Curious about how the Pixel 9a stacks up against the Pixel 9 when it comes to camera technology? Let’s break it all down in simple terms so you know exactly what’s changed and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: The Camera Battle Begins
The Google Pixel 9a has officially arrived, and while it shares a lot with its pricier sibling, the Pixel 9, the camera setup is one area where things get really interesting. Both phones sport brand-new camera sensors, but there are some key differences you should know about.
Brand-New Sensors: What’s Changed?
The Pixel 9a introduces an upgraded 48MP wide primary camera with Super Res Zoom up to 8x. It’s paired with a 13MP ultra-wide camera. However, there’s a catch – the ultra-wide sensor has a slightly smaller field of view and aperture compared to the Pixel 9.
In comparison, the Pixel 9 has a 50MP wide Octa PD camera with an f/1.7 aperture and 82-degree field of view. The ultra-wide sensor on the Pixel 9 is even more advanced, featuring 48MP resolution, a larger f/1.7 aperture, and a 123-degree field of view.
So, while the Pixel 9a gets a solid upgrade, the Pixel 9 still holds the edge in ultra-wide shots.
Front Camera: Who Wins?
For selfies, Google has switched things up. The Pixel 9a sports a 13MP front camera, while the Pixel 9 uses a 10.5MP sensor with autofocus. The aperture remains the same across both devices, so the real-world difference might not be drastic, but autofocus on the Pixel 9 makes it a bit more refined for selfies.
Video Recording: 4K Goodness, But With A Catch
Both smartphones support 4K recording at 60fps and 1080p at 60fps, so you’ll get crisp, smooth videos no matter which device you pick. But there’s a slight limitation on the Pixel 9a—it lacks the Dual Exposure feature available on the Pixel 9.
Zoom capabilities also differ slightly. The Pixel 9a offers 7x digital zoom, whereas the Pixel 9 maxes out at 5x.
Feature Differences: What You Get and What You Don’t
If you love Google’s AI camera tricks, there are a few things to consider. The Pixel 9 still leads the pack with more AI-powered features.
What Both Phones Have:
- Super Res Zoom (up to 8x)
- Night Sight & Astrophotography Mode
- Portrait Mode & Top Shot
- Real Tone for Better Skin Tones
What’s Missing on the Pixel 9a?
- Action Pan Feature (Only on Pixel 9)
- Cinematic Blur (Only on Pixel 9)
- 10-bit HDR video recording
- Spatial Audio & Noise Suppression
What’s Exclusive to the Pixel 9a?
Interestingly, the Pixel 9a gets Auto Frame and Reimagine, which are missing from the Pixel 9. So, while it loses out on some fancy video features, it does gain a couple of unique editing perks.
The Display & Performance Side of Things
Apart from the cameras, both phones share the same 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which means you get buttery-smooth scrolling. Under the hood, both run on the Tensor G4 chipset, ensuring solid performance across the board.
Pricing: Is the Pixel 9a a Budget Winner?
If budget matters, the Pixel 9a is definitely the more affordable choice. While the official Pixel 9a price in India and globally hasn’t been confirmed yet, it is expected to be significantly cheaper than the Pixel 9.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
- If you want the best camera experience, the Pixel 9 is the better option.
- If you’re looking for a more affordable option with solid features, the Pixel’s 9a is a great pick.
- If AI features and video quality matter, go for the Pixel 9.
- If you’re okay with slightly fewer pro-level camera features but still want a flagship-level experience at a lower price, the Pixel 9a’s is perfect.
Final Verdict: A Close Battle
While the Pixel 9 does have the upper hand in camera performance, the Pixel 9a is a fantastic alternative for those who want a powerful camera without breaking the bank. Google has clearly designed it as a budget-friendly powerhouse, making it an excellent choice for users who don’t necessarily need all the premium extras.
Read More: Google Celebrates Navroz 2025 with a Special Doodle
Conclusion
The Pixel 9a may not completely outshine the Pixel 9, but it holds its own in several areas, especially given its affordable price tag. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just need a reliable daily driver, both phones have something great to offer. Now, the choice is yours!
