Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: Which One Should You Buy?
Design and Build Quality
The Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 share a similar design language, but key differences set them apart. The Pixel 8 features a premium Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back with an aluminum frame, giving it a more polished, high-end feel. In contrast, the Pixel 8a opts for a plastic back with a matte finish, making it lighter and more durable against drops but less premium in hand.
Both phones have an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, though the Pixel 8 goes further with IP68, offering better protection against submersion. The Pixel 8a is slightly thicker (10.5mm vs. 8.9mm) and heavier (188g vs. 187g) than the Pixel 8, despite having a smaller display.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch Actua OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2400 x 1080 resolution, and HDR10+ support, delivering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, 2400 x 1080 resolution, and HDR support, making it slightly less fluid but still sharp and color-accurate.
Brightness is another key difference—the Pixel 8 reaches 2000 nits peak brightness, making it easier to use in direct sunlight, while the Pixel 8a caps at 1400 nits. If display smoothness and outdoor visibility matter most, the Pixel 8 is the better choice.
Performance and Hardware
Both phones run on Google’s Tensor G3 chip, ensuring excellent AI performance, smooth multitasking, and strong machine-learning capabilities. However, the Pixel 8 has a slight edge with faster UFS 3.1 storage (vs. UFS 3.0 on the 8a) and 8GB RAM (same as the 8a).
In real-world usage, both handle apps, gaming, and AI features like Call Screen, Magic Editor, and Live Translate equally well. The Pixel 8 may load large files slightly faster, but most users won’t notice a significant difference.
Camera System
Google’s Pixel cameras are among the best in smartphones, and both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 deliver outstanding results. They share the same 50MP main sensor (f/1.7, OIS) and 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120° FOV).
However, the Pixel 8 benefits from better image processing, Pro Controls, and 4K 60fps video recording (vs. 4K 30fps on the 8a). The Pixel 8a still takes excellent photos but lacks some advanced video features.
For selfies, both have a 10.5MP front camera (f/2.2), but the Pixel 8 supports autofocus, making it better for sharp, well-focused selfies.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 8 has a 4575mAh battery, while the Pixel 8a has a slightly larger 4492mAh cell. Despite the smaller battery, the Pixel 8 lasts longer due to its more efficient display (120Hz LTPO vs. 90Hz OLED) and optimized software.
Both support 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging, but the Pixel 8 adds Battery Share (reverse wireless charging), a feature missing on the 8a.
Software and Updates
Both phones run Android 14 with seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term support. The Pixel 8 gets Pixel-exclusive features earlier, including AI enhancements and Google One VPN. The Pixel 8a will receive these updates but may lag slightly behind.
Price and Value
The Pixel 8a starts at $499, making it a budget-friendly alternative to the $699 Pixel 8. If you prioritize premium build, a better display, and advanced camera features, the Pixel 8 is worth the extra cost. However, if you want 90% of the Pixel experience at a lower price, the Pixel 8a is an excellent