Google has finally made the Pixel 9a official at under Rs 50,000. While it has several competitors in the Android space, there’s a new entrant in the iOS ecosystem—the iPhone 16e. Both phones are their respective brands’ attempt to set foot in the mid-range arena and offer high-end features taken from their much more expensive siblings. So, which one is a better option? We have compared both, based on their price and features, and here’s our take.
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iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Specifications at a Glance
The Pixel 9a is cheaper, but the caveat is that it offers a single RAM+Storage option. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, has three storage options, enabling you to choose one depending on your needs. Do bear in mind the spike in price as you increase the storage.
iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Design
The iPhone 16e has replaced the iPhone SE lineup of phones and, compared to them, offers a new design. That said, the single rear camera is reminiscent of the iPhone XR. It brings Apple’s infamous notch and bids adieu to the thick-bezel design. It weighs 167 grams and comes in classic black and white colours.
The Pixel 9a has ditched the Pixel 8a-like design and is more in tandem with the Pixel 9 series. It has a pill-shaped rear camera module (smaller than the Pixel 9) and a punch-hole screen. The phone will be available in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Iris shades, and weighs 185.9 grams.
iPhone 16E Design
Both phones feature unique designs, but the right choice depends on your preference. If you like simplicity and lightweight, go for the iPhone 16e. If you like the Pixel design language and its refreshing Iris colour, go for the Pixel 9a.
iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Display
The iPhone 16e sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2532×1170-pixel resolution, HDR, and 1200 nits of peak brightness. It is capped at a 60Hz refresh rate.
The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1080×2424 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 2700 nits of peak brightness.
Pixel 9a display
Both devices have an OLED display, which offers a good viewing experience. However, the Pixel 9a has an edge for its higher refresh rate and peak brightness.
iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Cameras
The iPhone 16e has a 48MP Fusion Camera that combines wide-angle and 2x telephoto zoom capabilities, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x zoom, and the Photonic Engine for enhanced low-light performance and colour accuracy. It also supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording.
The Pixel 9a has a 48MP main sensor with AI-enhanced image processing, a 13MP ultrawide lens, Macro Focus for detailed close-ups, and AI-powered tools like Add Me, Best Take, Magic Editor, and Magic Eraser.
iPhone 16E Camera
When it comes to camera systems from Google and Apple, the competition is always intense—and the same holds true for the iPhone 16e and the Pixel 9a. While we’re yet to fully test their camera performance, both devices are expected to deliver impressive results.
From a technical standpoint, the iPhone 16e has an edge with 4K video recording at 60 fps across all cameras and superior zoom capabilities. The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, stands out for its capable dual rear camera setup, making it a solid choice for everyday photography.
iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Performance
The iPhone 16e has the A18 Bionic chipset with six CPU and four GPU cores. It supports up to 512GB of storage. However, Apple has revealed the RAM configuration. We expect it to be 8GB since there’s support for Apple Intelligence features, which require more RAM.
The Pixel 9a also opts for Google’s in-house Tensor G4 SoC with the Titan M2 security coprocessor. It comes in a single 8GB+256GB RAM+Storage configuration.
Apple’s A18 Bionic Chipset
Both the iPhone 16e and the Pixel 9a use their respective brands’ in-house chipsets and are expected to deliver improved performance. While we are yet to compare their benchmarks and real-world usage, we have some numbers for the A18 and Tensor G4 chips seen in the iPhone 16 Plus and the Pixel 9, respectively.
These numbers suggest that the A18 does a much better job in benchmarks. You can check out the scores:
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
1,596,814
Google Pixel 9
1,035,468
AnTuTu Overall benchmark score analysis
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
3,100
Google Pixel 9
1,709
Geekbench single-core benchmark score analysis
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
7,611
Google Pixel 9
3,697
Geekbench multi-core benchmark score analysis
iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Software
The iPhone 16e has iOS 18 and will offer six years of updates. It brings along Apple Intelligence features like Writing tools, an Image Playground app (for creating unique pictures), Clean Up, and more.
The Pixel 9a has Android 15 and will get seven updates. It is also focused on AI with Gemini, Pixel Studio (for creating stickers, images, and more), Pixel Call Assist, and more.
Gemini Support on Pixel 9a
Both phones bring in the best of the latest software experience and AI features. So, it is now a question of what you prefer: Android or iOS?
iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Battery and Charging
The iPhone 16e’s battery capacity isn’t known, but it is claimed to offer up to 26 hours of video playback. It supports wireless charging.
The Pixel 9a has a 5,100mAh battery with fast and wireless charging (Qi-certified). It is claimed to last up to 30 hours on a single charge.
iPhone 16E Battery
Going by the numbers, the Pixel 9a takes the winner spot.
iPhone 16e vs Pixel 9a: Verdict
The iPhone 16e and the Pixel 9a are the newest offerings in the upper mid-range segment, with high-end chipset choices and features. Both try to bring the essence of their respective companies at an accessible price and are capable of doing it right. Choosing between the two can be tough, but let me help you find an answer:
The Pixel 9a is a more value-for-money option because of its lower price tag. It stands out for its high refresh rate, faster charging/wireless charging, and refined AI experience.
Having said that, the iPhone 16e is a great choice if there’s no budget constraint. It offers a minimal design, enhanced zooming capabilities, and overall better performance.
