Between the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and Pixel 9a, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) comes out ahead in weight, while the Pixel 9a wins on main camera and battery capacity. Overall, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) scores 40.7 and the Pixel 9a scores 63.2 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Pixel 9a is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 22.5 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the iPhone SE (3rd gen) if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.
Pick the Pixel 9a if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. Its strongest claims are main camera, battery capacity, ram, among others.
Both ship with comparable 5g support, optical image stabilization, wireless charging, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Pixel 9a is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) wins
- ▲Weight — 42.00 g less. 144 vs 186.
Why Google - Pixel 9a wins
- ▲Main camera — 300.00% more. 48 MP vs 12 MP.
- ▲Battery capacity — 152.73% more. 5100 mAh vs 2018 mAh.
- ▲RAM — 100.00% more. 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- ▲Refresh rate — 100.00% more. 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- ▲Front camera — 85.71% more. 13 MP vs 7 MP.
- ▲AnTuTu — 58.97% more. 1240000 vs 780000.
- ▲Screen size — 34.04% more. 6.3 " vs 4.7 ".
- ▲Pixel density — 29.45% more. 422 ppi vs 326 ppi.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 144 glead | 186 g |
| Thickness | 7.3 mmlead | 8.9 mm |
| Water resistanceⓘ | IP67 | IP68lead |
| Form factor | bar | bar |
Display
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizeⓘ | 4.7 " | 6.3 "lead |
| Pixel densityⓘ | 326 ppi | 422 ppilead |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 60 Hz | 120 Hzlead |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 625 nits | 2700 nitslead |
Performance
Cameras
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Main cameraⓘ | 12 MP | 48 MPlead |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 13 MPlead |
| Optical image stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 2018 mAh | 5100 mAhlead |
| Wired chargingⓘ | 20 W | 23 Wlead |
| Wireless chargingⓘ | 7.5 W | 7.5 W |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| 5G supportⓘ | true | true |
| Headphone jack | false | false |
| microSD slot | false | false |
Operating System
| Spec | Apple - iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Google - Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOSlead | Android |
| Promised OS updates | 5 years | 7 yearslead |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9a?+
Pixel 9a has 152.7% more battery — 2018 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
Which is lighter, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9a?+
iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 42g lighter — 144g vs 186g.
Is iPhone SE (3rd gen) waterproof?+
iPhone SE (3rd gen) has an IP67 rating.
Does Pixel 9a support 5G?+
Yes, Pixel 9a supports 5G.
Which has more RAM, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9a?+
Pixel 9a offers 8GB of RAM.
Which has a better camera, iPhone SE (3rd gen) or Pixel 9a?+
Pixel 9a has a 48 MP main camera vs 12 MP.
Spec-level deep dives
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