Between the Pixel 9a and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the Pixel 9a comes out ahead in weight and promised os updates, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra wins on wireless charging and wired charging. Overall, the Pixel 9a scores 63.2 and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra scores 73.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 10.6 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 Pixel 9a if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight, promised os updates.
Pick the Xiaomi 15 Ultra if you photograph or shoot video regularly and want the better imaging pipeline of the two. Its strongest claims are wireless charging, wired charging, front camera, among others.
Both ship with comparable refresh rate, 5g support, water resistance, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Google - Pixel 9a wins
- ▲Weight — 43.00 g less. 186 vs 229.
- ▲Promised OS updates: 7 (vs 4).
Why Xiaomi 15 Ultra wins
- ▲Wireless charging — 966.67% more. 80 W vs 7.5 W.
- ▲Wired charging — 291.30% more. 90 W vs 23 W.
- ▲Front camera — 146.15% more. 32 MP vs 13 MP.
- ▲AnTuTu — 119.35% more. 2720000 vs 1240000.
- ▲RAM — 100.00% more. 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- ▲Pixel density — 23.70% more. 522 ppi vs 422 ppi.
- ▲Battery capacity — 17.65% more. 6000 mAh vs 5100 mAh.
- ▲Screen size — 6.83% more. 6.73 " vs 6.3 ".
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Google - Pixel 9a | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 186 glead | 229 g |
| Thickness | 8.9 mmlead | 9.4 mm |
| Water resistanceⓘ | IP68 | IP68 |
| Form factor | bar | bar |
Display
| Spec | Google - Pixel 9a | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizeⓘ | 6.3 " | 6.73 "lead |
| Pixel densityⓘ | 422 ppi | 522 ppilead |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 2700 nits | 3200 nitslead |
Performance
Cameras
| Spec | Google - Pixel 9a | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main cameraⓘ | 48 MP | 50 MPlead |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 32 MPlead |
| Optical image stabilizationⓘ | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Google - Pixel 9a | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 5100 mAh | 6000 mAhlead |
| Wired chargingⓘ | 23 W | 90 Wlead |
| Wireless chargingⓘ | 7.5 W | 80 Wlead |
Connectivity
| Spec | Google - Pixel 9a | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| 5G supportⓘ | true | true |
| Headphone jack | false | false |
| microSD slot | false | false |
Operating System
| Spec | Google - Pixel 9a | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Android | Android |
| Promised OS updates | 7 yearslead | 4 years |
Frequently asked
Which has better battery, Pixel 9a or Xiaomi 15 Ultra?+
Xiaomi 15 Ultra has 17.6% more battery — 5100 mAh vs 6000 mAh.
Which is lighter, Pixel 9a or Xiaomi 15 Ultra?+
Pixel 9a is 43g lighter — 186g vs 229g.
Is Pixel 9a waterproof?+
Pixel 9a has an IP68 rating.
Does Xiaomi 15 Ultra support 5G?+
Yes, Xiaomi 15 Ultra supports 5G.
Which has more RAM, Pixel 9a or Xiaomi 15 Ultra?+
Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers 16GB of RAM.
Which has a better camera, Pixel 9a or Xiaomi 15 Ultra?+
Xiaomi 15 Ultra has a 50 MP main camera vs 48 MP.
Spec-level deep dives
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