I used the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13R for ...

The Android mid-range market is extra aggressive than it has been in years. Whereas many choices out there globally do not make it to the US, manufacturers like OnePlus and Google proceed to ship stable mid-range smartphones at compelling worth factors within the States as effectively.

Google not too long ago launched its newest mid-range cellphone, the

Pixel 9a
, priced at $500, the identical as final yr’s Pixel 8a. In the meantime, OnePlus launched its newest “flagship killer,” the

OnePlus 13R
, again in January 2025 for $600.

I’ve spent every week utilizing each the Pixel 9a and the OnePlus 13R, and should you’re making an attempt to determine between these two mid-range choices, here is every little thing it’s worthwhile to know.

Associated

5 reasons why I recommend the Pixel 9a over the Pixel 9 to most people

Google’s newest mid-range Android cellphone, the Pixel 9a, is stable sufficient to carry its personal towards the dearer Pixel 9.

The Google Pixel 9a will get the fundamentals excellent

It is probably not flashy, however it’s constant and dependable

The Google Pixel 9a marks an enormous shift from its predecessor, the

Pixel 8a
. Google has ditched the enduring digicam bar design I’ve grown to like over time, changing it with a less complicated again panel the place the digicam now sits virtually flush. Whereas the design could really feel bland, the Pixel 9a nails the in-hand really feel. It is fairly compact, particularly in comparison with the OnePlus 13R, with barely curved edges that make it a delight to carry.

The OnePlus 13R additionally options flat edges, however they really feel a bit sharper within the hand. Its 6.78-inch show additionally makes the cellphone noticeably bigger, and the larger type issue could be a bit uncomfortable to carry in comparison with the extra compact Pixel 9a.

That mentioned, not every little thing in regards to the Pixel 9a’s design is ideal. The bezels on this cellphone are among the many greatest I’ve seen on any fashionable Android cellphone in latest reminiscence. Watching a YouTube video generally makes me really feel like I am utilizing a cellphone from 5 years in the past — that is how distracting the thick bezels are. Certain, the 6.3-inch pOLED show will get vibrant sufficient for outside use, however the multimedia expertise takes successful due to these chunky borders.

In distinction, the OnePlus 13R sports activities slim and uniform bezels round its massive AMOLED show. It is also a lot vibrant, and each telephones deal with outside visibility with out problem. Nevertheless, in the case of show high quality, the OnePlus 13R is clearly forward. Its LTPO AMOLED panel delivers punchy colours, deeper distinction, and sharper visuals total. The Pixel 9a’s show is not dangerous — actually, it is fairly good — however it may’t match the 13R’s panel by way of vibrancy and crispness.

However the Pixel 9a does what Google Pixels do greatest: ship a easy, easy, and AI-loaded software program expertise with none pointless flash. It runs inventory Android, which I personally want over most Android skins, and it comes with a bunch of Pixel-exclusive AI options like Add Me within the Digital camera app, Clear Calling, Maintain for Me, Name Notes, and Finest Take, amongst others.

I am not the most important fan of AI options on smartphones usually. The one ones I take advantage of repeatedly are Circle to Search and Object Eraser, each of that are additionally out there on the OnePlus 13R. However what offers the Pixel 9a the sting is the sooner and longer software program replace help.

Whereas the 13R ships with Android 15, I used to be already capable of set up Android 16 on my Pixel 9a this week, due to Google’s beta program. And past beta entry, Pixel gadgets all the time get day-one updates, and the 9a will take pleasure in years of help effectively past what the OnePlus 13R gives.

After which there’s the Pixel 9a’s digicam. Google Pixel telephones are recognized for wonderful picture processing, and the 9a lives as much as that status. It delivers actual, natural-looking pictures in all lighting circumstances. As compared, the OnePlus 13R tends to lean towards hotter, extra vibrant tones, typically producing photos with a slight yellowish tint and extra saturated colours. Check out how each telephones evaluate in digicam samples beneath:

Google Pixel 9a digicam samples:

OnePlus 13R digicam samples:

Associated

New Google Fi subscribers can get the Pixel 9a for free right now

For those who aren’t already a Google Fi subscriber, this can be a actually whole lot.

The OnePlus 13R packs energy at a terrific worth

It is sooner, smoother, and feels high-end throughout

The OnePlus 13R builds on what its predecessor did greatest — ship flagship-level efficiency at a mid-range worth. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the identical one present in premium telephones just like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6. As compared, the Pixel 9a runs on Google’s in-house Tensor G4, which is a stable chip for on a regular basis use, however it’s not fairly in the identical league.

To be clear, I had zero points with day-to-day efficiency on the Pixel 9a. Duties like texting, shopping, e mail, and social media all run completely high quality. However when you fireplace up graphics-heavy video games, particularly for prolonged intervals, the Tensor G4 begins to indicate its limits. That is the place the OnePlus 13R shines, flying via something I throw at it, irrespective of how demanding.

The very best half in regards to the OnePlus 13R, although, is its battery efficiency. Sure, Google stepped issues up with the Pixel 9a by boosting each battery dimension and charging pace. The 9a packs a 5,100 mAh battery, the biggest ever in a Pixel cellphone. However even that may’t match the OnePlus 13R’s 6,000 mAh battery.

Charging is one other space wherein OnePlus wins simply. Google bumped the Pixel 9a’s charging pace to 23W, up from 18W on the earlier technology, and that is nice to see. Nevertheless, the OnePlus 13R helps a lot sooner 80W quick wired charging, which might replenish the complete 6,000 mAh cell in below an hour.

The battery life on each telephones has been stable for me, every lasting greater than a day on a full cost with loads of juice left. However it’s the charging pace that really makes the distinction. There are days after I solely have a couple of minutes to plug in, and in these moments, the 13R’s quick charging is a lifesaver. In distinction, the Pixel 9a takes practically two hours to cost totally from 0 to 100%.

Associated

5 things I appreciate about the OnePlus 13R, the new mid-range runner-up

Whereas not fairly as flashy as its higher-end OnePlus 13 sibling, the mid-range 13R nonetheless packs a punch in additional methods than one.

This comparability was nearer than I anticipated

Every cellphone shines, however I do know which one I might choose

Each Google and OnePlus have made compromises to deliver these telephones to their respective worth factors, however regardless of the trade-offs, the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13R each provide nice worth for what they ship.

That mentioned, I nonetheless want the OnePlus 13R over Google’s mid-ranger this yr. As a lot as I respect what Google has achieved with the Pixel 9a — and as a lot as I take pleasure in utilizing it- – the OnePlus 13R simply appears like the higher match for me in the long term.

The OnePlus 13R gives all of the AI options I truly use, a sooner, flagship-grade processor, wonderful battery life, and loads of Android updates. On prime of that, it contains nifty extras like an IR blaster that lets me management electronics round the home, and all this comes with only a $100 bump in worth over the Pixel 9a. Even when the digicam is not fairly pretty much as good, it is shut sufficient that I do not really feel like I am lacking out.

That mentioned, should you do not thoughts the chunky bezels on the Pixel 9a, need day-one Android updates, and care extra about Pixel-exclusive AI options whereas nonetheless having fun with reliable battery life and saving a bit of cash, the Pixel 9a continues to be a superb alternative​​​​​​.

• 

  OnePlus 13R
  

  If you would like flagship-level energy and not using a flagship worth, the OnePlus 13R is a stable alternative. It incorporates a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED show, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with loads of RAM and storage, and a large 6,000 mAh battery with 80W quick charging help. 

• 

  Google Pixel 9a
  

  Google’s mid-range Pixel 9a gives spectacular high-end options like a 48-megapixel foremost shooter, a 13-megapixel ultrawide digicam with macro, its Tensor G4 chip, and 8GB of RAM, all in an economical $500 package deal.