For years, I’ve been an unwavering iPhone user. Every September, I’d eagerly await Apple’s latest release, convincing myself that the next model would finally be the “perfect” phone. This year, I was eyeing the rumored iPhone 16e—a more affordable variant of Apple’s flagship. But then, Google’s Pixel 9a landed in my hands, and after just seven days, my loyalty to Apple was shaken to its core.
The Pixel 9a isn’t just a great budget phone—it’s a revelation. It made me question why I was so fixated on Apple’s ecosystem when Google’s offering delivers so much more for far less. Here’s why the Pixel 9a made me forget all about the iPhone 16e.
Design & Build: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
The first thing I noticed about the Pixel 9a was how premium it felt. Google has refined its design language over the years, and the 9a is no exception. The matte-finish plastic back (which feels surprisingly high-end) and the aluminum frame give it a sleek, modern look. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, and the compact size makes it easy to use one-handed—something Apple used to excel at but has slowly moved away from.
Compared to the rumored iPhone 16e, which is expected to retain Apple’s familiar (and somewhat stale) design, the Pixel 9a feels fresh. The rounded edges and soft-touch back make it more comfortable to hold than recent iPhones, which have sharp, boxy frames.
Display: Smooth, Vibrant, and Just the Right Size
The Pixel 9a sports a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While it’s not the 120Hz you’d find on pricier flagships, the difference is negligible in daily use. Scrolling is buttery smooth, colors are vibrant, and blacks are deep—thanks to OLED technology.
Apple’s iPhone 16e will likely stick with a 60Hz display unless they finally make the jump to higher refresh rates in their budget models. If that’s the case, the Pixel 9a already wins in this department. Even if Apple upgrades, Google’s optimization makes the 90Hz panel feel just as fluid as higher refresh rate screens.
Performance: Blazing Fast, No Compromises
Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, the same processor found in the more expensive Pixel 8 series. This means flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost. Apps open instantly, multitasking is seamless, and even graphically intensive games run without a hitch.
Apple’s A-series chips are undeniably powerful, but the iPhone 16e will likely use a slightly underclocked version of an older chip (similar to how the iPhone SE models recycle previous-gen processors). While iOS is well-optimized, Google’s Tensor chip, combined with Android’s latest refinements, makes the Pixel 9a feel just as snappy—if not snappier—in real-world use.
Camera: Google’s AI Magic Beats Apple’s Computational Photography
If there’s one area where the Pixel 9a completely outshines any iPhone in its price range, it’s the camera. Google’s computational photography is second to none, and the 9a benefits from the same AI-powered features as its pricier siblings.
The 64MP main sensor captures stunning detail, and Night Sight makes low-light photography shockingly good. Portrait mode is more natural-looking than Apple’s, and features like Magic Eraser (which lets you remove unwanted objects from photos) are genuinely useful.
The iPhone 16e will likely have a decent single-camera setup, but Apple’s computational photography, while great, hasn’t evolved as dramatically as Google’s in recent years. The Pixel 9a’s camera isn’t just good for a budget phone—it’s better than many flagships.
Software: Clean Android With Long-Term Support
One of the biggest advantages of the Pixel lineup is software. The Pixel 9a runs pure Android with no bloatware, and Google guarantees seven years of updates—matching Apple’s famed long-term support.
iOS is polished, but it’s also restrictive. Android 14 on the Pixel 9a feels more intuitive, with better customization options, smarter AI integrations (like Call Screening and Now Playing), and a more open ecosystem. Features like Live Translate and Gemini AI assistance make the Pixel feel like a phone from the future.
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
The Pixel 9a’s 4,500mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. Adaptive Battery learns your habits and optimizes power consumption, something Apple’s iPhones also do well. However, Google’s fast charging (18W wired and wireless charging support) means you can top up quickly—something Apple still lags behind on unless you buy a separate fast charger.
Price: The Biggest Factor
The Pixel 9a is expected to retail around 449—significantlycheaperthaneventhemostbudget−friendlyiPhone.TheiPhone16ewilllikelystartat599 or more, making the Pixel 9a an unbeatable value.
For half the price of an iPhone Pro model, you get a phone that rivals (and sometimes surpasses) Apple’s best in key areas like camera, display, and software.
Final Thoughts: Why I’m Not Going Back to iPhone
After a week with the Pixel 9a, I realized something: I don’t miss my iPhone. Google has crafted a phone that delivers everything I need—stellar performance, an incredible camera, clean software, and long-term support—without forcing me to pay a premium just for the Apple logo.
The iPhone 16e might have its perks, but the Pixel 9a proves that you don’t need to spend big to get a premium experience. For the first time in years, I’m not counting down the days until Apple’s next release. Google has won me over—and I don’t think I’ll be going back.
