Apple ’s most affordable model , theiPhone 16e , launched in February , followed by Google ’s Pixel 9a a month later as the tinny headphone in the Pixel 9 series . Both are priced likewise , so your decision will mostly come down to whether you prefer iOS or Android . However , if you ’re exposed to either , here ’s how the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e stack up .
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1. Both Look Modern Yet Outdated at the Same Time
The most detectable innovation difference is properly up front . The Pixel 9a has a punch - yap camera but wooden-headed bezels , while the iPhone 16e sticks to Apple ’s familiar intention with a notch or else of theDynamic Island . This fourth dimension , though , it also fix anAction button .
Neither earpiece feels entirely premium . The iPhone 16e ’s snick looks superannuated , and the Pixel 9a ’s chunky bezels take away from its modern appeal . The iPhone has a field glass back , while the Pixel has a plastic panel . That said , both are IP68 - rated for water and dust resistance . The iPhone 16e features Ceramic Shield for superfluous durability , while the Pixel 9a employ Gorilla Glass 3 on the front .
As for colour , Apple keeps it simple with Black and White , while Google offers Obsidian ( black ) , Porcelain ( off - blank ) , Peony ( pink ) , and Iris ( blue - violet ) . But if you plan to apply a showcase anyway , color might not matter much .
Image: Google
2. Pixel 9a Outshines iPhone 16e With a Smoother Display
Both telephone set are stocky , but the Pixel 9a has a slightly larger 6.3 - inch pOLED display compared to the 6.1 - column inch OLED on the iPhone 16e . Apple ’s instrument panel is a bit sharper at 460 PPI , while the Pixel 9a comes in at 422 PPI .
However , the Pixel 9a has a clear vantage in smoothness with its 120Hz refresh rate , while the iPhone 16e reefer to 60Hz . iOS invigoration are optimized well , but once you experience 120Hz , it ’s hard to go back .
brightness level is another profits for the Pixel 9a . It offers 1,800 nits in HDR and peaks at 2,700 nits , whereas the iPhone 16e sits at 800 nit typical and 1,200 nits top HDR . This mean the Pixel 9a should be comfortable to read in direct sunlight , unless it inflame up and restrain brightness , which is something to keep in psyche .
Image: Google
3. Apple’s A18 Bionic Crushes Google’s Tensor G4
When it add up to public presentation , the iPhone 16e is in a league of its own . Apple ’s A18 Bionic(based on 3 nm ) is incredibly powerful , even with one fewer GPU corecompared to the iPhone 16 . It ’s paired with 8 GB of RAM and Apple ’s custom C1 modem .
The Pixel 9a , meanwhile , runs onGoogle ’s Tensor G4(based on 4 nm ) , the same chip found in thePixel 9 serial . While it also has 8 GB of RAM and Google ’s Titan M2 security flake , it just ca n’t keep up in raw power .
The A18 is n’t just quicker , it ’s also more effective . In workaday role , the Tensor G4 does fine , but under heavy encumbrance , itheats up quickly and throttles performance . That makes it less honest for gaming or demanding task over time .
Image: Apple
The iPhone 16e can handleAAA gameswith ray tracing , while the Pixel 9a is better suited for insouciant use and AI task . It ’s also more likely to feel smooth days down the line . If you care about performance , the iPhone is the exonerated winner .
4. Pixel 9a’s Dual Cameras Offer More Versatility
The Pixel 9a may not be the most brawny sound , but when it comes to cameras , it punches above its weight . It packs a 48MP main detector and a 13MP extremist - spacious lens , giving you more versatility for different kinds of shots .
The iPhone 16e keeps it simple with a single 48MP photographic camera and no ultra - wide choice . Apple forebode it a “ 2 - in-1 system ” since it trim into the sensing element for 2x soar crack . It also has Night Mode and AI - power tools like aim removal for quick edits .
Google , however , takes things up a notch . The Super Res Zoom let you zoom up to 8x in both exposure and television . It also comes with extra AI shaft like Night Sight for better low - light shots , Macro Focus for extreme close - ups , summate Me to fix missing aspect in group photos , Best Take to swop out expression , and Auto Frame for good video composition .
Image: Google
Apple ’s camera experience is wide-eyed and dependable . But if you need better icon tone , improved rapid climb , and an ultra - wide lens for more originative shots , the Pixel 9a is the well option .
5. Google Gemini vs Apple Intelligence
The Pixel 9a getsGoogle Gemini , while the iPhone 16e comes withApple Intelligence . While Siri has improved , Gemini is observably more herculean in genuine - earth use . It has deeper noesis , incorporate well with Google apps , and provides impertinent , more utile responses .
The iPhone 16e has tools like theCleanup toolfor removing objects from image , Writing tools for editing and refinement text edition , Image Playgroundfor generating images , andGenMoji , which lets you create personalized emojis . These are great addition , but Apple ’s AI is still in its early stage .
Overall , Google ’s AI features feel more milled and practical , while Apple Intelligence is still catch up . If AI is a major factor in your conclusion , the Pixel 9a is the estimable pick .
Image: Apple
6. Pixel 9a Promises 7 Years of Updates, But Can It Last?
The Pixel 9a comes with Android 15 , while the iPhone 16e runs iOS 18 . Google foretell seven years of updates , including security measures darn , just like its flagship models . Apple does not officially tell how farsighted iPhones receive updates , but found on past tendency , they typically get at least five to six years of support , sometimes even longer .
However , software support is just one part of the equality . The existent question is whether the Pixel 9a ’s Tensor G4 will still be useable in 2032 . Tensor chipping have a reputation for hapless efficiency and longevity , and this one is no exception . It contend with heat and throttling , which could lead to public presentation slowdowns and battery degradation over time .
The iPhone 16e ’s A18 Bionic , on the other script , is far more hefty and runs cooler , make it a safer choice for long - full term use . If you be after to keep your phone for several years , the iPhone 16e is more likely to hold up well .
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7. Pixel 9a Is Cheaper than iPhone 16e, But Is It the Better Deal?
The Google Pixel 9a starts at $ 499 for the 128 GB role model , while the 256 GB version costs $ 599 . In India , the phone is priced at ₹ 49,999 for the 128 GB variate , and it is only useable in this single configuration .
The iPhone 16e , on the other helping hand , comes at a premium . It starts at $ 599 for 128 GB , and the 256 GB mannikin costs $ 699 , making both option $ 100 more expensive than the Pixel . In India , the iPhone 16e commence at ₹ 59,990 for 128 GB and ₹ 69,990 for 256 GB .
While the Pixel 9a is the more affordable option , its on-key value depends on what you prioritize . If you want the best camera and AI feature without breaking the banking concern , the Pixel 9a is a great deal . But if long - term operation , efficiency , and software constancy matter more , the iPhone 16e may be worth the extra cost .
If you ’re set on mother an iPhone , you might also want to assure out the ignore iPhone 15 .
