Highlights

• The Google Pixel 9a offers a display with a 120Hz refresh rate, longer battery life, wireless charging and an ultra-wide camera.
• The iPhone 16e delivers faster performance with an A18 chip and a sleek design.
• Pixel 9a starts at $499 with 128GB storage, while iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the same storage.

Google has just announced the Pixel 9a, hot on the heels of Apple’s iPhone 16e launch. Both are premium mid-range phones, bringing some high-end features from their pricier counterparts while keeping the cost lower. But which one gives you more bang for your money? Let’s find out.

Google Pixel 9a VS iPhone 16e – Key Features

Caption – Google Pixel 9a. (Image credit – Google)

Caption – iPhone 16e. (Image credit – Apple)

Google Pixel 9a VS iPhone 16e – Design and Display

Apple is known for its premium build quality, and the iPhone 16e keeps that tradition alive with an aluminium frame and glass back. On the other hand, Google went with a metal frame but opted for a plastic back on the Pixel 9a, likely to keep costs down.

However, Google takes the lead with its display. The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch pOLED screen with FHD+ resolution, HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2700 nits.

The iPhone 16e, in comparison, features a 6.1-inch OLED panel with 1.5K resolution, HDR, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 1200 nits. Apple’s lack of a high refresh rate is still a letdown in 2025, especially when most competitors have moved beyond 60Hz.

Google Pixel 9a VS iPhone 16e – Performance

When it comes to raw power, Apple has the edge. The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16, making it great for gaming and demanding tasks.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a comes with the Tensor G4, the same chip as the Pixel 9 Pro. While Google’s Tensor chips aren’t known for raw performance, they handle everyday tasks well.

The iPhone 16e features iOS 18 and comes with six years of updates. It further brings Apple Intelligence features such as Writing tools, an Image Playground app (for creating unique pictures), Clean Up and more.

As for Pixel 9a, the phone has Android 15 and seven years of updates. Google AI features include Gemini, Pixel Studio (for creating stickers, images, and more), Pixel Call Assist and more.

Google Pixel 9a VS iPhone 16e – Battery and Charging

Google scores a win in battery life. The Pixel 9a packs a 5,100mAh battery, claimed to last up to 30 hours on a single charge. It supports 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging (Qi-certified).

Apple hasn’t revealed the iPhone 16e’s battery size, but it claims up to 21 hours of battery life. While that sounds decent, the iPhone misses out on MagSafe charging, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Google Pixel 9a VS iPhone 16e – Cameras

Both phones deliver excellent photography, but the Pixel 9a offers a more versatile setup. It features a 40MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 16e sticks to a single 48MP sensor with 2x lossless zoom, but no ultra-wide lens.

For selfies, the Pixel 9a has a 13MP front camera, while the iPhone 16e uses a 12MP sensor along with its Face ID suite. If you love ultra-wide shots, the Pixel is the better pick.

Google Pixel 9a VS iPhone 16e – Price and Verdict

At $599, the Pixel 9a gets you 256GB of storage, while the iPhone 16e offers only 128GB. That alone makes the Pixel 9a a better deal for most people. However, if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem or want to try an affordable iPhone, the iPhone 16e makes sense.

FAQs

Q1. Which phone has a better display, the Google Pixel 9a or the iPhone 16e?

Answer. The Pixel 9a has a better display with a 6.3-inch pOLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2700 nits brightness, compared to the iPhone 16e’s 6.1-inch OLED screen with 60Hz and 1200 nits brightness.

Q2. What sets the Google Pixel 9a apart in terms of battery life?

Answer. The Pixel 9a has a 5,100mAh battery offering up to 30 hours of usage, along with 23W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging. The iPhone 16e claims 21 hours of battery life but lacks wireless charging.

Q3. Which device offers better camera capabilities between the Google Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e?

Answer. The Pixel 9a features a dual-camera setup (40MP main and 13MP ultra-wide lens), whereas the iPhone 16e has a single 48MP main camera and lacks an ultra-wide lens.

Q4. How does the build quality of the Pixel 9a compare to the iPhone 16e?

Answer. The iPhone 16e has a premium aluminium frame and glass back, offering a more polished feel, while the Pixel 9a uses a metal frame with a plastic back.

Q5. Which phone offers better value for money between Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e?

Answer. The Pixel 9a starts at $499 for 128GB, making it a better value compared to the iPhone 16e, which starts at $599 for the same storage.

Also Read: Pixel 9a Won’t Have Pixel Screenshots or Call Notes Due to 8GB RAM Limits, Release Delayed to April

Also Read: iPhone 16e Launched – Apple’s Affordable iPhone Gets a Big Upgrade