Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 7a to the Google Pixel 9a?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 7a to the Google Pixel 9a, 2 years apart.
Yes — the Google Pixel 9a is a worthwhile upgrade
The Google Pixel 9a is 2 years newer than the Pixel 7a, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 83.7. The biggest improvements: battery rated 16 points higher, display rated 16 points higher, 715 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: camera rated 6 points lower, lower-resolution main camera (−16 mp).
What you gain with the Google Pixel 9a
- +Battery rated 16 points higher
- +Display rated 16 points higher
- +715 mAh bigger battery
- +5W faster wired charging
- +0.2" larger screen
- +Smoother display (+30Hz refresh rate)
- +1,700 nits brighter peak display
- +7.5 g lighter
What you give up
- −Camera rated 6 points lower
- −Lower-resolution main camera (−16 MP)
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Google Pixel 9a | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 78.8 | 83.7 | +4.9 (6%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 80 | No real change |
| Camera score | 88 | 82 | −6 (7%) |
| Battery score | 70 | 86 | +16 (23%) |
| Display score | 74 | 90 | +16 (22%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,385 mAh | 5,100 mAh | +715 mAh (16%) |
| Wired charging | 18W | 23W | +5W (28%) |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 7W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.3" | +0.2" (3%) |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | +30Hz (33%) |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 2,700 nits | +1,700 nits (170%) |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 48 MP | −16 MP (25%) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 193.5 g | 186 g | −7.5 g (4%) |
| Launch price | $499 | $499 | No real change |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 9a: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 7a to the Google Pixel 9a?
Yes — the Google Pixel 9a is a worthwhile upgrade. The Google Pixel 9a is 2 years newer than the Pixel 7a, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 83.7. The biggest improvements: battery rated 16 points higher, display rated 16 points higher, 715 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: camera rated 6 points lower, lower-resolution main camera (−16 mp).
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 7a and Google Pixel 9a?
Battery rated 16 points higher: 70 on the Pixel 7a vs 86 on the Google Pixel 9a.
Does the Google Pixel 9a have a bigger battery than the Pixel 7a?
The Google Pixel 9a has a 5,100 mAh battery versus 4,385 mAh on the Pixel 7a (+715 mAh (16%)).
Who should upgrade to the Google Pixel 9a?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.