it’s Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a, Google’s Pixel lineup has always been about providing a high-end Android experience, with a focus on camera performance and clean software. Even before the Pixel 9, Google continued this trend by releasing the Pixel 8a, which provided buyers with a distinct option.
However, the question arises: can this mid-range phone compete with its older sibling, the Pixel 8, Google’s flagship from last year?
Let’s compare the two devices in a variety of ways to see which one is the best value for you.
Differences between the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8
Design & Build
The Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 share Google’s sleek design language. They both feature the same round design with a color-matched camera bar. However, there are variations in materials and size.
The Pixel 8a seems significantly bigger and heavier due to its greater size, whereas the Pixel 8 has a more premium, lighter, and smaller profile. The Pixel 8a also features a glossier coating, which gives it a more costly appearance while also making it slippery.
In terms of durability, the Pixel 8a has Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and an IP67 grade for water and dust protection. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 opts for Gorilla Glass Victus and an IP 68 rating.
In terms of color possibilities, both devices provide a diversity to meet different preferences. While both phones are available in Obsidian, the Pixel 8a also has Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe finishes, whilst the Pixel 8 was released in Rose, Hazel, and Mint.
Screen & Speakers
Both phones have stunning OLED panels with a high refresh rate of 120Hz, which ensures seamless navigation and animation.
However, the Pixel 8a has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch FHD+ display compared to the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch QHD+ panel.
While both screens provide brilliant colours and deep blacks, the Pixel 8’s greater resolution may be more appealing to consumers who value display clarity. It is also brighter, at 950 nits, than the Pixel 8a, which we measured at 812 nits.
However, the Pixel 8a comes with an LTPO display, which the Pixel 8 does not have.
Additionally, both phones include stereo speakers for rich audio experiences.
Specs & Performance
Both devices are powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, which is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of internal storage, resulting in quick performance and flawless multitasking.
Both phones support 5G connectivity, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and dependable communications.
In our Geekbench 6 multi-core test, the Pixel 8 scored 2842 points, while the Pixel 8a scored 3955 points, significantly exceeding it.
Even before its release, last year’s Pixel 7a received 2720 points, which was remarkable given the Pixel 8’s 2197 GB 5 score. In contrast, the Pixel 7 achieved a maximum score of 3095 points.
Looking at these data, the Pixel 8a outperformed the Pixel 8 in terms of pure performance. However, in ordinary use, this should not be a huge issue because both phones function normally.
Cameras
Camera performance has always been a standout feature of the Pixel family, and both phones in question maintain that tradition.
The Pixel 8a has a 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera, whereas the Pixel 8 has a 50MP primary shooter and a 12MP ultrawide lens. In terms of selfie cameras, the Pixel 8a has a 13MP camera, whereas the Pixel 8 has a 10.5MP camera.
The Pixel 8a’s photo quality across all cameras is exceptional, thanks in large part to Google’s smart algorithms, making it a great performer in demanding settings. The Night Sight setting is particularly noteworthy, as it provides excellent night photography.
The Pixel 8 also excels in photography, thanks to its main sensor and superb software processing. Whether shooting landscapes or close-ups, it consistently excels in detail, dynamic range, and exposure. The Night Sight option also effectively brightens low-light images while preserving detail.
Both phones provide post-capture editing capabilities such as ‘Best Take’, which swaps faces, ‘Magic Editor’ for subject manipulation, and ‘Magic Audio Eraser’, which efficiently lowers background noise.
Both phones can record up to 4K video at 30fps and 60fps, resulting in clear and detailed footage.
Battery Life & Charging
The Pixel 8 has a slightly longer battery life than the Pixel 8a, thanks to its larger 4575mAh battery. Furthermore, the Pixel 8 supports 27W wired charging, which is faster than the Pixel 8a’s 18W.
It also includes 18W wireless charging (compared to the 8a’s 7.5W) and reverse wireless charging, both of which are not available on the Pixel 8a.
Both phones will get you through a full, albeit primarily light, day on a single charge.
However, the Pixel 8 can reach 44% after half an hour, allowing for speedier charging, but the Pixel 8a will charge from dead to little less than 41% in 30 minutes.
Software & Apps
Both devices run Android 14, which ensures that they have the most recent Google features and security upgrades.
As Pixel devices, they also have a clean and bloatware-free software experience, with 7 years of Android and direct security upgrades from Google.
Users can anticipate the same fluid and intuitive user interface on both phones, as well as Google Assistant and Pixel-exclusive AI capabilities like Magic Eraser, Live Translate, and the new Circle to Search, which improve the user experience.
Price & Availability
The Pixel 8a costs £499/$499 for 128GB of storage, with the option to increase to 256GB for £559/$559. However, the greater capacity is only available in the Obsidian black hue.
The phone is available for purchase from the official Google shop, Amazon, and other stores in the UK and US.
