← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 vs Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 9 is the premium option here, boasting a 6.3" Actua OLED display that peaks at 2,700 nits, making it a standout for bright visibility outdoors. If you want cutting-edge technology, the Pixel 9 is worth considering, but the Pixel 7a is a solid alternative if you’re on a budget.
📱 Display: 6.3" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh vs 4385 mAh
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google Pixel 9
★4.5
(1,044)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
Check Amazon Price→
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9
6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9
Google Tensor G4
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5
Storage
Google Pixel 9
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9
4,700 mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9
Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9
7.0 oz (198 g)
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9
6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 9
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 9 vs Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 9
★4.5(1,044)Amazon
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,044)Amazon | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 4,700 mAh (Typical) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 7.0 oz (198 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Google Pixel 9
Rating:★4.5(1,044)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR
Front Camera:10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:4,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.0 oz (198 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- • Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness
- • Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment
- • Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens
- • Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom)
- • Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors
- • Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks
- • Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Grab the Pixel 7a if you prioritize photography and want to save money - it features a 64MP camera for stunning images.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you want a brighter 6.3" display for outdoor use, need a longer-lasting battery with 4,700mAh, or value the latest AI features.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you love taking photos with a 64MP camera, want a smoother experience with a 90Hz display, or need a more affordable option.
Conclusion
Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 7a are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 9 excels if you value compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.