Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Google Pixel 8a
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Google Pixel 8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 x 74.2 x 8.7 mm | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | OnePlus 9 is larger and slightly thinner, Pixel 8a is more compact. |
| Weight | 192g | 188g | Both have similar weight, negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.1" | OnePlus 9 offers a larger screen for media consumption and gaming; Pixel 8a is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness at this resolution, fine for most users. |
| PPI | 402 | 430 | Pixel 8a has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density, negligible difference to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks from both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 will be significantly brighter in direct sunlight, making it much more readable outdoors. (Note: Pixel 8a brightness not provided.) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Different architectures; Snapdragon 888 excels in raw processing power while Tensor G3 emphasizes AI tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 880,900 | 876,512 | Both offer very similar levels of performance, capable of handling almost any task. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Different GPU architectures, both capable of handling demanding graphics tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | OnePlus 9 has wireless charging. Pixel 8a can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 48MP (f/1.79, 1/1.4") | 64MP (f/1.89, 1/1.72") | Pixel 8a offers higher resolution. OnePlus 9 has larger sensor with wider aperture leading to better low-light performance in theory. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP (f/2.4, 1/3.13") | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | OnePlus 9 has higher resolution but Pixel 8a has wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/1.56") | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | Pixel 8a has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white lens. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | OnePlus 9 offers higher video resolution. Pixel 8a offers better stabilization through OIS. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not Available | 136 (Photo: 141, Video: 128) | Pixel 8a has been tested by DxOMark with a reasonable score, OnePlus 9 not available for comparison. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Triple camera, CDAF, RAW 12 bits | Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, Dual camera, OIS, Continuous autofocus, LAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW | Both feature rich cameras but with different feature sets |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 14, upgradable to 21 | Pixel 8a has a newer and more long-term supported OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Pixel 8a has slightly newer standard and supports the 6GHz band, offers better speeds and less interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Pixel 8a has a slightly newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | OnePlus 9 provides more diverse and accurate GPS due to more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 8a provides additional eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both offer the same storage configurations. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | OnePlus 9 may handle heavy multitasking better with up to 12GB of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | OnePlus 9 offers enhanced sound quality through Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | OnePlus 9 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Google Pixel 8a offers more environmental sensors while OnePlus 9 offers a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better visibility outdoors due to higher brightness (1100 nits vs. unknown)
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Wireless Charging: Offers 15W wireless charging capabilities.
- Larger Screen: Offers more immersive media consumption and a better gaming experience with its larger display.
- More RAM (Optional): Offers a 12GB RAM option for heavy users.
- Higher Resolution Video: Offers 8K video recording.
- Better GPS: Provides more diverse and accurate GPS due to more satellite system support.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhances audio experience.
Google Pixel 8a Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android and will receive OS updates for a longer time.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM functionality for more flexibility in carrier management.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes features like OIS, Pro Video Mode, continuous autofocus, and NPU AI Engine
- Wider Aperture in Selfie Cam: Better selfie photos in low light
- Combined Wide Angle + Macro lens: For more versatile photos.
- More Environmental Sensors: Has a barometer, thermometer, and magnetometer for more detailed readings.
- Better WiFi: Has better speeds, latency, and access to 6GHz band
- Bluetooth 5.3: Newer Bluetooth standard for better device connectivity.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other wireless devices.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 offers a larger, brighter screen and faster charging but it is older tech.
- Google Pixel 8a has a newer OS, slightly more advanced camera features with OIS, eSIM support, and better connectivity features, but the display is smaller. The charging speed is slower and the brightness is lower.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 is ideal for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on a large, vibrant screen.
- Users in Bright Environments: People who need a phone with high outdoor visibility.
- Power Users: Those who value fast charging and higher RAM for multitasking and power user applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a dedicated ultra-wide camera lens, as well as high resolution 8k video.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Navigating outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Quickly charging the phone before going out.
- Capturing high-resolution videos.
Google Pixel 8a is ideal for:
- Users who want the latest software updates: The Pixel will get more years of OS updates.
- Users who value Camera capabilities: Pixel is known for its excellent camera performance.
- Travelers: Those who may want eSIM support and a more accurate and flexible location system.
- Those who want advanced features Such as Optical Image Stabilization and AI powered camera features.
- Those who prefer a more compact phone.
Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Using the latest features and OS.
- Traveling and using different mobile carriers.
- Taking detailed readings with a built-in barometer.
- Using wireless charging for other devices.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Screen Size Preference: Do you prefer a larger screen (OnePlus 9) or a more compact one (Pixel 8a)?
- Charging Speed: How important is fast charging for you? (OnePlus 9 is much faster)
- Operating System: Do you prefer an older, stable OS with excellent performance or the latest OS with advanced features and longer updates? (Pixel 8a has the most up to date).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoor Use: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, especially in bright sunlight, the OnePlus 9 is the better choice due to its significantly brighter display.
- Scenario 2: Photography Focus: If you prioritize camera performance with excellent features and AI enhancements, the Google Pixel 8a would be the better option, particularly if you want the latest software.
- Scenario 3: Performance and Battery: If you value fast charging, gaming, and multi tasking, the OnePlus 9 will be a better option with its faster charging and higher potential RAM.
- Scenario 4: Compact Phone: If you prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone, the Google Pixel 8a would be the better choice.
- Scenario 5: Future-Proofing: If you intend to use the phone for a long time and prioritize OS updates, the Google Pixel 8a offers better long-term software support.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 8a. While the OnePlus 9 has some compelling advantages such as a brighter display and faster charging, the overall package of the Pixel 8a is more appealing to me. The Pixel's camera system is generally considered to be a stronger performer, with computational photography providing incredible results. I also value having the latest OS version and longer software support. Additionally, I prefer the more compact size and the inclusion of the eSIM functionality. Lastly the better WiFi 6E and newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard also make the Pixel 8a more future proofed than the older OnePlus 9. Although the brightness of the pixel 8a is not known, I am assuming that it would be adequate in most scenarios. Therefore, despite some benefits of the OnePlus 9, the Google Pixel 8a aligns better with my priorities of camera quality, software updates, and advanced features.
