Google Pixel 10a vs Google Pixel 9

Verdict

Google Pixel 10a and Google Pixel 9 tie on the OH Rank at a score of 61. Google Pixel 10a wins on Battery and Video; Google Pixel 9 wins on Performance and Selfie. Google Pixel 10a is 1mm wider than Google Pixel 9. Google Pixel 10a is the more recent release, from Mar 5, 2026.

Score Breakdown

Category

Google Pixel 10a

73mm (2.87in) · Mar 5, 2026 · Rank #168

Google Pixel 9

72mm (2.83in) · Aug 2024 · Rank #172
Performance /15
4
5
Battery /15
7
6
Screen /15
13
13
IP Protection /15
12
12
Main Camera /15
12
12
Selfie /5
4
5
Video /5
4
3
SD Memory /5
0
0
Software /5
5
5
Desktop Replacement /5
0
0
TOTAL
61
61
Google Pixel 10a
73mm (2.87in) · Mar 5, 2026 · Rank #168
4+7+13+12+12+4+4+0+5+0 = 61
* TOP SoftwareMidrange

EDITORIAL: 11 months later, Google follows it's (basic) 9a model with an incremental upgrade. We're could have expected this, based on Google's lack of (hardware) innovation in the last few years: not much has changed. Even the processor that is almost always a reason for a phone upgrade is the same Tensor G4. Battery, screen, IP68 protection, camera hardware, OS support - all the same. Screen got slightly brighter, 10a offers Satellite connection in some markets, the colors are new and the body became a bit narrower and a bit taller.

PROs
entry to Google ecosystem, >2000nits bright >420ppi P-OLED screen with HDR10+, IP68 protection, very good pics from 48MP 25mm OIS PDAF main + not as good 13MP 14mm (no AF) ultrawide setup, very good 13MP 20mm (non AF) selfie, above average video recording quality, up to 7 years of OS updates (if the very basic hardware can support it), very clean - stock Android interface, Satellite SOS support (in some markets) and a fast USB-C 3.2 (no Video Out or OTG)
CONs
plastic back panel, slippery design, old tech Lithium 5100mAh battery with a 24hr endurance and slow ~90min 30W (10W wireless) charging, big bezels around the screen, no telephoto lens, no AF on ultrawide or selfie, no expandable storage or desktop replacement functionality, worse of all: it is a Pixel 9a phone with a 10a model name (same processor, memory, battery, screen, cameras, OS support and USB-C port) for $200 more
Google Pixel 9
72mm (2.83in) · Aug 2024 · Rank #172
5+6+13+12+12+5+3+0+5+0 = 61

Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.

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