Google and Samsung have lengthy distinguished themselves within the mid-range telephones market.
Their newest choices, the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A55, battle for client consideration in a battle of innovation and efficiency, together with AI.
Since we’ve had the chance to evaluation each telephones, we will now 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 telephones sport trendy 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 – is compact and comfy to carry. It contains a refined design, with rounded edges, matte again and polished aluminium body for consolation and sturdiness.
The enduring digital camera bar remains to be current, including stability to the telephone. Whereas the Pixel 8a’s shiny end provides it a premium really feel, it additionally makes it slippery. With Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP67 score, it will possibly face up to slips, spills and mud; making it the sturdiest Pixel A-Collection telephone but.
Accessible in Bay (blue), Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white) and Aloe (inexperienced), the colors are extra interesting in individual than in photographs. Nonetheless, the 256GB mannequin is barely out there in black.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
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 an equally premium construct, that includes an aluminium body and glass again. It additionally stands out with a singular raised housing for the facility and quantity buttons.
It steps right down to Gorilla Glass Victus+ for sturdiness however maintains the identical IP67 score for water and mud resistance. The A55 is accessible in varied color choices, together with Superior Iceblue, Superior Navy, Superior Lilac and Superior Yellow.
Whereas the Pixel 8a is extra compact and is available in a variety of vibrant colors, the Galaxy A55 affords extra muted, refined choices, and can be a heavier and bulkier gadget. Nonetheless, it’s not that large of a deal and the selection here’s a matter of non-public desire, so this spherical is a tie.
Display & Audio system
Each units function spectacular OLED shows with a 120Hz refresh fee, guaranteeing clean 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.
Whereas the Galaxy A55 will get the identical 1000-nit brightness from the A54, the brand new ‘Actua’ show within the Pixel 8a affords superior brightness, rated at as much as 1400-nits for HDR visuals, plus a 2000-nits peak.
That stated, each can get very shiny, so your choice right here comes right down to which show measurement fits you greatest.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
By way of audio system, each telephones supply stereo setups (with down-firing bass audio system, whereas the earpiece focuses on increased frequencies). The A55 delivers respectable readability, whereas the Pixel 8a additionally affords audio high quality.
This spherical is an in depth name, however the Pixel 8a’s higher depth means it takes the lead by a hair’s breadth.
Specs & Efficiency
The Pixel 8a is powered by the most recent Google Tensor G3 chip and geared up with most of the similar superior AI options because the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional; like Greatest Take, Audio Magic Eraser and extra.
The Pixel 8a isn’t the quickest amongst different mid-range telephones and lags behind in some CPU and graphics benchmarks, nevertheless, it outperforms the Galaxy A55 and may greater than meet the wants of its target market.
With the licensed Titan M2 safety chip and built-in Google VPN, it additionally affords extra safety towards outdoors threats. The telephone comes geared up with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of inside storage, together with help for dual-SIM performance. A microSD slot isn’t a part of the equation right here, although.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The Galaxy A55 options Samsung’s personal Exynos 1480 chip; an improve from its predecessor, offering smoother efficiency because of its increased clock velocity and having been constructed on a extra energy-efficient 4nm course of.
Backed by 8GB of RAM, it affords improved efficiency in CPU benchmarks in comparison with the Galaxy A54, additionally outperforming rivals just like the Google Pixel 7a, however as already talked about, it lags behind the 8a’s Tensor SoC. It additionally falls barely brief when it comes to graphical efficiency, making it appropriate for on a regular basis duties however not very best for heavy gaming.
The gadget additionally affords storage choices of 128GB or 256GB, however not like the Pixel, does additionally pack in microSD expandability, with help for playing cards as much as 1TB.
With 5G , Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, and NFC, each telephones are additionally well-equipped when it comes to connectivity for mid-range units.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
By way of pure efficiency, our Geekbench 6 multi-core exams clearly point out a winner on this class.
The Galaxy A55 – with its Exynos 1380 – produced a rating of 3447, whereas the Pixel 8a – with Tensor G3 chip – left Samsung’s providing within the mud, scoring a whopping 3955 factors.
Nonetheless, it is a outcome we didn’t count on, as once we in contrast Galaxy A54 and the Pixel 7a final yr, each telephones achieved the same outcome (2852 factors vs 2720 factors, within the A54’s favour).
In the end, the selection right here is the the Pixel 8a, which affords a flagship processor and significantly better total efficiency than the Galaxy A55.
Cameras
Within the area of smartphone images, each Google and Samsung have confirmed themselves over the previous few years – even at this value level.
The digital camera {hardware} within the Pixel 8a stays the identical because the Pixel 7a, taking the type of a 64Mp fundamental sensor and a 13Mp ultrawide sensor. Regardless of missing a telephoto lens, the digital camera setup is efficient, avoiding pointless additions like a 2Mp macro lens.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The 8a excels in point-and-shoot conditions, providing varied modes however no Professional mode. Whereas many telephones on this value vary carry out effectively in daylight, the Pixel 8a stands out in difficult circumstances because of its superior software program. Evening Sight stays the perfect night time mode out there, enabling assured nighttime images.
The principle digital camera delivers the perfect outcomes, however the different cameras are nonetheless above common, because of the collection’ set up post-processing magic. The Pixel 8a additionally affords superior and helpful enhancing instruments, like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser and Photograph Unblur, to triage artifacts and undesirable parts in a scene rapidly and all on-device.
Just like the 7a, the Pixel 8a additionally helps as much as 4K video recording at 30fps throughout all lenses, with the primary digital camera able to 60fps, although Full HD high quality is passable.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
In the meantime, the Galaxy A55 opts for a 50Mp fundamental 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 {hardware} setup as its predecessor, the Galaxy A54.
Whereas the primary digital camera produces detailed photographs with vibrant colors in good lighting circumstances, night time pictures exhibit some graininess and softness not seen on the Pixel. The ultrawide digital camera, in the meantime, affords versatility however lacks consistency in comparison with the primary sensor.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
The macro digital camera delivers satisfactory closeup pictures, however we contemplate it superfluous. That stated, regardless of the absence of a devoted telephoto lens, 2x pictures are stable because of cropping capabilities.
The entrance digital camera captures natural-looking selfies, with good topic definition and background bokeh too. 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 provides it the higher hand, as soon as once more.
Battery Life & Charging
On the subject of staying powered all through the day, battery capability performs an important function.
The Pixel 8a comes geared up with a typical 4492mAh battery and affords the identical 18W wired charging and Qi-certified 7.5W wi-fi charging because the Pixel 7a.
The telephone sometimes lasts a day underneath regular utilization however struggles past that except you go a bit simpler on it. When testing, it reached 41% in half-hour whereas charging.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
As compared, the Galaxy A55 boasts a barely greater 5000mAh battery, proving to be ample and environment friendly. It reveals robust 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 outperforms 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 is no surprise at this value level, though the Pixel 8a affords this function. General, quicker charging velocity and better battery capability provides the Galaxy A55 the benefit.
Software program & Apps
Each units run on the most recent Android 14 out of the field, providing a seamless and intuitive person expertise.
Naturally, 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, because of Google’s newest Tensor G3 chip, it sports activities superior AI options, similar to Circle to Search, Greatest Take and Magic Editor. The Pixel 8a additionally introduces Audio Emojis, enhancing telephone calls with expressive audio reactions triggered by tapping emoji icons on-screen, throughout calls.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
In the meantime, Samsung’s One UI 6.1 provides its personal layer of customisation and performance to the Galaxy A55. Nonetheless, whereas it provides you a person expertise akin to the flagship Galaxy S24 collection, it doesn’t supply the identical roster of superior AI options.
Barely undermining the Pixel’s lead on this space if the truth that now all Google Pictures customers get AI-based picture enhancing instruments, making some highly effective once-Pixel-exclusives, out there to Galaxy customers too.
One UI supplies 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, imply it sits behind the Pixel 8a.
Alternative right here in the end boils down to private desire, however the Pixel 8a’s shut integration with Google’s ecosystem, unique AI options and longer OS help provides it an edge.
Value & 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. Numerous 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, not like the cheaper Galaxy A35.
The Pixel 8a prices £499/$499 for the 128GB variant and £559/$559 for the 256GB model. It’s out there from quite a lot of retailers, together with Google, Amazon and Argos within the UK and Google, Amazon and Greatest Purchase within the US. Be taught extra in our separate article on the place to purchase the Google Pixel 8a.
Listed below are the perfect contract offers on each telephones within the UK proper now:
Verdict
Contemplating the general comparability, the Pixel 8a emerges as the higher purchase for customers prioritising design, display high quality, digital camera efficiency and software program options.
What’s extra, you’ll be able to already get the Pixel 8a at very engaging decrease costs. One such latest deal means you may get the Pixel 8a for simply £9.
Nonetheless, if longer battery life and quicker charging are vital components, the Galaxy A55 presents a compelling various. It’s also cheaper within the UK, on the subject of mounted costs, with even the 256GB mannequin being £10 much less, in the event you’re restrained by a tighter finances.
Should you’re based mostly within the US, there’s no competitors: solely the Pixel 8a is accessible there. Should you determine to go for it, remember to discover out extra in regards to the 8 hidden Pixel 8a options and easy methods to allow them.