Google’s Pixel lineup has all the time been about delivering a premium Android expertise with a give attention to digicam prowess and clear software program.
Even earlier than the launch of the Pixel 9, Google continued this custom with the discharge of the Pixel 8a, providing a definite possibility for shoppers.
Nevertheless, a query arises: can this mid-range cellphone go in opposition to its older sibling, the Pixel 8, Google’s flagship from final 12 months?
Let’s evaluate the 2 gadgets throughout numerous facets to find out which one will show to be the higher purchase for you.
Variations between the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8
Design & Construct
The design language of each the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 stays true to Google’s minimalist aesthetic. They each supply the identical spherical design with a colour-matched digicam bar. Nevertheless, there are variations in supplies and dimensions.
The Pixel 8a feels barely bulkier and heavier resulting from its bigger dimensions, whereas the Pixel 8 boasts a extra premium, lighter and slimmer profile. The Pixel 8a additionally has a glossier end, which supplies a dearer really feel but in addition makes it slippery.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
In relation to sturdiness, the Pixel 8a options Gorilla Glass 3 on the entrance and an IP67 ranking for water and mud resistance. However, the Pixel 8 goes for Gorilla Glass Victus and an IP 68 ranking.
By way of color choices, each gadgets supply a spread to go well with totally different tastes. Whereas each telephones can be found in Obsidian, the Pixel 8a additionally affords Porcelain, Bay and Aloe finishes, whereas the Pixel 8 launched with Rose, Hazel and Mint colourways.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Display & Audio system
Each telephones characteristic spectacular OLED shows with a excessive refresh price of 120Hz, making certain clean scrolling and animations.
However, the Pixel 8a sports activities a barely smaller 6.1-inch FHD+ show in comparison with the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch QHD+ panel.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Whereas each screens ship vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Pixel 8’s greater decision might enchantment extra to customers who prioritise show sharpness. It’s additionally brighter at 950 nits, in comparison with the Pixel 8a’s 812 nits that we’ve measured.
Nevertheless, the Pixel 8a affords an LTPO show, a characteristic that’s lacking from the Pixel 8.
Moreover, each telephones come outfitted with stereo audio system for immersive audio experiences.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Specs & Efficiency
Beneath the hood, each gadgets are powered by Google’s personal Tensor G3 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of inside storage, making certain snappy efficiency and seamless multitasking.
Each telephones additionally help 5G connectivity, NFC, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, promising quick and dependable connections.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
In our Geekbench 6 multi-core take a look at, the Pixel 8 scored 2842 factors, whereas the Pixel 8a left it far behind with 3955 factors.
Final 12 months’s Pixel 7a scored 2720 factors, additionally surprisingly forward of the Pixel 8’s 2197 GB 5 rating, even earlier than its launch. The Pixel 7, then again, managed to attain as excessive as 3095 factors.
So, taking a look at these outcomes, the Pixel 8a overtook the Pixel 8 when it comes to pure efficiency. Nevertheless, throughout on a regular basis use, this could not play a serious position as each telephones work easily.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Cameras
Digital camera efficiency has all the time been a spotlight of the Pixel lineup, and each telephones in query proceed this development.
The Pixel 8a incorporates a 64Mp primary digicam and a 13Mp ultrawide digicam, whereas the Pixel 8 opts for a 50Mp primary shooter and a 12Mp ultrawide lens. By way of selfie cameras, the Pixel 8a affords a 13Mp digicam, whereas the Pixel 8 boasts a ten.5Mp digicam.
Picture high quality throughout all cameras of the Pixel 8a is great, notably benefiting from Google’s superior software program, making it a powerful performer in difficult circumstances. The Night time Sight mode is particularly notable, offering excellent evening images.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Pixel 8 additionally shines in images due to its primary sensor and distinctive software program processing. Whether or not capturing landscapes or close-ups, it delivers constant excellence intimately, dynamic vary and publicity. The Night time Sight mode additionally impressively brightens low-light photographs whereas sustaining element.
Submit-capture modifying options on each telephones embrace ‘Finest take’, which swaps faces, ‘Magic Editor’ for topic manipulation and ‘Magic Audio Eraser’ that successfully reduces background noise.
Each telephones are additionally able to recording as much as 4K video at 30fps and 60fps, making certain crisp and detailed footage.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Battery Life & Charging
In relation to battery life, the Pixel 8 edges it barely with its bigger 4575mAh battery in comparison with the Pixel 8a’s 4492mAh battery. Moreover, the Pixel 8 helps sooner wired charging at 27W in comparison with the Pixel 8a’s 18W wired charging.
It additionally affords the comfort of 18W wi-fi charging (in comparison with the 8a’s 7.5W) and reverse wi-fi charging, options which might be absent within the Pixel 8a.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Each telephones will get you a full, however principally gentle, day on a single cost.
Nevertheless, the Pixel 8 can attain 44% after half an hour, providing sooner charging, whereas the Pixel 8a will cost from lifeless to barely lower than 41% in 30-minutes.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Software program & Apps
Each gadgets run on Android 14, making certain the newest options and safety updates from Google.
As Pixel gadgets, in addition they profit from a clear and bloatware-free software program expertise, with 7 years of Android and safety updates straight from Google.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Customers can count on the identical fluid and intuitive person interface from each telephones, together with options reminiscent of Google Assistant and Pixel-exclusive AI options, together with Magic Eraser, Reside Translate and the brand new Circle to Search, enhancing the person expertise.
Value & Availability
The Pixel 8a comes at £499/$499 for 128GB of storage, with an choice to improve to 256GB for £559/$559, although the bigger capability is simply out there within the Obsidian black color.
The cellphone will be bought from the official Google retailer and Amazon, in addition to from different retailers in each the UK and US.
The Pixel 8 is priced at $599/£599 for the bottom 128GB mannequin. Upgrading to the 256GB model prices $659/£659.
It’s out there from numerous retailers within the US and UK, together with the official Google retailer and Amazon as effectively.
You’ll want to take a look at our devoted Pixel 8a offers and Pixel 8 offers articles for complete choices. You too can check out our greatest mid-range telephones round-up to see what else is on the market.
There’s additionally the model new Pixel 9 that’s out there for £799/$799 (the Pixel 8 was priced at £699/$699 at its preliminary launch), nevertheless it’s a more durable suggestion resulting from its worth hike, restricted upgrades in some areas in comparison with the Pixel 8, and a give attention to AI options that aren’t totally developed or able to ship but.
Nevertheless, in order for you the newest Google tech, see our Pixel 9 offers round-up for all over the place you should buy one within the UK and US.
Verdict
Selecting between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 principally comes right down to your funds as they share loads of similarities. Nevertheless, there are key variations.
The Pixel 8a affords glorious worth for cash with its engaging design, spectacular digicam setup and higher uncooked efficiency than the Pixel 8, regardless of having the identical Tensor G3 chip and 8GB of RAM combo.
Nevertheless, you gained’t discover the variations in on a regular basis use.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
However, the Pixel 8, as a correct flagship cellphone, steps up the sport with its greater decision show (though lacking an LTPO know-how), superior construct high quality, larger battery with sooner charging speeds and extra options like wi-fi charging and reverse wi-fi charging.
In the event you’re prepared to speculate a bit extra in a premium expertise, the Pixel 8 is the best way to go. Nevertheless, when you’re searching for a stable mid-range possibility with out breaking the financial institution, the Pixel 8a may be your finest wager proper now.
