Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 6a to the Google Pixel 9a?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 6a to the Google Pixel 9a, 3 years apart.
Yes — the Google Pixel 9a is a worthwhile upgrade
The Google Pixel 9a is 3 years newer than the Pixel 6a, and the BeastScore rises from 70.4 to 83.7. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 10 points higher, battery rated 16 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 8 g heavier, launched $50 more expensive.
What you gain with the Google Pixel 9a
- +Performance rated 8 points higher
- +Camera rated 10 points higher
- +Battery rated 16 points higher
- +Display rated 28 points higher
- +690 mAh bigger battery
- +5W faster wired charging
- +0.2" larger screen
- +Smoother display (+60Hz refresh rate)
- +1,900 nits brighter peak display
- +Higher-resolution main camera (+36 MP)
- +2 GB more RAM
What you give up
- −8 g heavier
- −Launched $50 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 9a | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 70.4 | 83.7 | +13.3 (19%) |
| Performance score | 72 | 80 | +8 (11%) |
| Camera score | 72 | 82 | +10 (14%) |
| Battery score | 70 | 86 | +16 (23%) |
| Display score | 62 | 90 | +28 (45%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,410 mAh | 5,100 mAh | +690 mAh (16%) |
| Wired charging | 18W | 23W | +5W (28%) |
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.3" | +0.2" (3%) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | +60Hz (100%) |
| Peak brightness | 800 nits | 2,700 nits | +1,900 nits (238%) |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 48 MP | +36 MP (300%) |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | +2 GB (33%) |
| Weight | 178 g | 186 g | +8 g (4%) |
| Launch price | $449 | $499 | +$50 (11%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- Photo quality is a priority for you
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Pixel 6a is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Pixel 6a vs Google Pixel 9a: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 6a to the Google Pixel 9a?
Yes — the Google Pixel 9a is a worthwhile upgrade. The Google Pixel 9a is 3 years newer than the Pixel 6a, and the BeastScore rises from 70.4 to 83.7. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 10 points higher, battery rated 16 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 8 g heavier, launched $50 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 6a and Google Pixel 9a?
Performance rated 8 points higher: 72 on the Pixel 6a vs 80 on the Google Pixel 9a.
Does the Google Pixel 9a have a bigger battery than the Pixel 6a?
The Google Pixel 9a has a 5,100 mAh battery versus 4,410 mAh on the Pixel 6a (+690 mAh (16%)).
Who should upgrade to the Google Pixel 9a?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; Photo quality is a priority for you; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Pixel 6a is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.