BeastCompare

Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 4a: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy Note 9 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 68.7/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2018

Galaxy Note 9

Galaxy Note 9
69/ 100
Launch price$999
Google · 2020

Pixel 4a

Pixel 4a
69/ 100
Launch price$349
Head-to-head

Galaxy Note 9 wins 2 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy Note 9
Galaxy Note 9
2 wins
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4a
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy Note 9Pixel 4a
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    72
    72
  • CameraGalaxy Note 9
    75
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryGalaxy Note 9
    70
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    65
    65
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValuePixel 4a
    55
    90
Key differences
  • Galaxy Note 9 has the bigger battery4,000 mAh vs 3,140 mAh
  • Pixel 4a charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Pixel 4a has a sharper main camera12.2 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy Note 9 has the bigger screen6.4" vs 5.81"
  • Pixel 4a is lighter143 g vs 201 g
  • Pixel 4a launched cheaper$349 vs $999
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note 9
  • ✓Bigger 4,000 mAh battery (+860 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.4" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel 4a
  • ✓58 g lighter (143 g vs 201 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$650 cheaper at launch ($349 vs $999)
  • ✓12.2 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy Note 9Pixel 4a
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDOLED
Screen Size6.4"5.81"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (516 ppi)2340x1080 (443 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness1,200 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1Android 10
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory6 GB LPDDR6 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB / 512GB128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy Note 9 Wins Camera
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.5, OIS12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS
Telephoto Zoom12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2.4, OISNone (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens8 MP, f/1.78 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel 4a Lightest Chassis
Dimensions161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm
Weight201 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68Not listed
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Galaxy Note 9 Wins Battery
Battery Capacity4,000 mAh3,140 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.05.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.1USB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$999$349
Our verdict

Galaxy Note 9 wins — BeastScore 68.7/100

The Galaxy Note 9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (4,000 mAh vs 3,140 mAh) and bigger screen (6.4" vs 5.81"). The Pixel 4a is worth a look if you prefer its faster charging (18W vs 15W).

Buy Galaxy Note 9 if you want

Larger battery: 4,000 mAh vs 3,140 mAh · Optical telephoto zoom (1 telephoto lens)

Buy Pixel 4a if you want

Lighter: 143 g vs 201 g (58 g less) · Lower launch price: $349 vs $999

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note 9 or Pixel 4a?

The Galaxy Note 9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (4,000 mAh vs 3,140 mAh) and bigger screen (6.4" vs 5.81"). The Pixel 4a is worth a look if you prefer its faster charging (18W vs 15W). BeastScore: Galaxy Note 9 68.7/100, Pixel 4a 69.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy Note 9 and Pixel 4a?

Galaxy Note 9 has a 6.4-inch display and 4000 mAh battery. Pixel 4a has a 5.81-inch display and 3140 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note 9 and Pixel 4a compare for speed?

Galaxy Note 9 scores 72/100 for performance; Pixel 4a scores 72/100.

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