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Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e: The two newest affordable premium phones compared

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e: The two newest affordable premium phones compared

TOI Tech Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Mar 20, 2025, 10:47 IST

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Google and Apple have launched the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e, targeting premium experiences at affordable prices. The Pixel 9a features a larger, smoother display and dual-camera setup, while the iPhone 16e offers superior CPU performance and a single 48MP camera. Both phones promise durability, strong battery life, and long-term software support.

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e: The two newest affordable premium phones compared

's Pixel A series has consistently delivered flagship essence in a more affordable package, and the Pixel 9A continues this tradition. Featuring the same Tensor G4 processor found in the premium Pixel 9 Pro, a capable 48-megapixel main camera, and a vibrant 6.3-inch display, it offers impressive value at Rs 49,999. Meanwhile, Apple has introduced the 16E at Rs 59,999, which brings many flagship features to a more accessible price point. Both devices aim to capture the mid-range market without compromising too heavily on the experience. Now, how do they compare when pit against each other? Let's find out.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Design and display

The Pixel 9A features a larger 6.3-inch OLED display compared to the iPhone 16e's 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR screen. Where the Pixel truly shines is its variable refresh rate that scales between 60Hz and 120Hz, making animations and scrolling noticeably smoother than the iPhone 16e's fixed 60Hz panel.
The iPhone 16e maintains Apple's premium design language with a flat aluminum frame and adds the Action Button previously reserved for Pro models. However, it still uses a notch design rather than the Dynamic Island found on the standard iPhone 16. The Pixel 9A adopts Google's minimal aesthetic with a punch-hole camera.

Both devices feature durable build quality with the iPhone 16e offering IP68 water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) and Ceramic Shield protection. The Pixel 9A also boasts IP68 certification and Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Performance

Apple equips the iPhone 16e with its A18 chip featuring a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, paired with 8GB RAM and Apple's new indigenous C1 modem. The Pixel 9A runs on Google's Tensor G4 processor - the same chip found in the premium Pixel 9 Pro.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Camera

Here's where significant differences emerge. The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP rear camera that Apple markets as a "2-in-1" system with 2x zoom capabilities. The Pixel 9A, however, offers a dual-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, providing more versatility for photography enthusiasts.
Both phones support 4K video recording, but the Pixel 9A includes Google's renowned computational photography features like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Photo Unblur. The iPhone 16e supports features like Super Hi-Res photos and Dolby Vision recording but lacks some capabilities found in the standard iPhone 16, such as Next-generation portraits and Spatial photos.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Battery and charging

The Pixel 9A houses a substantial 5,100mAh battery, while Apple claims the iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of video playback - notably better than the standard iPhone 16's 22 hours. The Pixel 9A supports 23W fast charging and 7.5W wireless charging, while the iPhone 16e offers Qi wireless charging up to 7.2W but lacks MagSafe support.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Software and AI

Both devices come with their respective latest operating systems - iOS 18 for the iPhone 16e and Android 15 for the Pixel 9A. Each phone supports their company's AI platforms - Apple Intelligence on the iPhone and Google's Gemini on the Pixel. Google promises 7 years of OS updates, security patches, and feature drops for the Pixel 9A, and Apple's also known for supporting the iPhone's for quite some few years, it's Android that's catching upto iOS on OS updates,

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e: Price

The Google Pixel 9A starts at Rs 49,999 for the 128GB variant, while the iPhone 16e begins at Rs 59,999 - a Rs 10,000 premium. Both offer 256GB options at higher price points, with the iPhone 16e also available in a 512GB configuration.

About the Author

TOI Tech Desk

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.

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