Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy A55: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Excellence

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A55 represent two of the strongest contenders. The Pixel 9a leverages Google’s Tensor G4 chip and AI prowess, while the Galaxy A55 counters with Samsung’s vibrant display technology and a focus on all-day battery life. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right phone.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing software experience and computational photography, the Google Pixel 9a emerges as the winner. Its Tensor G4 chip, coupled with Google’s AI features, delivers a smoother, more intelligent experience. However, the Samsung Galaxy A55’s brighter display and slightly longer active use battery life make it a compelling alternative for media consumers.

PHONES
Phone Names	Google Pixel 9a	Samsung Galaxy A55

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66, 75 - International	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2025, March 19	2024, March 11
Status	Available. Released 2025, April 10	Available. Released 2024, March 15

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions	154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.89 x 0.35 in)	161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight	186 g (6.56 oz)	213 g (7.51 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Resolution	1080 x 2424 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~422 ppi density)	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)
Size	6.3 inches, 94.7 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	P-OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 1800 nits (HBM), 2700 nits (peak)	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520)	Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Google Tensor G4 (4 nm)	Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
GPU	Mali-G715 MP7	Xclipse 530
OS	Android 15, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades	Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1

Memory
Card slot	No	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm	-
Features	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	-
Single	13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm	32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps

Sound
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC	GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.2	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass

Battery
Charging	23W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging	25W wired
Type	Li-Po 5100 mAh	Li-Ion 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony	Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon
Models	GXQ96, GTF7P, G3Y12	SM-A556V, SM-A556B, SM-A556B/DS, SM-A556E, SM-A556E/DS, SM-A5560
Price	$ 348.12 / C$ 479.99 / £ 345.00 / € 381.99 / ₹ 41,990	$ 324.99 / £ 251.50 / € 319.99 / ₹ 23,998
SAR EU	0.99 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body)	0.68 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body)

EU LABEL
Battery	52:19h endurance, 1000 cycles	-
Energy	Class B	-
Free fall	Class A (270 falls)	-
Repairability	Class B	-

Google Pixel 9a

Superior AI-powered camera experience
Clean and bloatware-free Android software
Long-term battery health with 1000 charge cycles

Likely lower peak display brightness
Potentially less raw processing power for demanding games

Samsung Galaxy A55

Brighter and more vibrant display
Slightly longer active use battery life
Samsung’s One UI offers extensive customization

Software experience can be cluttered with pre-installed apps
Battery lifespan may be shorter than the Pixel 9a

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A55 immediately stands out with its 1010 nits of peak brightness, offering significantly better visibility outdoors compared to the Pixel 9a (brightness data unavailable, but expected to be lower based on Pixel A-series history). While the Pixel 9a’s display quality is likely to be good, Samsung’s Super AMOLED panel provides richer colors and deeper blacks. Neither device is confirmed to use LTPO technology, suggesting both will likely employ a standard refresh rate, impacting power consumption during dynamic content. Bezels are expected to be comparable, with both aiming for a modern, immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 9a is expected to excel in computational photography, leveraging the Tensor G4’s processing power to deliver stunning images, even in challenging lighting conditions. While specific sensor details are unavailable, Google’s history suggests a focus on software algorithms to enhance image quality. The Galaxy A55’s camera system is likely to prioritize versatility, but may not match the Pixel’s low-light performance. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on both devices, the quality will hinge on the main sensor and image processing. The Pixel’s strength lies in its ability to extract detail and dynamic range through software, while Samsung often aims for more vibrant, saturated colors.

Performance

The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 9a utilizes the 4nm Google Tensor G4, featuring a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.1 GHz, designed for demanding tasks. The Samsung Galaxy A55 employs the 4nm Exynos 1480, with a Cortex-A78 configuration peaking at 2.75 GHz. While clock speed isn’t everything, the Tensor G4’s architecture suggests a stronger focus on AI and machine learning tasks, potentially leading to faster image processing and smarter assistant features. The A55’s Exynos 1480 is a capable performer, but may show more strain under sustained heavy loads. Both devices are expected to ship with ample RAM, but the Pixel’s software optimization could provide a smoother overall experience.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A55 boasts a 13:27h active use score, slightly exceeding the Pixel 9a’s 12:42h. However, the Pixel 9a compensates with a claimed 52:19h endurance and 1000 charge cycles, suggesting a longer overall battery lifespan. The A55 supports 25W wired charging, while the Pixel 9a offers 23W with PD3.0, 7.5W wireless charging, and bypass charging. Bypass charging allows the phone to power directly from the charger, reducing heat buildup during gaming or intensive tasks. While the charging speeds are similar, the Pixel 9a’s additional wireless charging and bypass charging features offer added convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 9a if you need a phone with exceptional software support, a superior camera experience driven by AI, and prioritize a clean, bloatware-free Android experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55 if you prefer a brighter, more vivid display for media consumption, value a slightly longer active use battery life, and appreciate Samsung’s One UI customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A55 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?

While the Exynos 1480 is a capable chip, it's not known for exceptional thermal performance. Expect some throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to frame rate drops. The Pixel 9a’s Tensor G4, combined with bypass charging, may offer better sustained performance under load.

❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 9a significantly slower than the 25W wired charging on the Galaxy A55?

Yes, 7.5W wireless charging is considerably slower than 25W wired charging. A full wireless charge on the Pixel 9a will take significantly longer. However, the convenience of wireless charging and the Pixel 9a’s bypass charging feature offer unique benefits.

❓ How does Google's software update commitment compare to Samsung's for these devices?

Google typically offers longer software support for Pixel devices. The Pixel 9a is expected to receive at least 5 years of security updates, potentially longer. Samsung has improved its update policy, promising 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Galaxy A55, but Google still holds an edge.

❓ Will the Pixel 9a's AI features, like Magic Eraser, work effectively with photos taken on other phones?

Yes, many of Google’s AI-powered photo editing features, like Magic Eraser in Google Photos, are accessible to all users regardless of the phone used to capture the image. However, some features may be optimized for Pixel hardware.