Apple’s most affordable model, the iPhone 16e, launched in February, followed by Google’s Pixel 9a a month later as the cheapest phone in the Pixel 9 series. Both are priced similarly, so your decision will largely come down to whether you prefer iOS or Android. However, if you’re open to either, here’s how the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e stack up.
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1. Both Look Modern Yet Outdated at the Same Time
The most noticeable design difference is right up front. The Pixel 9a has a punch-hole camera but thick bezels, while the iPhone 16e sticks to Apple’s familiar design with a notch instead of the Dynamic Island. This time, though, it also gets an Action button.
Neither phone feels entirely premium. The iPhone 16e’s notch looks outdated, and the Pixel 9a’s chunky bezels detract from its modern appeal. The iPhone has a glass back, while the Pixel has a plastic panel. That said, both are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 16e features Ceramic Shield for extra durability, while the Pixel 9a uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the front.
As for colors, Apple keeps it simple with Black and White, while Google offers Obsidian (black), Porcelain (off-white), Peony (pink), and Iris (blue-violet). But if you plan to use a case anyway, color might not matter much.
2. Pixel 9a Outshines iPhone 16e With a Smoother Display
Both phones are compact, but the Pixel 9a has a slightly larger 6.3-inch pOLED display compared to the 6.1-inch OLED on the iPhone 16e. Apple’s panel is a bit sharper at 460 PPI, while the Pixel 9a comes in at 422 PPI.
However, the Pixel 9a has a clear advantage in smoothness with its 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 16e sticks to 60Hz. iOS animations are optimized well, but once you experience 120Hz, it’s hard to go back.
Brightness is another win for the Pixel 9a. It offers 1,800 nits in HDR and peaks at 2,700 nits, whereas the iPhone 16e sits at 800 nits typical and 1,200 nits peak HDR. This means the Pixel 9a should be easier to read in direct sunlight, unless it heats up and throttles brightness, which is something to keep in mind.
3. Apple’s A18 Bionic Crushes Google’s Tensor G4
When it comes to performance, the iPhone 16e is in a league of its own. Apple’s A18 Bionic (based on 3nm) is incredibly powerful, even with one fewer GPU core compared to the iPhone 16. It’s paired with 8GB of RAM and Apple’s custom C1 modem.
The Pixel 9a, meanwhile, runs on Google’s Tensor G4 (based on 4nm), the same chip found in the Pixel 9 series. While it also has 8GB of RAM and Google’s Titan M2 security chip, it simply can’t keep up in raw power.
The A18 isn’t just faster, it’s also more efficient. In everyday use, the Tensor G4 does fine, but under heavy loads, it heats up quickly and throttles performance. That makes it less reliable for gaming or demanding tasks over time.
The iPhone 16e can handle AAA games with ray tracing, while the Pixel 9a is better suited for casual use and AI tasks. It’s also more likely to feel smooth years down the line. If you care about performance, the iPhone is the clear winner.
4. Pixel 9a’s Dual Cameras Offer More Versatility
The Pixel 9a may not be the most powerful phone, but when it comes to cameras, it punches above its weight. It packs a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, giving you more versatility for different kinds of shots.
The iPhone 16e keeps it simple with a single 48MP camera and no ultra-wide option. Apple calls it a “2-in-1 system” since it crops into the sensor for 2x zoom shots. It also has Night Mode and AI-powered tools like object removal for quick edits.
Google, however, takes things up a notch. The Super Res Zoom lets you zoom up to 8x in both photos and videos. It also comes with extra AI tools like Night Sight for better low-light shots, Macro Focus for extreme close-ups, Add Me to fix missing faces in group photos, Best Take to swap out expressions, and Auto Frame for better video composition.
Apple’s camera experience is simple and reliable. But if you want better image quality, improved zoom, and an ultra-wide lens for more creative shots, the Pixel 9a is the better choice.
5. Google Gemini vs Apple Intelligence
The Pixel 9a gets Google Gemini, while the iPhone 16e comes with Apple Intelligence. While Siri has improved, Gemini is noticeably more powerful in real-world use. It has deeper knowledge, integrates better with Google apps, and provides smarter, more useful responses.
For example, Gemini can generate images, summarize YouTube videos, and analyze Google Docs, while Siri often falls back on Google Search for many queries. The Pixel 9a also comes with AI tools like Circle to Search, Magic Editor, and Magic Eraser.
The iPhone 16e has tools like the Cleanup tool for removing objects from images, Writing tools for editing and refining text, Image Playground for generating images, and GenMoji, which lets you create personalized emojis. These are great additions, but Apple’s AI is still in its early stage.
Overall, Google’s AI features feel more polished and practical, while Apple Intelligence is still catching up. If AI is a major factor in your decision, the Pixel 9a is the better pick.
6. Pixel 9a Promises 7 Years of Updates, But Can It Last?
The Pixel 9a comes with Android 15, while the iPhone 16e runs iOS 18. Google promises seven years of updates, including security patches, just like its flagship models. Apple does not officially state how long iPhones receive updates, but based on past trends, they typically get at least five to six years of support, sometimes even longer.
However, software support is just one part of the equation. The real question is whether the Pixel 9a’s Tensor G4 will still be usable in 2032. Tensor chips have a reputation for poor efficiency and longevity, and this one is no exception. It struggles with heat and throttling, which could lead to performance slowdowns and battery degradation over time.
The iPhone 16e’s A18 Bionic, on the other hand, is far more powerful and runs cooler, making it a safer choice for long-term use. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, the iPhone 16e is more likely to hold up well.
Also read:
- A Detailed Comparison of Clean Up, Magic Editor, and Generative Edit
- Apple Intelligence-Like Features That Are Already Available on the Pixel 9
7. Pixel 9a Is Cheaper than iPhone 16e, But Is It the Better Deal?
The Google Pixel 9a starts at $499 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB version costs $599. In India, the phone is priced at ₹49,999 for the 128GB variant, and it is only available in this single configuration.
The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, comes at a premium. It starts at $599 for 128GB, and the 256GB model costs $699, making both options $100 more expensive than the Pixel. In India, the iPhone 16e starts at ₹59,990 for 128GB and ₹69,990 for 256GB.
While the Pixel 9a is the more affordable option, its true value depends on what you prioritize. If you want the best camera and AI features without breaking the bank, the Pixel 9a is a great deal. But if long-term performance, efficiency, and software stability matter more, the iPhone 16e may be worth the extra cost.
If you’re set on getting an iPhone, you might also want to check out the discounted iPhone 15.
