The Google Pixel series has always been a favorite among Android fans in India, especially for those who love clean software and amazing cameras. With the Pixel 8a now available at a discounted price of around ₹37,999 (down from its launch price of ₹52,999), it’s tempting to grab it, especially with offers like cashback for SBI credit card users. But the newly launched Pixel 9a, priced at ₹49,999, brings some upgrades that might make you think twice. You might be wondering: Should you buy the Pixel 8a now, or wait for the Pixel 9a to get cheaper? Let’s break it down in a simple, clear way, comparing design, display, software, performance, battery, and cameras, while also looking at how the Pixel 8a stacks up against other phones in the ₹30,000–₹40,000 range.
Design: Pixel 8a Feels Premium, but Pixel 9a Looks Modern
The Pixel 8a sticks to Google’s classic design with its iconic camera visor and a premium feel despite its plastic back. It has a metallic frame, an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and even supports wireless charging (7.5W, which is slow but rare at this price). At 188g, it feels solid and looks like a mini version of Google’s flagship Pixel 8 series. However, the design is starting to feel a bit dated in 2025, especially with its curved edges and chunky bezels around the screen.
The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, goes for a fresh, modern look. Google has ditched the camera visor for a flat back with a small, pill-shaped camera module that barely protrudes, so there’s no wobble when you place it on a table. It’s slightly larger (154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm) and lighter (185.9g) than the Pixel 8a (152.1 x 72.2 x 8.9mm, 188g). The Pixel 9a also steps up durability with an IP68 rating, meaning it can handle deeper water submersion. However, it swaps the metallic frame for a plastic back and sides, which might feel less premium compared to the 8a.
For a ₹30,000 phone, the Pixel 8a still feels like a solid, unique choice with its premium build. But if you prefer a sleeker, more modern design, the Pixel 9a might catch your eye, even if it doesn’t scream “Pixel” like before.
Display: Bigger and Brighter on Pixel 9a, but Not a Game-Changer
The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness. It’s compact, sharp, and great for one-handed use, but those thick bezels make it look like a phone from 2018. Outdoors, it’s bright enough for most situations, and colors pop nicely when watching videos or scrolling.
The Pixel 9a steps things up with a larger 6.3-inch pOLED display, also FHD+ with a 120Hz refresh rate, but it pushes brightness to 2,700 nits. This makes it easier to use in direct sunlight. However, in real-world use, like watching Netflix with brightness maxed out, both phones look equally vibrant, so the brightness difference isn’t always noticeable. The Pixel 9a’s bigger screen is great for media, but it still has those chunky bezels, which is disappointing for a 2025 phone.
If you’re happy with a compact screen, the Pixel 8a’s display is more than good enough. The Pixel 9a’s larger, brighter screen is a slight upgrade, but it’s not a reason to skip the 8a’s discount.
Software: Same Pixel Magic, but No Exclusive Features
One of the biggest reasons to buy a Pixel is its clean Android experience and long software support. The Pixel 8a launched with Android 14 and is now running Android 15, with Google promising 7 years of OS and security updates (up to Android 21 or 22). The Pixel 9a comes with Android 15 out of the box and also gets 7 years of updates.
Both phones offer the same software experience as Google’s flagship Pixels, including features like Magic Editor in Google Photos and Gemini Live for conversational AI. For example, you can use Gemini Live to analyze a YouTube video and ask questions like, “What analogy is used to explain linked lists?” It even gives you the exact timestamp to jump to. This is super helpful for students prepping for exams like data structures.
However, the catch is that these AI features aren’t exclusive to Pixels anymore. Brands like Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, and CMF now offer similar features, sometimes even before Pixels. So, the Pixel 8a doesn’t have a unique software edge over its rivals. Still, its long update promise makes it a great choice for those who want a phone that stays fresh for years.
Performance: Pixel 8a is Okay, Pixel 9a is Slightly Better
Performance has never been the Pixel A series’ strong suit, and the Pixel 8a is no exception. It’s powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In benchmarks like AnTuTu, it scores decently but lags behind competitors like the iQOO Neo 9 Pro or Realme GT 6T, which use Snapdragon chips and cost similar amounts. In real-world use, the Pixel 8a handles daily tasks like social media, streaming, and light gaming smoothly. However, heavy games like Genshin Impact or Wuthering Waves show frame drops, even at high settings (60fps). The phone also gets warm during extended 5G use or gaming, likely because Google skips a cooling layer in the A series.
The Pixel 9a uses an upgraded Tensor G4 chip, which offers a 7.6% performance boost over the G3, according to benchmarks. It also includes a cooling layer, so it stays cooler during gaming or heavy tasks. However, the difference in day-to-day use is minimal, and even the 9a struggles with heavy games, showing frame drops in titles like Wuthering Waves.
At ₹37,999, the Pixel 8a’s performance is just okay for casual users but disappointing for gamers or power users. If performance is your priority, phones like the Realme GT 6T or iQOO Neo 9 Pro are better bets in this price range.
Battery and Charging: Average on Both Phones
The Pixel 8a has a 4,492mAh battery, while the Pixel 9a bumps it up to 5,000mAh, the largest in any Pixel A series phone. In medium use (watching videos, scrolling, light gaming), the Pixel 8a lasts a full day, but heavy use (gaming, 5G streaming) drains it by evening. The Pixel 9a, with its larger battery, lasts slightly longer—about 10–15% more in similar conditions.
Charging is a weak point for both. The Pixel 8a supports 18W fast charging, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes to fully charge. The Pixel 9a improves slightly with 25W charging, cutting the time to around 1 hour. However, competitors like the Realme GT 6T offer 80W charging at similar prices, making both Pixels feel outdated. The Pixel 8a also heats up during charging or heavy use, which can be annoying.
If battery life is your top concern, the Pixel 9a is a better choice, but neither phone stands out in this area compared to rivals.
Cameras: Pixel 8a Shines, Pixel 9a Surprisingly Downgrades
The Pixel’s camera is its biggest selling point, and the 8a doesn’t disappoint. It has a 64MP main camera (f/1.89, OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2), delivering vibrant, detailed photos with Google’s signature processing. Colors are warm, skin tones are natural, and low-light shots are impressive. Videos are solid, with good stabilization up to 4K 60fps. However, we noticed an occasional bug in portrait mode where the background blur doesn’t apply correctly.
Surprisingly, the Pixel 9a takes a step back with a 48MP main camera (f/1.7, OIS) and a 13MP ultrawide. Photos are still good, but the lower resolution leads to slightly less detail, and colors are cooler compared to the 8a’s warmer tones. The 9a also tends to oversharpen faces in portraits. In videos, the 8a outperforms the 9a, with better clarity and dynamic range.
Compared to rivals like the iQOO Neo 9 Pro or Vivo V30e, the Pixel 8a holds its own, especially for that “Pixel look” with natural colors and great processing. However, some competitors offer telephoto lenses or macro cameras, which the Pixel 8a lacks. If photography is your main focus, the 8a is a steal at ₹37,999.
Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹37,999 (discounted) | ₹49,999 |
| Display | 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits | 6.3-inch FHD+ pOLED, 120Hz, 2,700 nits |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/128GB | 8GB/128GB |
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.89, OIS) | 48MP (f/1.7, OIS) |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | 4,492mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired, 7.5W wireless | 25W wired, no wireless |
| Software | Android 15, 7 years of updates | Android 15, 7 years of updates |
| Build | Plastic back, metal frame, IP67 | Plastic back and frame, IP68 |
| Weight | 188g | 185.9g |
Should You Buy the Pixel 8a or Wait for the Pixel 9a?
At ₹37,999, the Pixel 8a is a great deal for specific users. Its strengths are its clean software, long update promise, and excellent camera, which still delivers that iconic Pixel photo quality. The premium design and compact size make it a good choice for students, professionals, or even parents who want a reliable, easy-to-use phone. However, its average performance, slow charging, and dated bezels hold it back compared to competitors like the Realme GT 6T (better performance), iQOO Neo 9 Pro (faster charging), or Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (more AI features).
The Pixel 9a, at ₹49,999, offers a modern design, slightly better performance, a larger battery, and a brighter display. But the camera downgrade and higher price make it less compelling, especially since it doesn’t feel like a significant leap over the 8a. Waiting for the Pixel 9a to drop to around ₹40,000 (likely in 6–8 months) might be smarter if you want the latest model.
Who Should Buy the Pixel 8a?
- You’re a Pixel fan who loves the clean Android experience and Google’s camera processing.
- You want a compact phone with a premium feel and long software support.
- You’re on a budget and can’t spend more than ₹40,000.
Who Should Wait for the Pixel 9a?
- You prefer a modern design with a larger, brighter screen.
- You want better battery life and slightly improved performance.
- You’re okay waiting for a price drop to get better value.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re not set on a Pixel, here are some better-rounded options in the ₹30,000–₹40,000 range:
- Realme GT 6T: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, 120W charging, great for gaming.
- iQOO Neo 9 Pro: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 50MP camera, 120W charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Exynos 2400, Galaxy AI features, 3 years of OS updates.
Conclusion: Pixel 8a is a Good Buy for Pixel Lovers
The Pixel 8a at ₹37,999 is a solid choice if you’re after that Pixel experience—great photos, clean software, and years of updates. It’s not the best phone in its price range, especially for gaming or charging speed, but it’s perfect for casual users or Pixel enthusiasts. If you can live with its average performance and don’t mind the bezels, it’s a steal at this price. However, if you want a more well-rounded phone or the latest design, consider waiting for the Pixel 9a to drop in price or explore alternatives like the Realme GT 6T or iQOO Neo 9 Pro. Ultimately, the Pixel 8a is worth it if you’re buying it for the Pixel vibe, not for raw specs.
