The OnePlus 13s and Pixel 9a are two compact flagship smartphones available in India, priced around ₹50,000 to ₹55,000. With the launch of the OnePlus 13s, competition in this segment has intensified.
While both phones may look similar in size, they differ significantly in features and performance. The OnePlus 13s is powered by the high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB of fast UFS 4.0 storage, making it a powerful option for gamers and multitaskers. In comparison, the Pixel 9a runs on Google’s Tensor G4 processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Though it performs well for day-to-day use, it isn’t as fast as the OnePlus. When it comes to battery, the OnePlus 13s packs a larger 5850mAh battery and supports 80W fast charging, which is far quicker than the Pixel 9a’s 5100mAh battery with 23W charging support.
Both smartphones have compact 6.3-inch displays with 120Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals. The Pixel 9a features a P-OLED panel with Gorilla Glass 3 and peak brightness of 2700 nits, while the OnePlus 13s uses an AMOLED panel with higher pixel density and Crystal Shield protection. In terms of build, the Pixel has an aluminium frame with a plastic back and IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
The OnePlus also uses aluminium but comes with a premium glass back and IP65 protection. Camera setup is another major difference — the OnePlus 13s includes a 50MP main camera and a 50MP telephoto lens for zoom but skips the ultrawide option. The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, offers a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide camera, making it ideal for landscape shots. For selfies, the OnePlus has a sharper 32MP front camera compared to Pixel’s 13MP.
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Software-wise, the Pixel 9a runs Android 15 and is set to receive seven years of updates, making it future-proof. The OnePlus 13s also runs Android 15 with OxygenOS, but will receive only four years of updates. Both phones come with under-display fingerprint sensors and are available in multiple color options. The Pixel 9a is priced at ₹49,999, while the OnePlus 13s is slightly higher at ₹54,999.
Discounts through bank offers are available on both. In conclusion, if you want top performance, faster charging, and better zoom capability, the OnePlus 13s is a strong pick. But if you prefer longer software support, an ultrawide camera, and better water resistance, the Pixel 9a might be the better choice for you.
