Google's New $499 Pixel 9a Tops the iPhone 16e in Four Ways

Google today introduced the Pixel 9a, its latest lower-priced smartphone. The device is launching in April, and it will compete with Apple's new iPhone 16e.

Google Pixel 9a
In terms of specs and pricing, the Pixel 9a tops the iPhone 16e in at least four ways.

First, the Pixel 9a's 6.3-inch OLED display is larger than the iPhone 16e's 6.1-inch screen.

Second, the Pixel 9a's display supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and content, while the iPhone 16e is limited to 60Hz.

Third, while both the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e are equipped with a 48-megapixel main rear camera, the Pixel 9a also has an Ultra Wide camera.

Fourth, the Pixel 9a starts at $499 in the U.S., while the iPhone 16e starts at $599.

Of course, the Pixel 9a runs Android, which is simply a dealbreaker for many iPhone users who prefer the Apple ecosystem or feel too locked in to bother switching platforms. But, increased competition is always good to see.

To learn more about the Pixel 9a, read Google's blog post.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16e
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Caution)
Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...

Top Rated Comments

abatabia Avatar
12 months ago
This is how you do midrange. Sorry apple.
Score: 74 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechWhisperer Avatar
12 months ago

('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/19/pixel-9a-tops-iphone-16e-in-four-ways/')

But, increased competition is always good to see.
Absolutely! Apple is becoming less and less competitive. First time ever that I’m seriously interested in what other brands have to offer.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
12 months ago
Pixel 9a also has a larger battery (5,100 mAh) vs iPhone 16e (4,005 mAh ('https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/27/iphone-16e-battery-comparison/')).

The Pixel 9a display has a higher peak brightness of 2,700 nits vs the iPhone 16e's 2,000 nits.

I thought the Pixel 9a would have less memory, but nope. It also has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage like the iPhone 16e.

And for those wondering, this will have 7 years of OS upgrades and security support.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
canadianreader Avatar
12 months ago
Yeah the iPhone 16e should've been priced at $499 and included MagSafe and 120Hz
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lamborrari Avatar
12 months ago
The Pixel 9a also has a much brighter screen that is literally twice as bright with 1600 nits in high-brightness mode vs. 800 nits on the iPhone 16e.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChrisMac47 Avatar
12 months ago
In Ireland there is an even bigger price difference, €559 for the Pixel 9a and €729 for the iPhone 16e. As another poster said: this is how you (should) do midrange.

We are wedded to iOS on this forum but boy are we taken for a ride by Apple!

The best thing that could happen to Apple is for them to be required to open up iOS to other hardware manufacturers. Maybe it's time to get Brussels/EU on to this.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)