Google’s Pixel lineup has at all times 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 choice for customers.
Nonetheless, a query arises: can this mid-range cellphone go in opposition to its older sibling, the Pixel 8, Google’s flagship from final yr?
Let’s evaluate the 2 units throughout numerous points 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. Nonetheless, there are variations in supplies and dimensions.
The Pixel 8a feels barely bulkier and heavier attributable to 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
On the subject of sturdiness, the Pixel 8a options Gorilla Glass 3 on the entrance and an IP67 ranking for water and mud resistance. Alternatively, the Pixel 8 goes for Gorilla Glass Victus and an IP 68 ranking.
When it comes to color choices, each units supply a range to swimsuit 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, guaranteeing 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 attraction 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.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 8a affords an LTPO show, a characteristic that’s lacking from the Pixel 8.
Moreover, each telephones come geared up with stereo audio system for immersive audio experiences.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Specs & Efficiency
Beneath the hood, each units are powered by Google’s personal Tensor G3 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of inside storage, guaranteeing snappy efficiency and seamless multitasking.
Each telephones additionally assist 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 yr’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, however, managed to attain as excessive as 3095 factors.
So, taking a look at these outcomes, the Pixel 8a overtook the Pixel 8 by way of pure efficiency. Nonetheless, throughout on a regular basis use, this could not play a significant position as each telephones work easily.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Cameras
Digicam efficiency has at all times been a spotlight of the Pixel lineup, and each telephones in query proceed this pattern.
The Pixel 8a encompasses a 64Mp foremost digicam and a 13Mp ultrawide digicam, whereas the Pixel 8 opts for a 50Mp foremost shooter and a 12Mp ultrawide lens. When it comes to selfie cameras, the Pixel 8a affords a 13Mp digicam, whereas the Pixel 8 boasts a ten.5Mp digicam.
Photograph high quality throughout all cameras of the Pixel 8a is superb, notably benefiting from Google’s superior software program, making it a powerful performer in difficult situations. The Evening Sight mode is very notable, offering excellent night time images.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Pixel 8 additionally shines in images due to its foremost sensor and distinctive software program processing. Whether or not capturing landscapes or close-ups, it delivers constant excellence intimately, dynamic vary and publicity. The Evening Sight mode additionally impressively brightens low-light photographs whereas sustaining element.
Submit-capture modifying options on each telephones embody ‘Greatest 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, guaranteeing crisp and detailed footage.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Battery Life & Charging
On the subject of 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 are absent within the Pixel 8a.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Each telephones will get you a full, however largely gentle, day on a single cost.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 8 can attain 44% after half an hour, providing sooner charging, whereas the Pixel 8a will cost from useless to barely lower than 41% in 30-minutes.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Software program & Apps
Each units run on Android 14, guaranteeing the newest options and safety updates from Google.
As Pixel units, additionally 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 akin to Google Assistant and Pixel-exclusive AI options, together with Magic Eraser, Stay 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 barely accessible 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 accessible from numerous retailers within the US and UK, together with the official Google retailer and Amazon as effectively.
Remember 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 accessible for £799/$799 (the Pixel 8 was priced at £699/$699 at its preliminary launch), however it’s a more durable advice attributable to its worth hike, restricted upgrades in some areas in comparison with the Pixel 8, and a give attention to AI options that aren’t absolutely developed or able to ship but.
Nonetheless, if you need the newest Google tech, see our Pixel 9 offers round-up for in every single place you should purchase one within the UK and US.
Verdict
Selecting between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 largely comes right down to your finances as they share a number of similarities. Nonetheless, there are key variations.
The Pixel 8a affords wonderful 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.
Nonetheless, you gained’t discover the variations in on a regular basis use.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Alternatively, the Pixel 8, as a correct flagship cellphone, steps up the sport with its greater decision show (though lacking an LTPO expertise), superior construct high quality, greater battery with sooner charging speeds and extra options like wi-fi charging and reverse wi-fi charging.
When you’re keen to take a position a bit extra in a premium expertise, the Pixel 8 is the way in which to go. Nonetheless, in case you’re on the lookout for a strong mid-range choice with out breaking the financial institution, the Pixel 8a is likely to be your finest guess proper now.