Google
Pixel 9a
Tensor G4 · 6.3″ OLED · $499
86
/ 100
From $499
VS
Nothing
Nothing Phone (3)
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 · Glyph 2.0
86
/ 100
From $799
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Pixel 9a lands at 86 and Nothing Phone (3) at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Pixel 9a if…
- ✓Cheapest Gemini-ready Pixel
- ✓7-year updates
- ✓Improved 5100 mAh battery
Pick Nothing Phone (3) if…
- ✓Distinctive transparent design
- ✓Nothing OS is refreshingly clean
- ✓Improved cameras
Pixel 9a 86
vs 86 Nothing Phone (3)
Score breakdown
Pixel 9a
86 cpu 84
gpu 80
camera 92
battery 90
display 88
design 84
Nothing Phone (3)
86 cpu 88
gpu 86
camera 86
battery 88
display 92
design 96
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Pixel 9a | Nothing Phone (3) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3″ OLED 120Hz | ▲ 6.77″ LTPO AMOLED 120Hz |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| RAM | 8 GB | ▲ 12/16 GB |
| Storage | 128/256 GB | ▲ 256/512 GB |
| Battery | ▲ 5100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| OS | Android 15, 7-yr updates | — |
| Charging | — | 100W + 50W wireless |
Pixel 9a
Pros
- +Cheapest Gemini-ready Pixel
- +7-year updates
- +Improved 5100 mAh battery
Cons
- −Slower charging (23W)
- −Tensor G4 throttles
- −Plastic back
Nothing Phone (3)
Pros
- +Distinctive transparent design
- +Nothing OS is refreshingly clean
- +Improved cameras
Cons
- −Snapdragon 8s trails 8 Elite
- −Still carrier-light in US
- −Glyph is a toy to some
FAQ: Pixel 9a vs Nothing Phone (3)
Which is better, Pixel 9a or Nothing Phone (3)? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Pixel 9a worth the price? +
At $499, Pixel 9a delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in camera.
Is Nothing Phone (3) worth the price? +
At $799, Nothing Phone (3) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in design.
Does Pixel 9a or Nothing Phone (3) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.