Google Pixel 8a vs Nothing Phone (2)
Google's Pixel 8a delivers exceptional value at $499, pairing Google's Tensor G3 chip with a brilliant 2000-nit Actua OLED display and class-leading computational photography. Its 64MP camera with OIS, 120Hz refresh, and IP67 rating make it a compelling mid-range choice. Nothing Phone (2) costs $100 more while running last-gen Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 with Android 13—already outdated at launch. However, Nothing offers a larger 6.7-inch display, faster 45W charging, and higher RAM options up to 12GB. The Pixel 8a's superior software support, newer processor with better efficiency, higher peak brightness, and superior water resistance give it a decisive advantage. For most buyers, the Pixel 8a's combination of performance, camera quality, and value proposition outweighs Nothing's hardware specs. Recommendation: Choose Pixel 8a for longevity and reliability; consider Nothing only if you prioritize screen size and fast charging.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 8a | Nothing Phone (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13, Nothing OS 2.0 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 188 g | 201 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Aluminum frame, glass back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX890 |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.45 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree | 50 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4492 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W (Qi) | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2412 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X2 + 3x2.75 GHz A710 + 4x1.8 GHz A510) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Nothing Phone (2)
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with improved Glyph lights
- Snappy Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- Clean Nothing OS software experience
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Bright LTPO AMOLED display
Cons
- Only IP54 rated
- No telephoto camera
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- Glyph Interface is more novelty than utility
Related Comparisons
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Google Pixel 8a or the Nothing Phone (2).
