Selecting the best telephone is rarely simple, particularly when many manufacturers, equivalent to Google and Xiaomi, provide aggressive fashions with completely different strengths in several areas.
The Google Pixel 8a and Xiaomi 14T stand out as two compelling mid-range telephones, providing a stability of affordability and premium options.
Whereas each purpose to ship flagship-level efficiency at a decreased worth, their strengths cater to barely completely different person wants. Right here’s how they examine.
Design and construct high quality
The Pixel 8a maintains the acquainted Google telephone aesthetic, with its iconic digicam bar.
This design feels surprisingly premium for a plastic-backed telephone. Its compact measurement, lighter weight at 188g, and IP67 certification make it sturdy and sensible.
Nonetheless, the thick bezel across the show detracts from its in any other case fashionable look, giving it a barely dated look.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In distinction, the Xiaomi 14T adopts a extra refined design, that includes a frosted glass again and an aluminium-effect plastic body. Weighing 195g, it’s bigger however stays slim and comfy to deal with.
Its symmetrical, slim bezels and IP68 ranking elevate its premium enchantment, making it extra trendy and higher fitted to customers in search of sturdiness in more durable environments.
Luke Baker
The Xiaomi 14T edges out the Pixel 8a right here with its sleeker construct and better water and dirt resistance.
Shows
The Pixel 8a includes a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh fee and a peak brightness of 2000 nits.
Whereas the show delivers vibrant colors, wonderful distinction, and excessive brightness, the thick bezel undermines the immersive viewing expertise.
Its stereo audio system produce first rate audio high quality, rounding out a stable multimedia providing for a mid-range telephone.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Alternatively, the Xiaomi 14T boasts a bigger 6.67-inch AMOLED show with a 144Hz refresh fee and a formidable peak brightness of 4000 nits.
This makes it superb for HDR content material and gaming, providing smoother visuals and higher out of doors visibility.
The telephone’s stereo audio system additionally present good readability, though the bass lacks depth in comparison with higher-end fashions.
Luke Baker
With a bigger, sooner and brighter show, the Xiaomi 14T supplies a greater visible expertise.
Cameras
The Pixel 8a’s 64Mp predominant digicam, paired with a 13Mp ultrawide and 13Mp selfie shooter, excels in quite a lot of lighting circumstances.
Options like Night time Sight and Magic Eraser present highly effective instruments for artistic images, and the telephone’s software program ensures constantly wonderful outcomes, notably in low gentle.
The dearth of a professional mode might disappoint some customers, however the Pixel 8a is undeniably probably the greatest point-and-shoot choices in its class.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In the meantime, the Xiaomi 14T provides a flexible triple digicam setup, together with a 50Mp predominant lens, a 50Mp 2x telephoto, and a 12Mp ultrawide. The Leica partnership brings artistic filters and color profiles that improve the photographic expertise.
Whereas daylight photographs are vibrant and detailed, the ultrawide digicam lacks the sharpness of the principle lens, and low-light efficiency falls in need of the Pixel 8a’s capabilities.
For video fanatics, the Xiaomi 14T impresses with its handbook controls and help for taking pictures in LOG format, including an expert edge.
Luke Baker
Regardless of this, the Pixel 8a’s superior low-light efficiency and software-driven images make it the higher digicam telephone total.
Different variations
In relation to efficiency, the Xiaomi 14T’s MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Extremely outpaces the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 in gaming and heavy multitasking, however each telephones deal with on a regular basis duties easily.
The Xiaomi 14T additionally has a big edge in charging, with its 67W quick charging outperforming the Pixel 8a’s 18W wired charging and seven.5W wi-fi charging.
Nonetheless, the inclusion of wi-fi charging on the Pixel 8a is a function that the Xiaomi 14T lacks.
Chris Martin / Foundry
By way of software program, Google’s clear Android 15 expertise on the Pixel 8a feels extra polished and bloat-free in comparison with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2, which, whereas extremely customisable, comes preloaded with pointless apps.
Value
The Google Pixel 8a begins at £499/$499 for the 128GB mannequin, with the 256GB choice obtainable for £559.
You should purchase it from the Google’s official retailer, in addition to the likes of Amazon. To make sure you’re getting it for the bottom worth potential, see the most effective Pixel 8a offers.
Nonetheless, its worth enhance over earlier A-series fashions locations it nearer to the flagship Pixel 8, making it a tricky promote for some.
In the meantime, the Xiaomi 14T begins at £549 for the 256GB mannequin, providing extra storage and higher {hardware} at a barely larger worth.
You should purchase the telephone straight from Xiaomi or by way of a third-party retailer like Amazon.
For these keen to take a position a bit extra, the Xiaomi 14T delivers flagship-level options at a lovely worth level.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 8a is the perfect selection for customers who prioritise software program expertise, superior digicam efficiency, and the comfort of wi-fi charging.
It provides a clear, intuitive Android interface backed by Google’s industry-leading software program help, and its AI-powered images instruments make it a standout in its worth vary.
Nonetheless, the Xiaomi 14T excels in areas like design, show, and charging velocity, making it a greater match for customers who worth hardware-focused benefits.
Whereas each telephones provide nice worth, the choice finally depends upon whether or not you prioritise software program and images (Pixel 8a) or {hardware} and efficiency (Xiaomi 14T).