Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Google Pixel 8a
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 15 Plus commands a premium price at $899, delivering a larger 6.7-inch display with exceptional brightness and the powerful A16 Bionic chip. Its 48MP main camera with Dolby Vision video recording offers flagship imaging, though it's limited to 60Hz refresh rate and slower 20W charging. Google's Pixel 8a costs just $499, making it a remarkable value proposition with its 6.1-inch 120Hz Actua OLED display, superior 64MP camera with optical image stabilization, and the capable Tensor G3 processor. The Pixel 8a includes 8GB RAM and USB-C 3.0, while sacrificing screen size and wireless charging speed compared to Apple's larger flagship. For most users prioritizing real-world camera performance and display smoothness without breaking the bank, the Pixel 8a delivers exceptional value. However, those wanting the largest screen, fastest charging, and iOS ecosystem should consider the iPhone 15 Plus despite its steep premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 Plus if…
- →Outstanding battery life from large 4383 mAh cell
- →Dynamic Island replaces notch on a non-Pro model
- →48 MP main camera is a major upgrade over iPhone 14 Plus
Buy the Google Pixel 8a if…
- →Flagship-grade Tensor G3 chip at mid-range price
- →Seven years of software updates (rare at this price)
- →Excellent main camera for the class
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Pros
- Outstanding battery life from large 4383 mAh cell
- Dynamic Island replaces notch on a non-Pro model
- 48 MP main camera is a major upgrade over iPhone 14 Plus
- First USB-C port on a standard Plus model
- Large display great for media consumption
Cons
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion upgrade
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
- Bulky and heavy for everyday use
Google Pixel 8a
Pros
- Flagship-grade Tensor G3 chip at mid-range price
- Seven years of software updates (rare at this price)
- Excellent main camera for the class
- Bright 120Hz OLED display
- Wireless charging support
Cons
- Slow 18W wired charging
- Smaller battery than competitors
- Plastic back instead of glass
- No telephoto camera
- Bezels are thicker than the flagship Pixels
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 17 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 201 g | 188 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4383 mAh | 4492 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W (Qi) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Google Tensor G3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Google products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or the Google Pixel 8a.