Google's Pixel A series phones have always offered the essence of what makes the flagship models so great, but in a pared-back package with a more affordable price tag. The Pixel 9A is no different, with the same Tensor G4 processor as the Pixel 9 Pro, along with a 48-megapixel main camera and a vibrant 6.3-inch display. Not bad for $499.
But Apple has just released the iPhone 16E, a $599 phone that also aims to distill the flagship experience into a slightly more affordable package. So how do they compare? Let's take a look.
Pixel 9A vs. iPhone 16E: design
The Pixel 9A is the larger of the two phones. Its 6.3-inch screen isn't a huge step up over the iPhone 16E's 6.1-inch screen, but it's enough to maybe make playing mobile games on the move a bit more immersive. However, the iPhone's display is marginally sharper as it crams more pixels into a smaller space, though whether you'd ever notice that difference is debatable. The Pixel 9A's display has a variable refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz that helps make animations look smoother and gaming more immersive. The iPhone 16E, on the other hand, has a screen locked at 60Hz.
The Pixel 9A's Design: Google Takes Minimalism to the Extreme
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Pixel 9A vs. iPhone 16E: performance
The Pixel 9A runs the same Tensor G4 chip as the Pixel 9 Pro. It's not a powerhouse processor, but it should offer solid performance for everyday tasks. However, when we reviewed the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, it returned fairly disappointing results on benchmark tests. The iPhone 16E uses Apple's A18 chip, which delivered much better scores on benchmark testing for both processor power and graphical prowess. For sheer straight-line speed, the iPhone is likely the one to go for here.
Pixel 9A vs. iPhone 16E: camera
While both phones have 48-megapixel main rear cameras, the Pixel 9A also offers a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens. The 9A also macro images, meaning you can get close to a subject and have them in focus. We'll have to wait and see how the camera quality compares on each phone, but those of you who want a more well-rounded photography experience may find the iPhone's single rear camera limiting.
Both the Pixel 9A and iPhone 16E come fully equipped to use their companies' respective AI platforms (Gemini on the Pixel, Apple Intelligence on the iPhone), with both offering a variety of built-in AI tools for productivity and imaging. Take a look below at how the Pixel 9A's specs stack up against the iPhone 16E.
Watch this: First Look: Google's Pixel 9A Gets a Large Battery and New Design
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Google Pixel 9A and iPhone 16E specs compared
|Google Pixel 9A|Apple iPhone 16E|
|---|---|---|
|Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness|6.3-inch OLED; 2,424x1,080 pixels; 60-120Hz variable refresh rate|6.1-inch OLED display; 2,532x1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate|
|Pixel density|422 ppi|460 ppi|
|Dimensions (inches)|6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 in|5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in.|
|Dimensions (millimeters)|154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm|146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm|
|Weight (grams, ounces)|186g (6.6 oz)|167g (5.88 oz)|
|Mobile software|Android 15|iOS 18|
|Camera|48-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide)|48-megapixel (wide)|
|Front-facing camera|13-megapixel|12-megapixel|
|Video capture|4K|4K|
|Processor|Google Tensor G4|Apple A18|
|RAM/storage|8GB + 128GB, 256GB|RAM unknown + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB|
|Expandable storage|None|None|
|Battery/charging speeds|5,100 mAh|Up to 26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed video playback, 90 hours of audio playback. 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wireless charging|
|Fingerprint sensor|Under display|No, Face ID|
|Connector|USB-C|USB-C|
|Headphone jack|None|None|
|Special features|7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio; 23W fast charging (charger not included); 7.5W wireless charging Qi certified; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor; Photo Unblur; Super Res Zoom; Circle To Search|Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Shield, Emergency SOS, satellite connectivity, IP68 resistance|
|US price off-contract|$499 (128GB)|$599 (128GB)|
|UK price|£499 (128GB)|£599 (128GB)|
|Australia price|AU$849 (128GB)|AU$999 (128GB)|