Google and Samsung have lengthy distinguished themselves within the mid-range telephones market. Their newest choices, the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A55, combat for shopper consideration with some spectacular {hardware} and software program for the worth.
It’s a battle of innovation and efficiency, together with AI, however one essential be aware to contemplate: whereas we’ve had the chance to evaluation the Galaxy A55, the Pixel 8a stays unexplored territory… for now. Look out for our full evaluation quickly.
Nonetheless, armed with the specs and insights now we have, let’s delve into the comparability to find out which gadget deserves your hard-earned money.
Variations between the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A55
Design & Construct
Each the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A55 sport fashionable designs with slim bezels and modern finishes.
The Pixel 8a, with its dimensions of 152.4 x 73.6 x 10.1mm and weighing 192g, seems to be to be compact and cozy to carry. It incorporates a refined A-Collection design with rounded edges, matt again and polished aluminium body for consolation and sturdiness.
With the Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP67 score, it could possibly face up to slips, spills and mud, making it the sturdiest A-Collection telephone but.
It introduces two new colors, Aloe and Bay, alongside conventional choices like Porcelain and Obsidian. Nonetheless, the 256GB mannequin is just out there within the latter.
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
Then again, the Galaxy A55 measures 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2mm and weighs 213g, providing a barely bigger footprint. The telephone boasts a premium construct, that includes an aluminium body and glass again. It additionally stands out with a novel raised housing for the facility and quantity buttons.
It steps all the way down to Gorilla Glass Victus+ for sturdiness however maintains the identical IP67 score for water and mud resistance. The A55 is accessible in numerous color choices, together with Superior Iceblue, Superior Navy, Superior Lilac and Superior Yellow.
Whereas the Pixel 8a is available in a spread of vibrant colors, the Galaxy A55 provides extra muted, refined choices. Nonetheless, it’s a matter of non-public desire, so this spherical is a tie.
Display & Audio system
Each gadgets function spectacular OLED shows with a 120Hz refresh charge, guaranteeing easy and crisp visuals. The Pixel 8a boasts a 6.1-inch FHD+ panel, whereas the Galaxy A55 takes it up a notch with a bigger 6.6-inch FHD+ display screen.
Whereas the Galaxy A55 will get the identical 1000 nit brightness from the A54, the brand new Actua show within the Pixel 8a is 40% brighter than its predecessor, the Pixel 7a.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
However each can get very vivid, so your resolution right here comes all the way down to which show dimension fits you finest.
By way of audio system, each telephones provide stereo setups, with the A55 delivering first rate readability. This spherical is a detailed name, however the Pixel 8a takes the lead by a hair’s breadth.
Specs & Efficiency
The Pixel 8a is powered by the newest Google Tensor G3 chip and geared up with lots of the similar superior AI options because the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional, like Greatest Take, Audio Magic Eraser and extra.
With the licensed Titan M2 safety chip and built-in VPN, it additionally provides extra safety in opposition to threats.
The Pixel 8a comes geared up with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of inner storage. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have a Micro-SD slot.
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
The Galaxy A55 options the Exynos 1480 chip, an improve from its predecessor, offering smoother efficiency due to its increased clock velocity and energy-efficient 4nm course of.
Backed by 8GB of RAM, it provides improved efficiency in CPU benchmarks in comparison with the Galaxy A54, additionally outperforming rivals just like the Google Pixel 7a, however we nonetheless have to attend for the Pixel 8a’s outcomes.
Nonetheless, it falls barely brief in GPU efficiency, making it appropriate for on a regular basis duties however not ideally suited for heavy gaming.
The gadget provides storage choices of 128GB or 256GB, with the choice to increase by way of a Micro-SD slot.
With 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, and NFC, each telephones are additionally well-equipped when it comes to connectivity for a mid-range gadget.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
By way of pure efficiency, we don’t know what the scenario is for now. Nonetheless, earlier fashions, we are able to draw some conclusions.
In our Geekbench 5 multicore take a look at, the Pixel 7a with Tensor G2 acquired 2720 factors. Nonetheless, the Galaxy A54 with Exynos 1380 got here out on prime with a rating of 2852.
In distinction, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional, each having the identical new Tensor G3 because the Pixel 8a, scored 2197 and 3110 factors respectively.
Wanting on the distinction between the predecessors of the telephones in query and the truth that the Pixel 8 acquired a rating considerably decrease than A54, it’s protected to imagine that the scenario would be the similar this time too.
So, anticipate comparable efficiency between the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A55, with benchmark outcomes nonetheless to return.
Cameras
Within the area of smartphone pictures, each Google and Samsung have confirmed themselves over the previous couple of years – even at this value level.
The Pixel 8a incorporates a 64Mp predominant digital camera coupled with a 13Mp ultrawide lens. On the entrance is a 13Mp selfie digital camera. It’s really the identical setup as within the Pixel 7a, so moreover potential software program enhancements, we just about know what to anticipate.
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
The primary digital camera on the 7a excels in numerous lighting situations, producing crisp, detailed pictures with wealthy, pure colors and wonderful dynamic vary. Challenges embody occasional focus points at shut vary, exacerbated by the absence of a devoted macro mode.
The ultrawide lens performs properly in good lighting however decreased element and elevated glare in low-light conditions aren’t ideally suited. Whereas missing a devoted telephoto lens, the digital camera app provides a 2x digital zoom which isn’t unhealthy.
Just like the 7a, the Pixel 8a additionally helps 4K video recording at 30fps throughout all lenses, with the primary digital camera able to 60fps.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
In the meantime, the Galaxy A55 opts for a 50Mp predominant shooter, backed by a 12Mp ultra-wide and 5Mp macro lens. On the entrance is a 32Mp selfie digital camera. It additionally maintains the identical digital camera setup as its predecessor, the Galaxy A54.
Whereas the primary digital camera produces detailed photographs with vibrant colors in good lighting situations, night time pictures exhibit some graininess and softness. Then again, the ultrawide digital camera provides versatility however lacks consistency in comparison with the primary sensor.
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
The macro digital camera delivers satisfactory closeup pictures, however we think about it superfluous. Nonetheless, regardless of the absence of a devoted telephoto lens, 2x pictures are stable due to cropping capabilities.
The entrance digital camera captures natural-looking selfies with good topic definition and background blur. Video recording capabilities embody 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps.
Whereas each setups are able to capturing spectacular pictures, the energy of Google’s software-based picture processing might give it the slight higher hand once more.
Battery Life & Charging
Relating to staying powered all through the day, battery capability performs a vital function.
The Pixel 8a comes geared up with a typical 4492mAh battery. Google claims it lasts for no less than 24- and as much as 72 hours with Excessive Battery Saver mode turned on.
It provides the identical 18W wired charging and Qi-certified 7.5W wi-fi charging because the Pixel 7a. Count on it to rise up to 38% in half an hour, that means you’ll have to put aside an hour or two to get a full cost.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Compared, the Galaxy A55 boasts a barely larger 5000mAh battery, proving to be ample and environment friendly. It reveals sturdy stamina in on a regular basis use, with spectacular battery life lasting as much as two days of regular utilization between prices.
At 25W, it really outperforms each the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 8a in charging speeds. It will get to round 50% from empty in half-hour of charging.
The absence of wi-fi charging isn’t a surprise at this value level, though the Pixel 8a provides this function. Nonetheless, total sooner charging velocity and better battery capability provides the Galaxy A55 the benefit.
Software program & Apps
Each gadgets run on the newest Android 14 out of the field, providing a seamless and intuitive consumer expertise.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 8a advantages from the identical Google optimisations and 7 years of software program updates because the flagship Pixel 8 collection, guaranteeing peak efficiency and safety for longer.
What’s extra, due to the brand new Tensor G3 chip, it provides superior AI options, equivalent to Circle to Search, Greatest Take and Magic Editor. Pixel 8a additionally introduces Audio Emojis, enhancing telephone calls with expressive audio reactions triggered by tapping emojis.
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
Mattias Inghe
In the meantime, Samsung’s One UI 6.1 provides its personal layer of customisation and options to the Galaxy A55. Nonetheless, whereas it provides you a consumer expertise akin to the flagship Galaxy S24 collection, it doesn’t provide its superior AI options.
Nonetheless, all Google Pictures customers now get AI-based picture modifying instruments. So, it is possible for you to to make use of them on the Galaxy A55.
One UI offers a well-recognized interface recognized for its smoothness, flexibility, and wealthy options, though some customers might discover it busy in comparison with ‘inventory’ Android on the Pixel 8a.
Samsung guarantees 4 years of main OS upgrades and as much as 5 years of safety updates for the Galaxy A55, making it fall behind the Pixel 8a.
Alternative right here finally boils down to private desire, however the Pixel 8a’s shut integration with Google’s ecosystem, unique AI options and longer OS assist provides it an edge.
Worth & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A55 is accessible straight from Samsung in two storage variants within the UK, priced at £439 for the 128GB mannequin and £489 for the 256GB mannequin.
Varied retailers, together with Amazon, John Lewis, Very, Argos, and Currys, are additionally providing the telephone at comparable costs.
Nonetheless, the telephone isn’t out there within the US, in contrast to the cheaper Galaxy A35.
The Pixel 8a begins at £499/$499 for the 128GB variant and pre-orders start on 7 Could 2024.
It will likely be out there on the Google Retailer and different retailers starting 14 Could. And in contrast to the A55, it’s out there in each the UK and US.
Verdict
Contemplating the general comparability, the Pixel 8a emerges as the higher purchase for customers prioritising design, display screen high quality, digital camera efficiency, and software program options.
Nonetheless, if longer battery life and sooner charging are essential elements, the Galaxy A55 presents a compelling different. It’s also cheaper within the UK, with even the 256GB mannequin being £10 much less, if the tighter funds is the case for you.
Should you’re based mostly within the US, there’s no competitors: solely the Pixel 8a is accessible there. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see what we consider the Pixel 8a in our full evaluation – will it nonetheless be the higher selection?