Price
The base Pixel 9a with 128GB of storage costs $499, and the 256GB model costs $559.
Apple offers the iPhone 16e in three storage configurations: 128GB for $599, 256GB for $699, and 512GB for $899.
If price alone is your concern, the Pixel wins this round by undercutting the iPhone by at least $100.
Winner: Pixel 9a
Design
The Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e resemble each other to some degree thanks to their flat fronts, flat sides, and relatively flat backs. The Pixel 9a measures 6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.6 ounces, while the iPhone 16e is more petite at 5.8 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches and 5.9 ounces.
Left to right: Pixel 9a in Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony, and Iris (Credit: Eric Zeman)
A circular front-facing camera interrupts the Pixel 9a’s screen at the top, versus a notch at the top of the iPhone 16e’s display. Generally, these become virtually invisible when you use either device for some time, though the notch is more noticeable and an outdated design at this point.
On the back, the 9a breaks from Pixel tradition, replacing the width-spanning camera bar with a small module protruding from the back. The iPhone 16e does not have a camera bump either and instead features a lone len surrounded by a small bezel.
The iPhone 16e comes in black or white (Credit: Eric Zeman)
As for colors, the Pixel 9a comes in Iris (lavender), Obsidian (black), Peony (pink-ish), or Porcelain. Apple offers fewer options; the iPhone 16e comes in black or white. Both phones are rated IP68, so they are as resistant to dust and water as their more expensive siblings. Google uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to cover the 9a’s screen; in contrast, Apple opts for its Ceramic Shield glass.
Since the two devices look relatively similar, I will give the win to the more colorful Pixel 9a.
Winner: Pixel 9a
Display
The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2,424 by 1,080 pixels, a variable refresh rate (60-120Hz), and a maximum brightness of 2,700 nits (1,800 nits typical).
Pixel 9a (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The iPhone 16e features a smaller 6.1-inch OLED at a resolution of 2,532 by 1,170 pixels, a fixed refresh rate of 60Hz, and a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits (800 nits HDR).
iPhone 16e (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Google’s display is larger, offers smoother animations, and is brighter than Apple’s, so it comes out on top.
Winner: Pixel 9a
Performance
Both Google and Apple make their own processors for their phones. The Pixel 9a uses Google’s Tensor G4, the same chip as the rest of the Pixel 9 series. The iPhone 16e features an Apple A18 chip, which is the same as in the $799 base model iPhone 16.
The Pixel 9a has 8GB of RAM. Apple doesn’t officially list the RAM in the iPhone 16e, but third-party apps say it has 8GB of RAM.
Generally, Google’s processors do not fare well on artificial benchmark tests because the chips are tuned for AI calculations. I expect the Pixel 9a to perform similarly to the Pixel 9 in testing, which we will get to soon. Conversely, Apple’s processors tend to outperform Android competitors by a wide margin. In some of our tests, the iPhone 16e performed better than its more expensive sibling, the regular iPhone 16.
Both phones support sub-6GHz and C-band 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The Pixel 9a includes Wi-Fi 6E, whereas the iPhone 16e sticks with the older Wi-Fi 6. If you need faster Wi-Fi, the Pixel 9a is the way to go.
Google packs an enormous 5,100mAh battery into the Pixel 9a, which is marketed with more than 30 hours of battery life. I have yet to test this claim. Apple does not disclose the capacity of its batteries, but the company said the iPhone 16e has “the best battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone.” We found that it lasted an outstanding 21 hours and 39 minutes in testing.
As for software, Google commits to seven years of OS updates, Pixel feature drops, and security fixes for the 9a. Apple does not specify its support window, though iPhones generally receive five or more years of updates.
The Pixel features Google Gemini as its AI assistant, which I think is quite capable. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e’s default assistant is Siri with Apple Intelligence. When it comes to first-party AI, I much prefer Google to Apple. The good news is you can always install Gemini on the iPhone 16e.
Recommended by Our Editors
My pick for this category is the iPhone 16e, thanks to its long battery life and blazing benchmark performance. However, like most of these categories, this may change after testing the Pixel 9a.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Cameras
If you want the most cameras, the Pixel 9a has three, beating the iPhone 16e’s two. However, the quality of images and video is probably more important to you.
Pixel 9a (Credit: Eric Zeman)
The Pixel 9a uses a 48MP main shooter at f/1.7 with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 13MP ultra-wide camera at f/2.2, and a 13MP selfie camera at f/2.2. Apple opts for a single 48MP Fusion camera at f/1.6 with OIS on the back and a 12MP f/1.9 TrueDepth selfie camera on the front. Based on the specs, Apple’s rear and selfie cameras let in more light than Google’s, which helps in low-light conditions.
For rear video capture, the Pixel 9a can record in resolutions up to 4K and either 30 or 60 frames per second (fps). Its selfie camera supports 4K30 video capture. The iPhone 16e offers the same 4K60 and 4K30 options for its main and selfie cameras while also adding 4K24 and 4K25 modes to both.
iPhone 16e (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Google and Apple photography performance is generally excellent, and I expect the Pixel 9a to live up to its Pixel lineage. The iPhone 16e offers superior video options but no ultra-wide camera. This one is close, but the iPhone wins.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Verdict: Which Is Right for You?
We expect to publish our review of the Pixel 9a soon, so stay tuned for our definitive buying advice. Until then, based on the specs and what we know about the Pixel 9a, here is some guidance:
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Consider your ecosystem. If you have other Apple products, the iPhone 16e will work well with them.
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The same is true if you’ve already use other other Android devices: Go with the Pixel 9a.
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If you want a phone that has the best AI right now, look to the Google Pixel 9a.
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If you want more options for video recording, the iPhone 16e is your best bet.
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If you want the most storage for the least money, the 256GB Pixel 9a is $140 less than the 256GB iPhone 16e. With the extra money, you can buy a great pair of headphones.
Check back soon for our review of the Pixel 9a. Until then, read up on the differences between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9.
iPhone 16e compared to iPhone SE and iPhone 16
