems like a promising new Android phone that could easy see its way into ourbest mid - range phonelist .
