ULTIMATE PREMIUM MID-RANGE COMPARISON

PIXEL 9a VS ONEPLUS 13R VS IPHONE 16e

- Words By: Sohil Nikam

Three phones. Three brands. One tough decision. We're putting the Pixel 9a, OnePlus 13R, and iPhone 16e head-to-head. All three fall in the premium mid-range or entry-level flagship segment, priced between ₹43,000 and ₹60,000. Each comes with unique strengths—Pixel’s camera magic, OnePlus's display and battery edge, and iPhone's gateway into the Apple ecosystem.

DESIGN

All three white variants sport matte finishes, and the Pixel 9a feels best in hand. However, its back design is uninspired—flat and forgettable. The iPhone 16e isn’t much better. The OnePlus 13R stands out slightly, but it's still dated. All phones have angular sides that feel premium but slippery. Only the iPhone gets the new Action button, OnePlus has the beloved Alert Slider, while the Pixel makes do with a Gemini shortcut via the power button. In terms of durability, the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e feature IP68 ratings, suitable for underwater shots. OnePlus only manages IP65. But it's the only one offering an IR blaster. Verdict: no clear winner, but the Pixel and iPhone edge ahead on water resistance.

DISPLAY