Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Google Pixel 8a (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G4; launch prices were $499 and $1099. By overall MobileRank rating, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads — 74/100 vs 65/100 (a 9-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery (5060 mAh vs 4492); the main camera is 64 MP vs 50 MP; the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is faster in AnTuTu (1,672,795 vs 1,433,693); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger camera (160 vs 136); the Google Pixel 8a is noticeably lighter (188g vs 221g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
What makes Google Pixel 8a better?
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Lighter: 188g vs 221g
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $1099
- Better portability (57/100 vs 41/100)
What makes Google Pixel 9 Pro XL better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 1672795 vs 1433693
- Better Geekbench Single: 1900 vs 1722
- Better Geekbench Multi: 5200 vs 4458
- Bigger battery: 5060 vs 4492 mAh
- Faster charging: 37W vs 18W
- Faster wireless charging: 23W vs 7W
- Higher performance (74/100 vs 70/100)
- Better camera (88/100 vs 70/100)
- Longer battery life (57/100 vs 39/100)
- Better display (86/100 vs 82/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL scores 9 points higher (74/100 vs 65/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads (88/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads (57/100 vs 39/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8a — 52/100, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — 58/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (74/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (86/100 vs 82/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (88/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (57/100 vs 39/100). In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8a notably outperforms the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (57/100 vs 41/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G4 | |
| AnTuTu | 1433693 | 1672795 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1722 | 1900 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4458 | 5200 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.8" Super Actua LTPO OLED | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 2992x1344 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4492 mAh | 5060 mAh | |
| Charging | 18W | 37W | |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 23W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 136 | 160 | |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 48 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 48 MP | |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 42 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP67 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 152.1×72.7×8.9 mm | 162.8×76.6×8.5 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 221 g | |
| Launch price | $499 | $1099 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8a
- Main: 64MP f/1.89
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 13MP
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Main: 50MP f/1.68
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 48MP
- Front: 42MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 8a
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- 6.8" Super Actua LTPO OLED
- Resolution: 2992x1344
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 8a
- 4492 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- Wireless: 7W
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- 5060 mAh
- Wired: 37W
- Wireless: 23W
Overall performance score
We compared Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads Google Pixel 8a by 14.3% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $600. Google Pixel 8a was $600 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (74/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (86/100 vs 82/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (88/100 vs 70/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (57/100 vs 39/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8a notably outperforms the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (57/100 vs 41/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL edges out the Google Pixel 8a by just 9 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8a and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8a has a MobileRank rating of 65/100, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — 74/100.
Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 8a or the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL leads on camera score (88/100 vs 70/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8a over the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a better fit for active users, mobile photography enthusiasts.