Google announced the Pixel 9a, its new affordable phone featuring the Tensor G4 chipset, starting at $500, with availability expected in April. The Pixel 9 offers a premium upgrade at $680, featuring enhanced RAM, camera capabilities, and a more compact design. The Pixel 9 Pro is priced at $750, offering superior specs and camera features. Other competitors include the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, with its Exynos 2400e chipset, and the OnePlus 12R, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Additionally, the Motorola Razr 2024 is available for $500 as a foldable alternative.
This week, Google revealed the Pixel 9a, its latest budget-friendly smartphone equipped with the new Tensor G4 chipset. However, the phone won’t hit the market until April, and an exact release date is still pending. Let’s take a look at some alternatives.
Starting with the pricing of the 9a, it begins at $500 for the 8/128GB model. There is also an 8/256GB variant, but its price remains unannounced. The Pixel 8a launched at $500/$560 for the same memory options—and those prices remain consistent. Currently, discounts may be available on the older model, unless it’s on the verge of being discontinued.
Next up is the Google Pixel 9, which represents the premium mid-range option within the Pixel lineup. The entry-level 128GB model comes at a price of $680, albeit with a substantial $120 discount. The device features a slightly more compact design (with slimmer bezels and maintaining a 6.3” 1080p+ 120Hz OLED display) but carries a smaller battery (4,700mAh compared to 5,100mAh). Both devices are powered by the same Tensor G4 chip, though the Pixel 9 provides more RAM than the 9a (12GB as opposed to 8GB).
The most compelling reason to invest more in the Pixel 9 rather than the 9a is its superior camera system. The 50MP main sensor boasts a significantly larger sensor size (1/1.31” compared to 48MP 1/2.0”), coupled with a high-resolution 48MP ultra-wide lens (in contrast to the 13MP of the 9a). Both models feature aluminum frames and are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, but the Pixel 9 utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rather than Gorilla Glass 3. Additionally, the Pixel 9a lacks the Satellite SOS feature.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro kicks off at $750, which places it at a $250 premium over the 9a, indicating these aren’t direct rivals. Yet, with only a $70 difference between the Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro, it’s a viable option to consider. The Pro variant comes equipped with more RAM (16GB), a higher resolution display (1280p+ versus 1080p+), and superior camera capabilities—a 48MP 5x periscope lens and a 42MP selfie camera.
For thoroughness, let’s also mention the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is currently priced down to $900 for the 128GB version, while the 256GB model costs just $50 more.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE serves as a mid-range variant within the flagship series. It incorporates the Exynos 2400e chipset, which is derived from the Tensor chip but delivers superior performance. Although this device has a larger 6.7” display compared to the 6.3” of the Pixel 9a, its 4,700mAh battery remains unchanged. Notably, the S24 FE includes an 8MP 3x telephoto lens, eliminating the need to rely exclusively on digital zoom as with the Pixel 9a. Both the Pixel devices and the S24 FE are promised to receive 7 OS updates.
The OnePlus 12R is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. While it may be two generations behind the latest, it still surpasses the performance of the Tensor G4 and even falls short when compared to the Exynos 2400e. The device features a 6.78” 1264p+ OLED display, known for its LTPO technology, typically regarded as a premium trait. The sizable 5,500mAh battery supports rapid 100W wired charging, though it does lack wireless charging capabilities. Additionally, its IP64 rating may seem low, but it should perform adequately in day-to-day scenarios. Notably, this 256GB smartphone is priced at $50 less than the 128GB Pixel 9a.
Lastly, there’s the Motorola razr 2024, which offers a fresh foldable design for the same $500 price as the Pixel (though it features 256GB of storage compared to the Pixel’s 128GB). The Dimensity 7300X chipset is considerably slower than the Tensor, particularly in graphics performance. Despite being a foldable device, the razr is equipped with IPX8 water resistance.
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