Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Google Pixel 8a
The Verdict
Both phones share a $499 price point and 6.1-inch OLED displays, but diverge in key areas. iPhone SE 4 prioritizes performance with Apple's A18 chipset and offers a 48MP main camera with 4K@60fps video, though its 60Hz display and smaller 3279mAh battery are notable limitations. Pixel 8a counters with a superior 120Hz Actua OLED screen (2000 nits vs 1200), larger 4492mAh battery, and more versatile dual rear cameras including a 13MP ultrawide with optical image stabilization. Android 14's customization flexibility appeals to power users, while iOS 18 delivers streamlined performance. Pixel 8a's computational photography and three-year software guarantee provide longer device longevity. For everyday use, Pixel 8a's superior display refresh rate, battery endurance, and camera versatility make it the stronger choice, though SE 4 excels for users prioritizing raw processing power and iOS ecosystem integration.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…
- →First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- →Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
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 SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
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 SE (4th generation) | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 188 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 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 | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 4492 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 7.5W (Qi) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 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 A18 | Google Tensor G3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | 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.
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