Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 8a
The Verdict
Both phones share Google's Tensor G3 chipset and identical RAM configurations, delivering comparable everyday performance. Pixel 8 distinguishes itself with superior display tech,brighter Gorilla Glass Victus protection, faster USB-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and notably faster 27W charging versus the 8a's 18W. Its 50MP main camera with wider f/1.68 aperture offers better low-light photography, though the 8a's 64MP sensor provides higher resolution for cropping. Battery capacity favors Pixel 8 marginally (4575 vs 4492 mAh), while durability differs,IP68 rating and premium glass on the 8 versus IP67 and Gorilla Glass 3 on the 8a. The $200 price gap reflects meaningful upgrades in charging speed, display durability, and camera optics. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing core Google AI features, the 8a delivers excellent value. However, Pixel 8's faster charging, superior wireless charging, and refined camera system justify its premium for users wanting flagship refinement.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if…
- →Compact and comfortable design
- →Seven years of updates
- →Excellent main camera
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
Google Pixel 8
Pros
- Compact and comfortable design
- Seven years of updates
- Excellent main camera
- Bright Actua OLED display
- On-device AI features
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow charging vs rivals
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 | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 187 g | 188 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-degree | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4575 mAh | 4492 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 18W (Pixel Stand) | 7.5W (Qi) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | Actua OLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | 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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