Pixel 3a Xl Vs Galaxy S9 Was Upgrading Worth It Or Am I Missing Out

When the Pixel 3a XL launched in 2019, it disrupted the mid-range smartphone market with flagship-level camera performance at a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S9, released a year earlier in 2018, represented the peak of premium Android design and hardware at its time. For users who owned the Galaxy S9 and later switched to the Pixel 3a XL—or vice versa—the question remains: was the upgrade worth it? Or did they lose something essential in the transition?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, software longevity, camera quality, battery life, and how each device holds up today in 2024. Whether you’re considering a switch or reflecting on a past decision, this deep dive compares both phones across critical categories to help determine if you gained ground—or left value behind.

Performance and Hardware: Power vs Efficiency

The Galaxy S9 ran on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (in most global markets) or Samsung’s Exynos 9810, depending on region. Both were top-tier chips in 2018, delivering smooth multitasking, excellent gaming performance, and strong thermal management. The phone came with 4GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB or 128GB, expandable via microSD—something Google has never offered on Pixel devices.

In contrast, the Pixel 3a XL used the Snapdragon 670—a mid-range processor designed for efficiency rather than raw power. While noticeably slower in CPU-intensive tasks, it delivered solid everyday performance thanks to clean Android optimization. With 4GB of RAM and only 64GB of non-expandable storage, it traded hardware muscle for affordability and software polish.

Tip: If you frequently use heavy apps or games, the S9’s superior processing power still offers a smoother experience today.

In 2024, neither device is ideal for demanding applications, but the S9 handles legacy app bloat better due to its higher initial headroom. However, the 3a XL benefits from lighter system overhead and fewer background processes, making it feel snappier in basic navigation despite weaker specs.

Camera Quality: Where the Pixel Shines

No discussion of the Pixel 3a XL is complete without addressing its camera. Despite having a single 12.2MP rear sensor compared to the S9’s 12MP dual-pixel shooter, the 3a XL consistently outperforms its predecessor in photo quality—especially in low light and dynamic range.

Google’s computational photography, including HDR+ and Night Sight, gives the 3a XL an edge in challenging lighting conditions. Portrait mode is more natural, white balance is more consistent, and detail retention in shadows surpasses what the S9 can achieve—even though the S9 supports optical zoom and variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4).

“Sometimes it's not the lens—it's the brain behind the image. The Pixel 3a proves that algorithmic intelligence can beat hardware advantage.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2019)

On the front, the S9’s 8MP selfie cam with autofocus and iris scanning was ahead of its time. The 3a XL counters with an 8MP fixed-focus front camera but applies superior skin tone rendering and scene recognition. In side-by-side tests, the Pixel produces more flattering selfies under mixed lighting.

Battery Life and Charging: Practicality Over Speed

The Pixel 3a XL packs a 3,700mAh battery, significantly larger than the S9’s 3,000mAh unit. Combined with the efficiency of the Snapdragon 670 and stock Android’s power management, this translates to noticeably longer battery life. Most users report 1.5 to 2 days of moderate use on the 3a XL—still impressive in 2024.

The S9, while fast-charging capable (with adaptive fast charging), struggles to last a full day with modern app usage. Its smaller battery degrades faster over time, especially given typical aging patterns of lithium-ion cells after five years.

Feature	Pixel 3a XL	Galaxy S9
Battery Capacity	3,700 mAh	3,000 mAh
Charging Speed	18W (wired), no wireless	15W fast charging, Qi wireless
Typical Daily Use (2024)	1.5–2 days	Less than 1 day
Water Resistance	None officially rated	IP68

However, the S9 wins in charging flexibility: it supports wireless charging and has IP68 water resistance—features absent on the 3a XL. If you often charge on the go or use your phone near water, these omissions matter.

Software Experience and Longevity

This is where the narrative shifts dramatically. The Galaxy S9 originally shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo and received updates up to Android 10. Samsung ended major OS support in 2020 and security patches tapered off by 2021. As of 2024, the S9 cannot run many current apps safely or efficiently.

The Pixel 3a XL launched with Android 9 Pie and received three years of OS updates (up to Android 12) and regular security patches until late 2022. While it’s now end-of-life, it stayed relevant much longer thanks to timely updates and direct Google integration. Features like Now Playing, Call Screen, and Live Caption worked seamlessly only on Pixels.

Tip: Always check update policy before buying—three years of OS updates should be the minimum standard.

For users prioritizing privacy, minimal bloatware, and clean Android, the shift to Pixel was transformative. The absence of Samsung’s One UI clutter, pre-installed third-party apps, and aggressive background services made the 3a XL feel faster and more intuitive—even with weaker hardware.

Real-World Case: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her Galaxy S9 since 2018. By early 2020, she noticed slowdowns, app crashes, and diminishing battery life. Her photos looked increasingly inconsistent, especially indoors. She upgraded to the Pixel 3a XL primarily for the camera and lower price point ($399 vs original S9’s $719).

At first, she missed the S9’s curved display, brighter AMOLED panel, and water resistance. But within weeks, she adapted. She appreciated the improved voice assistant accuracy, Night Sight enabling clear shots at concerts, and being able to go two days without charging. Most importantly, Android 10 felt fresh and secure, unlike her outdated S9.

By 2023, however, both phones showed age. Her 3a XL couldn’t install newer banking apps requiring advanced Play Protect certification. Still, she felt the upgrade had been worthwhile: “I got two extra years of reliable performance and better photos. I wouldn’t go back.”

Checklist: Is Switching from S9 to 3a XL Right for You?

• ✅ Prioritize camera quality over hardware specs
• ✅ Want longer battery life on a single charge
• ✅ Prefer clean Android without manufacturer skins
• ✅ Don’t need wireless charging or water resistance
• ✅ Are budget-conscious but want near-flagship experiences
• ❌ Avoid if you rely heavily on multitasking or gaming
• ❌ Avoid if you need expandable storage or rugged build

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 3a XL replace a Galaxy S9 in 2024?

For light users, yes. It handles messaging, calls, web browsing, and social media well. However, app compatibility is declining, and some services may block access due to outdated security standards.

Is the Galaxy S9 still usable today?

Limitedly. Without security updates since 2021 and lacking support for modern encryption protocols, using the S9 for sensitive tasks like online banking or email is risky. Performance also degrades significantly under current app loads.

Did the Pixel 3a XL offer better value?

Absolutely. At $399, it delivered 90% of the S9’s core functionality with superior camera and battery life. For most average users, it was a smarter long-term investment despite fewer premium features.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For the majority of users, moving from the Galaxy S9 to the Pixel 3a XL was a net positive—especially when considering total ownership cost, software support, and photographic capability. You may have sacrificed water resistance, wireless charging, and raw performance, but you gained longer battery life, cleaner software, and arguably the best camera in its price class at the time.

Today, neither phone is future-proof. But if your goal was maximizing utility between 2019 and 2022, the Pixel 3a XL likely served you better. It extended your smartphone lifespan with meaningful innovations where they mattered most: communication, photography, and daily reliability.

💬 Did you make the switch from Galaxy S9 to Pixel 3a XL—or the other way around? Share your experience and help others decide what truly matters in a smartphone upgrade.