Google’s Pixel lineup has at all times been about delivering a premium Android expertise with a concentrate on 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 customers.
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 units throughout numerous elements 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 as a consequence of 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 costlier 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 score for water and dirt resistance. However, the Pixel 8 goes for Gorilla Glass Victus and an IP 68 score.
By way of color choices, each units supply a spread to go well with totally different tastes. Whereas each telephones can be found in Obsidian, the Pixel 8a additionally gives 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 screen & Audio system
Each telephones function spectacular OLED shows with a excessive refresh fee of 120Hz, guaranteeing easy 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 could 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 gives an LTPO show, a function 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
Underneath 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 check, 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, however, 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 function 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 development.
The Pixel 8a contains a 64Mp major digicam and a 13Mp ultrawide digicam, whereas the Pixel 8 opts for a 50Mp major shooter and a 12Mp ultrawide lens. By way of selfie cameras, the Pixel 8a gives a 13Mp digicam, whereas the Pixel 8 boasts a ten.5Mp digicam.
Photograph high quality throughout all cameras of the Pixel 8a is superb, significantly benefiting from Google’s superior software program, making it a powerful performer in difficult situations. The Evening Sight mode is very notable, offering excellent evening pictures.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Pixel 8 additionally shines in pictures because of its major 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 pictures whereas sustaining element.
Put up-capture modifying options on each telephones embody ‘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, 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 quicker wired charging at 27W in comparison with the Pixel 8a’s 18W wired charging.
It additionally gives 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 principally gentle, day on a single cost.
Nevertheless, the Pixel 8 can attain 44% after half an hour, providing quicker 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 units run on Android 14, guaranteeing the most recent 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 immediately 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 equivalent to Google Assistant and Pixel-exclusive AI options, together with Magic Eraser, Dwell 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 just obtainable 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 obtainable from numerous retailers within the US and UK, together with the official Google retailer and Amazon as properly.
You’ll want to try our devoted Pixel 8a offers and Pixel 8 offers articles for complete choices. You can too 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 obtainable for £799/$799 (the Pixel 8 was priced at £699/$699 at its preliminary launch), however it’s a harder suggestion as a consequence of its value hike, restricted upgrades in some areas in comparison with the Pixel 8, and a concentrate on AI options that aren’t absolutely developed or able to ship but.
Nevertheless, in order for you the most recent 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 price range as they share loads of similarities. Nevertheless, there are key variations.
The Pixel 8a gives 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 expertise), superior construct high quality, larger battery with quicker 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 in search of a stable mid-range possibility with out breaking the financial institution, the Pixel 8a may be your greatest wager proper now.