# **Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 7a: Should You Make the Switch?**
The Google Pixel 7a has stood out as an economical smartphone choice, delivering excellent value thanks to its remarkable camera, seamless performance, and prolonged software updates. Nonetheless, with the launch of the **Pixel 9a**, countless users are questioning whether it’s time to replace the **7a** with the new budget-friendly model.
Is the **Pixel 9a** a legitimate upgrade, or does the **Pixel 7a** continue to prove its worth in 2024? Let’s explore the distinctions and assist you in determining if an upgrade is necessary or if your current device still suffices.
—
## **Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 7a: What’s Different?**
The **Pixel 9a** showcases numerous enhancements over the **Pixel 7a**, such as a **larger battery, quicker processor, brighter screen, and improved water resistance**. But does that mean you should purchase it? Here’s a brief comparison:
### **Pixel 9a: The New Budget Champion**
✅ **Pros:**
– **Larger battery (5,100mAh compared to 4,385mAh)**
– **Newest Tensor G4 chip** (identical to the Pixel 9 series)
– **Ships with Android 15** and **seven years of software support**
– **Sleeker and lighter design**
– **IP68 rating for water and dust resistance**
– **120Hz pOLED display with increased brightness**
– **Same $499 launch price as the Pixel 7a**
❌ **Cons:**
– **No LTPO display** (less efficient refresh rates)
– **Older Gorilla Glass 3 for protection**
– **Missing Wi-Fi 7 capabilities**
– **Selfie and ultrawide cameras haven’t changed**
– **Polycarbonate back rather than glass**
### **Pixel 7a: Still a Worthy Budget Choice**
✅ **Pros:**
– **Timeless Pixel aesthetic**
– **Software support extended until 2028**
– **Satisfactory performance for daily tasks**
– **Available for prices as low as $300**
– **IP67 water resistance**
– **Solid build quality and haptic feedback**
❌ **Cons:**
– **More challenging to find unlocked**
– **Single storage option (128GB) available**
– **Battery performance falls short**
– **Lacks the latest AI enhancements**
—
## **Design & Build: A Newer Aesthetic for the Pixel 9a**
The **Pixel 9a** replaces the **camera bar** with a **flush pill-shaped cutout**, giving it a closer resemblance to the **Pixel 9 series**. It also features **sharper corners**, which may feel less ergonomic compared to the **Pixel 7a’s softer edges**.
Both devices utilize a **polycarbonate back paired with an aluminum frame**, but the **Pixel 9a’s matte finish** is more resistant to fingerprints than the **Pixel 7a’s shiny back**.
### **Water Resistance: Pixel 9a Sets the Standard**
– **Pixel 9a**: **IP68** (superior protection against dust and water)
– **Pixel 7a**: **IP67** (still effective, but not as robust)
—
## **Display: Superior Brightness and Smoothness on the Pixel 9a**
The **Pixel 9a** features a **6.3-inch Actua pOLED display** boasting a **120Hz refresh rate** and **2,700 nits peak brightness**, enhancing usability in bright outdoor settings.
Conversely, the **Pixel 7a** offers a **6.1-inch OLED display** with a **90Hz refresh rate** and **1,000 nits peak brightness**. While still commendable, it appears dimmer and less fluid.
**Winner: Pixel 9a** (Brighter, smoother, and larger screen)
—
## **Performance & Battery Life: A Significant Upgrade**
The **Pixel 9a** is equipped with the **Tensor G4 chip**, the same processor featured in the **Pixel 9 series**, rendering it **quicker and more efficient** than the **Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2**.
### **Battery Life: A Major Enhancement**
– **Pixel 9a**: **5,100mAh battery** (30+ hours of usage)
– **Pixel 7a**: **4,385mAh battery** (24+ hours of usage)
The **Pixel 9a** also allows for **faster charging**:
– **23W wired charging** (compared to **18W** on the **7a**)
– **7.5W wireless charging** (versus **5W** on the **7a**)
**Winner: Pixel 9a** (Better battery performance)
