Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 8a to the Google Pixel 9a?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 8a to the Google Pixel 9a, 1 year apart.
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you
The Google Pixel 9a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 8a, and the BeastScore rises from 81.6 to 83.7. The biggest improvements: battery rated 16 points higher, 608 mah bigger battery, 5w faster wired charging. Trade-offs to know: camera rated 6 points lower, 11w slower wireless charging.
What you gain with the Google Pixel 9a
- +Battery rated 16 points higher
- +608 mAh bigger battery
- +5W faster wired charging
- +0.2" larger screen
- +700 nits brighter peak display
What you give up
- −Camera rated 6 points lower
- −11W slower wireless charging
- −Lower-resolution main camera (−16 MP)
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 9a | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 81.6 | 83.7 | +2.1 (3%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 80 | No real change |
| Camera score | 88 | 82 | −6 (7%) |
| Battery score | 70 | 86 | +16 (23%) |
| Display score | 88 | 90 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 4,492 mAh | 5,100 mAh | +608 mAh (14%) |
| Wired charging | 18W | 23W | +5W (28%) |
| Wireless charging | 18W | 7W | −11W (61%) |
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.3" | +0.2" (3%) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits | 2,700 nits | +700 nits (35%) |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 48 MP | −16 MP (25%) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 188 g | 186 g | No real change |
| 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 8a vs Google Pixel 9a: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 8a to the Google Pixel 9a?
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you. The Google Pixel 9a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 8a, and the BeastScore rises from 81.6 to 83.7. The biggest improvements: battery rated 16 points higher, 608 mah bigger battery, 5w faster wired charging. Trade-offs to know: camera rated 6 points lower, 11w slower wireless charging.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 9a?
Battery rated 16 points higher: 70 on the Pixel 8a vs 86 on the Google Pixel 9a.
Does the Google Pixel 9a have a bigger battery than the Pixel 8a?
The Google Pixel 9a has a 5,100 mAh battery versus 4,492 mAh on the Pixel 8a (+608 mAh (14%)).
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.