Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note9
Starting at
£142.00
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00What's the difference between the Galaxy Note9 and Google Pixel 3a?
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Note9 starts at £142, £13 less than the Google Pixel 3a. The Google Pixel 3a is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a.
- The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a specs
The Galaxy Note9 and Google Pixel 3a differ in size, performance, battery capacity, and storage options, making each suited to different needs. The Galaxy Note9 offers a larger screen, more RAM, and a bigger battery, which suits users who want a roomier display and longer battery life. The Pixel 3a is smaller and lighter, with a simpler configuration focused on everyday use. Both phones feature similar camera capabilities but differ in expandable storage and SIM card options. The Note9 supports microSDXC cards and dual physical SIMs, while the Pixel 3a offers an eSIM alongside a physical SIM. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise screen size, battery, memory, or phone size and weight.
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software compatibility. These factors affect how long you can use each phone throughout the day and their software longevity.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note9 has a 4000 mAh battery, which provides longer usage between charges for users who need extended screen time or frequent use. The Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery, making it better suited for lighter daily use or those who recharge more often.
Software Updates
This means both phones run older Android versions, which may affect app compatibility and new feature availability equally.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage, which influence speed, multitasking, and space for apps and files.
Processing Power
The Galaxy Note9 uses either the Exynos 9810 or Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 chipset, which offers higher performance suited for demanding apps and multitasking. The Google Pixel 3a's Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 chipset is designed for everyday tasks and less intensive use.
Memory and Storage
The Galaxy Note9 comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which helps keep multiple apps open smoothly and provides ample space for files and media. The Pixel 3a has 4 GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, sufficient for routine use and moderate app collections.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a screen
Screen quality influences how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, and display technology affecting visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Note9 has a 6.4 inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2960, offering a larger and sharper display that suits watching videos or multitasking on a spacious screen. The Google Pixel 3a features a 5.6 inch OLED screen at 1080 x 2220 resolution, making it more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a camera
Camera quality is important for capturing photos and videos. Both phones have similar front and main camera megapixels, which impacts image detail.
Camera Megapixels
Both devices have an 8 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Note9 has a 12 megapixel main camera, while the Pixel 3a offers a 12.2 megapixel main camera. Both will capture clear photos, with the Pixel 3a having a slight edge in megapixels.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a size and design
Other differences include size, weight, SIM and storage options, which affect how the phones fit your daily routine and connectivity needs.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy Note9 measures 161.9 mm in height, 76.4 mm in width, and weighs 201 g, making it a larger and heavier phone. The Pixel 3a is more compact at 151.3 mm tall, 70.1 mm wide, and weighs 147 g. This makes the Pixel 3a easier to carry and use one-handed.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy Note9 supports dual physical SIM cards and includes a microSDXC slot for expandable storage. This suits users who want to carry two numbers or add extra storage easily. The Pixel 3a has a physical SIM and an eSIM but does not support microSDXC cards, focusing on simpler storage and SIM management.
Carrier compatibility
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note9 or Google Pixel 3a: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £142, £13 less than the Google Pixel 3a
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 201 g)
- you want the newer model (2019)
What our customers say
Customers who own the Galaxy Note9 often say the phone looks like new and functions well. They highlight the excellent screen quality and features. Some mention the battery life might need replacement after use, but the phone handles everyday tasks smoothly. Users appreciate the larger size and storage, making it suitable for those who want a spacious display and plenty of room for apps and media.
Reviews for the Google Pixel 3a show customers find the phone easy to set up and reliable for everyday use. Many report the device is in excellent condition with no visible wear. Some users experience slower performance or minor issues like a faulty power button, but overall the Pixel 3a is praised for its compact size and solid camera. It suits those preferring a smaller phone that is simple to use.
Both devices attract users who value different priorities: the Galaxy Note9 appeals to those wanting a larger, more powerful phone with expandable storage, while the Pixel 3a suits buyers looking for a lighter, smaller device for everyday needs.
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a FAQs
Galaxy Note9 vs Google Pixel 3a comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a. The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The Galaxy Note9 is cheaper refurbished, from £142 compared with £155 for the Google Pixel 3a.
The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy Note9 has 12 megapixels and the Google Pixel 3a has 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note9 ended in Jul 2022. Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note9 comes in 128GB, and the Google Pixel 3a in 64GB.







