Pixel 9a vs Pixel 7a preliminary comparison: Just two years, but the evolution is massive
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Intro
The Pixel "a" series is a fan favorite since its first iteration. How can it not be, when it offers so much of the flagship Pixel experience for a price that is a few hundred bucks lower than the high-end Pixels Google sells.
This year we are expecting the Pixel 9a to continue building on the series' legacy of being one of the best bang for your buck phones, following the footsteps of its predecessors. And speaking of predecessors, there will probably be many Pixel 7a users asking themselves the question "Is it time to upgrade?"
Well, details about unreleased Pixel phones don't tend to stay in secret for too long, and things are no different for the Pixel 9a. The upcoming Google mid-ranger is said to sport the Tensor G4, which should offer about double the performance compared to the Tensor G2 that powers the Pixel 7a.
What's more, we are expecting a slightly larger display with the new model, as well as a change in the design that will more closely resemble the latest flagship series. Google might also release an extra storage variant this year, giving potential buyers more choice.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 7a expected differences:
| Pixel 9a | Pixel 7a |
|---|---|
| Much more powerful and power-efficient Tensor G4 | Slightly outdated and considerably less capable Tensor G2 |
| Larger 6.3-inch OLED display, with smoother animations, and higher brightness | Somewhat smaller 6.1-inch OLED display that's slightly less smooth and bright |
| 48MP main camera (the same that comes with the Pixel Fold 9 Pro) | Still very capable 64MP main camera (Sony IMX787) |
| Larger 5100 mAh battery and faster 23W wired charging; same 7.5W wireless | Smaller 4385 mAh battery and slower 18W wired charging; 7.5W wireless |
| New camera island and body, IP68 rating | OG camera bar and oval shape, IP67 rating |
| Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony | Colors: Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
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Design and Size
You can barely make the connection
Pixel 9a renders hint that Google might be moving away from the iconic camera bar design that made the Pixel 7a and other Pixel phones stand out. The renders show the 9a with a flush camera module that barely sticks out of the back panel. The two cameras are still positioned on the top left side of the back, but the flash is now outside the camera module.
Unlike the Pixel 7a that has rounded corners and sides, the Pixel 9a will stick to the more flat and boxy shape introduced with the Pixel 8a last year. Combined with the more understated camera, the Pixel 9a will look like a completely different phone in comparison to its two-year old predecessor.
The dimensions are also expected to be different. The Pixel 9a will be a bit larger than the 7a, which is possibly to accommodate the somewhat larger display and battery that it is also rumored to get. The exact expected dimensions are 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm with a weight of 186 g vs the 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm and 193.5 g of the Pixel 7a.
Google probably won't be using any new materials for the new body, which means the back will still be made out of plastic and the frame out of aluminum.
Leaks also state that the Pixel 9a will come with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating compared to the IP67 certification on the Pixel 7a. This is not exactly the most meaningful upgrade as the difference between the two certifications is not significant, but it is nice to have that extra peace of mind.
As for the color options, the Pixel 9a is said to launch in four: Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony (similar to the Pixel 9's option), and Iris (a soft bluish-purple). The Pixel 7a came in Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral (exclusive to the GStore in the U.S.).
Display Differences
Leaked images show the new Pixel 9a to have almost symmetrical bezels around a larger 6.3-inch screen (vs 6.1 inches on the 7a). Rumors are also saying that the display will now be capable of a smoother 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness levels.
The thinner and more uniform bezels, the higher brightness and refresh rate—all of these will undoubtedly make the Pixel 9a look and feel like a genuinely modern phone in comparison to the 7a. And that's even more true when you factor in the new design.
Now, something we really hope Google also improves on is the fingerprint sensor embedded in the display. The Pixel 7a, like other older Pixels, was known for having some issues with that part, and this didn't really get much better with last year's model. So, despite the lack of leaks on this front, fingers crossed that we see some improvements here.
Performance and Software
We expect double the performance
Besides the new design and improved display specs, another greatly improved area will be the performance. The Pixel 9a is expected to sport Google's Tensor G4 chipset, which is the same processor that powers the Pixel 9.
Given the benchmark results we got from the Tensor G4 during our Pixel 9 review, we expect the Pixel 9a to be about twice as powerful as the Pixel 7a. This will undoubtedly impact the user experience and it should be obvious when comparing the two. We fully expect features to work more quickly and generally faster and smoother performance with the new "a" series.
The Tensor G4 should also be considerably more power-efficient. We also expect to see better heat management and therefore less thermal throttling.
The RAM is still expected to be 8 GB, just like on the Pixel 7a, but we do expect to see an additional 256 GB storage variant. In contrast, the Pixel 7a was only available in 128 GB.
Software-wise, the Pixel 9a will launch with Android 15 out of the box, with seven years of OS and security updates, matching Google’s latest policy. On the other hand, the Pixel 7a, which launched with Android 13 and comes with 5 years of software support is expected to stop at Android 16.
This means that you can expect most of the basic Google AI features that come with the Pixel 9a to also be available on the Pixel 7a. That said, some could only be available on the newer model, and new features that come out with Android 17 and later have a lower chance of being supported on the older model.
Camera
New main camera, possibly the same as Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The look that Pixel cameras achieve is one of the main reasons people buy them, and while usually it's not exactly on par with the flagship models, the "a" series has sometimes come pretty close in terms of image quality.
For the last couple of years, Google has stuck with the same 64 MP main camera that debuted with the Pixel 7a, but rumors are saying that a new main image sensor is on the horizon. The Pixel 9a might come with a new 48 MP main camera that could be the same one that comes with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
This new main camera should bring better low-light performance and higher dynamic range, which ultimately should mean higher detail and less noise. Unlike the main image sensor, however, the 13 MP ultra-wide and selfie cameras will probably stay the same.
Also, some of the camera-related features like Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser that are not available on the Pixel 7a will most likely be available on the Pixel 8a.
Battery Life and Charging
A much larger battery promises a fix to one of the main "a" series issues
The Pixel 9a might come with a significantly larger 5100 mAh battery compared to the 4385 mAh one in the Pixel 7a. Alongside the new G4 chip that's more power-efficient, the 9a might have much better battery life compared to its older predecessor.
The Pixel 7a got an estimated battery life of only 6 hours and 4 minutes after our battery tests. The Pixel 8a got even less than that, so we really hope the new chip and larger battery bring the Pixel 9a to at least 6 hours and 30 minutes.
But if Google wants to keep the same charging times with the larger battery, it will have to increase the charging speed. That's probably why the 9a is also rumored to have 23W of wired charging vs the 7a's 18W. The 7.5W wireless charging, however, will probably remain unchanged.
Specs Comparison
Here's a quick overview of the expected Pixel 9a vs Pixel 7a specs.
| Pixel 9a | Pixel 7a |
|---|---|
| Size, weight 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm, 186 g | Size, weight 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm, 193.5 g |
| Screen 6.3" OLED 120Hz | Screen 6.1" OLED 90Hz |
| Processor Tensor G4 4nm | Processor Tensor G2 5nm |
| Versions: 8/128 GB 8/256 GB | Versions: 8/128 GB |
| Cameras: 48 MP main 13 MP ultra 13 MP front | Cameras: 64 MP main 13 MP ultra 13 MP front |
| Battery: 5100 mAh* | Battery: 4385 mAh |
| Charging: USB-C 23W wired 7.5W wireless | Charging: USB-C 18W wired 7.5W wireless |
So, to summarize these spec sheets, we are looking at an increase in battery size, a new main camera, additional storage option, two-generations newer chipset and an improved display. In other words, in just two years Google has upgraded every part of its more affordable phone series.
Summary
The Pixel 9a is shaping up to be a substantial upgrade over the Pixel 7a, bringing a larger and brighter display, a more efficient and much more capable processor, a redesigned body with a modern aesthetic, and a larger battery.
Pricing is expected to remain in the $499 range, and it's nice to see 256GB storage option, which will probably go for $599. Even if 80% of the rumors and upgrades end up being correct, the Pixel 9a will still be a massive upgrade over the Pixel 7a. Give it keeps the same affordable price tag, the 9a sounds like a worthwhile upgrade.
Pricing is expected to remain in the $499 range, and it's nice to see 256GB storage option, which will probably go for $599. Even if 80% of the rumors and upgrades end up being correct, the Pixel 9a will still be a massive upgrade over the Pixel 7a. Give it keeps the same affordable price tag, the 9a sounds like a worthwhile upgrade.
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