Google Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16E: Which Affordable Phone Has the Better Camera?

The year 2025 has seen some exciting new affordable smartphones. Two standout models are the Google Pixel 9a and the Apple iPhone 16E. The Pixel 9a offers two rear cameras and a $499 price tag, while the iPhone 16E comes with a single rear camera and a price of $599. This raises important questions: How do these devices compare? Does having more cameras guarantee better photos? And does a higher price always mean better camera performance?

Let’s take a closer look.

Camera Specs and Features

Both the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16E feature 48-megapixel main cameras. The Pixel 9a adds a second 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, while the iPhone 16E only includes the primary lens.

Both smartphones use a technology that groups four pixels into one larger “super pixel,” allowing more light capture, less noise, and sharper images without relying heavily on image noise reduction that can cause photos to appear blurry.

Neither phone has a dedicated telephoto lens. Instead, they rely on sensor cropping to achieve a 2x zoom. In practice, both phones deliver surprisingly good zoomed photos without optical zoom hardware.

Real-World Photo Comparisons

In everyday photography, the differences between the two phones become more apparent. The Pixel 9a typically captures images with a cooler color temperature, while the iPhone 16E emphasizes stronger contrast.

In photos of urban landscapes, the Pixel 9a’s cooler tones give a different feel compared to the iPhone’s richer contrasts and warmer tones.

Indoors, the Pixel 9a pushes its dynamic range to brighten shadows and reveal more hidden details. However, it can sometimes over-brighten darker areas. The iPhone 16E tends to produce images with less detail in shadows but a more balanced brightness overall.

Portrait Mode Performance

Neither device features a dedicated telephoto lens for portraits, so both rely on software to create background blur.

Comparing portrait shots reveals differences in handling textures and background separation. The Pixel 9a tends to preserve fabric textures and background elements more naturally, while the iPhone 16E sometimes struggles with certain details. Skin tones appear more natural and true-to-life with the Pixel 9a, whereas the iPhone 16E occasionally renders complexions slightly muted.

Night Mode Performance

Both smartphones support night mode for low-light photography.

In very dim environments, neither device produces perfect images, but each has strengths. The iPhone 16E captures photos with minimal noise but often applies heavy contrast, which can make images appear overly dark or stylized. The Pixel 9a delivers more balanced lighting but occasionally introduces minor softness.

Photos of streets at dusk reveal more differences. The iPhone tends to give streetlights an orange tint but captures fine details like telephone wires with better continuity. The Pixel’s images present a more neutral color balance but show slight jaggedness in fine lines.

Final Verdict: Which Phone Is the Better Value?

Both the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16E offer solid camera experiences, but when factoring in price and versatility, the Pixel 9a stands out. At $499, it provides two cameras, strong performance, and excellent value for money.

The iPhone 16E, despite its solid main camera, lacks an ultrawide lens and carries a higher price tag. For users seeking a high-quality, affordable smartphone with versatile camera capabilities, the Google Pixel 9a is a compelling choice.