Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 8: Which Should You Buy?

Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 8 comparison: Which one should you buy? The Google Pixel 8 is a flagship smartphone with high-end specifications and features. On the other hand, the Pixel 8A is a midrange device with an under-clocked flagship chipset. But sometimes, the most expensive phone is now always the best option. What do we mean by that? Let’s explain below.

Google Pixel 8A vs Google Pixel 8

1. Price, Discounts, and Availability

The Google Pixel 8 is a flagship smartphone with the best features and specifications. Yet, it is the cheapest right now. The Pixel 8 is currently selling on Amazon for $429. In contrast, the latest midrange Pixel 8A is more expensive with a starting price of $499. So what’s the point? The better deal is the Google Pixel 8.

2. Display, Design and Durability

The designs are similar in shape. Both smartphones have a rounded frame. However, the building materials are different. The Google Pixel 8 is more durable. It has a dot-in display, the front is made of gorilla glass victus, the back is glass victus, and the frame is aluminum. Also, it’s IP68 water and dustproof.

In contrast, the Pixel 8A brings a dot-in display, the front is made of glass, the back is plastic, and the frame is aluminum. And it’s water and dust-resistant (IP67). Overall, the building materials of the Pixel 8 are more premium.

In terms of their displays, both phones feature a compact OLED touchscreen with FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 2,000 nits. For security, they support an under-display fingerprint sensor.

3. Performance- Google Pixel 8 is Faster

Performance-wise, the Pixel 8 is superior. It comes with the Tensor G3 5G chipset, paired with 8 GB RAM and 128/256 GB storage models. The Pixel 8A is powered by Tensor G3 5G chipset (under-clocked) version, paired with 8 GB RAM and a 128/256 GB storage model. Overall, the Google Pixel 8 is slightly faster.

4. Camera Comparison

The Google Pixel 8 comes with a 10.5MP f/2.2 front-facing unit, a 50MP OIS f/1.7 main camera, a 12MP f/2.2 fixed-focus ultrawide shooter, and a Dual-LED flash.

The Google Pixel 8A comes with a 13MP f/2.2 front-facing unit, a 64MP OIS f/1.9 main camera, a 13MP f/2.2 fixed-focus ultrawide shooter, and a Dual-LED flash.

Both smartphones can record video in 4K resolution using the rear and front cameras. They have sharp images, vivid colors, and are better at night photography.

5. Software

Google promises 7 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the Pixel devices. Both the Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 8 run Android 14 software out of the box.

6. Battery life

Battery-wise, the Google Pixel 8A vs Google Pixel 8 battery life experience is almost similar. The Google Pixel 8 is at an advantage here though with a bigger battery capacity of 4,575mAh with 27W wired and 18W wireless. In contrast, the new midrange Pixel 8A brings a 4,492mAh capacity with 18W wired fast charging.

Verdict: Google Pixel 8A vs Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8 is a better deal than the Pixel 8A. The Google Pixel 8 is more affordable, more durable, offers better performance and the battery life lasts longer than the Pixel 8A.