Wondering which budget phone reigns supreme? Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e go head-to-head! Google hit its “highest-ever smartphone volumes” in 2024. How’d they pull it off? Their Pixel phones impress with smart AI features and integration with Google services. Still, they never cracked the high-end space where Apple and Samsung rule. Instead, Google’s budget models have quietly boosted its market share.
Meanwhile, Apple has stepped away from competing in the value market. The iPhone SE aimed to fill that gap, but after nearly a decade, Apple seems more focused on pushing innovation than affordability. Now, with both companies launching lower-tier phones, Google has a real shot at winning over cost-conscious buyers. So, which is the better deal—the Google Pixel 9a or the iPhone 16e?
1. Google Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e: Design
The Pixel 9a switches to flat edges and drops the curved design. It matches the higher-end Pixel 9 pretty well. The flat back gets rid of the camera bump too. Many people will enjoy that since the 8a’s metal bar makes it wobble on desks. I actually liked the aluminium frame—it added some charm and made the Pixel stand out. What do you think about it?The iPhone 16e finally says goodbye to the Home Button. That gives it a sharp, modern look I enjoy. Still, I miss how simple the button made navigation; felt so easy to use. There’s a notch at the top of the screen, like the iPhone 14, with flat aluminium edges that make for a lightweight and comfortable grip.Screen size on the 9a jumps to 6.3 inches, up from the 8a’s 6.1. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e keeps its 6.1-inch display.Brightness is a win for the 9a. It hits 2,700 nits outdoors, topping the 8a’s 2,000. The iPhone 16e reaches 1,200 nits for HDR, less than the 15’s 1,600. Even with lower numbers, the 16e holds up fine in sunlight.Color choices lean toward the Pixel 9a. You get black, white, light blue, and pink. The iPhone 16e only comes in black or white.
2. Google Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e: Performance
The Google Pixel 9a offers Qi wireless charging and fast 23W wired charging. Its 5,100 mAh battery sounds hefty, doesn’t it? Google says it lasts over 30 hours with normal use. That’s a major plus. But beware—actual battery life might fall short of the claim.Over on Apple’s side, the iPhone 16e boasts 26 hours of video playback. That beats the 15 hours of the third-gen iPhone SE. The notched Face ID cutout and single camera catch the eye. But its battery life steals the show. Thanks to a bigger battery, the custom C1 modem, and the A18 chip, it hit 36 hours in Wirecutter’s tough tests.Both phones stick to 7.5W for Qi wireless charging, though. The Pixel 9a ditches the Tensor G3 for the fresh Tensor G4 chip. It aligns with the flagship Pixel 9s, bringing 8GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage. Gizmochina pitted the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro XL against the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 Pro. The G4 hits 1,967 single-core and 4,697 multi-core, topping the G3’s 1,772 and 4,485. Not a massive jump, though.
Which budget phone is best for gaming?
The iPhone 16e’s refresh rate caps at 60Hz, which isn’t ideal for gamers or fast scrollers. A bump to 90Hz or 120Hz would’ve been nice—most Androids, like the Pixel 9a, already offer that for a smoother feel. Performance-wise, both the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e handle demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile pretty well. But Genshin Impact? That’s a whole different beast. It’s one of the most resource-hungry games out there. A YouTuber tested all 3 Pixel 9 models—the base, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL—aiming for 60 FPS. They started off strong, but frame rates eventually dipped into the 40s. The iPhone 16e runs on the A18 chipset, a close sibling to the iPhone 16’s but with 4 GPU cores instead of 5. That slight cut makes a difference. Genshin Impact saw more stutters, and other heavy games weren’t immune either. Still, it’s not a dealbreaker—this iPhone can plow through almost anything you throw at it.
3. Which budget phone has the best camera?
Apple trimmed a camera feature that matters. The iPhone 16e only has a single 48MP rear lens, unlike other iPhones with 2 or 3. That one camera manages a 2x in-sensor zoom for telephoto shots, but lacks an ultrawide option. I don’t often use the ultrawide on my iPhone 15 Pro since the main camera handles all lighting well. My cousin, who travels a lot, loves her ultrawide for grabbing wide landscapes and indoor scenes where stepping back isn’t possible. She also enjoys using it to capture indoor architecture with tons of detail.The Pixel 9a steps up with dual rear cameras: a 48MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide for 1x and 0.5x shots, plus macro mode. It outdoes the iPhone 16e’s single camera, though it doesn’t match the Galaxy A36’s triple-lens setup with 2x zoom.Google brings its signature photo tricks, like Real Tone for accurate skin tones and Night Sight for solid low-light shots. The Pixel 9a even adds astrophotography to the A-series, letting you snap stunning night sky photos. I’ve seen Pixel 9 Pro astro shots, and they’re seriously impressive.
4. Software
I love that Pixel’s bringing back 7 years of OS upgrades and security patches. It’s the phone I suggest for all the senior folks in our families—including my own. We can chill out, knowing their phone stays safe longer.Meanwhile, Apple says on its website, “Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod or Mac products may obtain a service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for five years after the product is no longer sold.”
