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Pixel 9a — Tensor G4 · 6.3″ OLED · $499
Google

Pixel 9a

Tensor G4 · 6.3″ OLED · $499

86
/ 100
From $499
VS
Nothing Phone (3) — Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 · Glyph 2.0
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
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photography

Pixel 9a

Stills and video quality across lenses

Pixel 9a leads on camera (92 vs 86).

Battery life

Pixel 9a

Screen-on time and charging

Pixel 9a leads on battery (90 vs 88).

Performance

Nothing Phone (3)

Chipset speed for gaming and heavy apps

Nothing Phone (3) leads on gpu (86 vs 80).

Display

Nothing Phone (3)

Panel quality, brightness, refresh rate

Nothing Phone (3) leads on display (92 vs 88).

Value for money

Pixel 9a

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Pixel 9a more score per dollar ($499 vs $799).

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

Pixel 9a versus Nothing Phone (3) — full spec comparison
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.

Which is better for photography, Pixel 9a or Nothing Phone (3)? +

Pixel 9a — leads on camera (92 vs 86). Stills and video quality across lenses.

Which is better for battery life, Pixel 9a or Nothing Phone (3)? +

Pixel 9a — leads on battery (90 vs 88). Screen-on time and charging.