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 (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

abatabia Avatar
16 weeks ago
This is how you do midrange. Sorry apple.
Score: 74 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechWhisperer Avatar
16 weeks 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
16 weeks 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
16 weeks ago
Yeah the iPhone 16e should've been priced at $499 and included MagSafe and 120Hz
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lamborrari Avatar
16 weeks 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
16 weeks 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)