Skip to content
specpair

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 Nothing Phone (2) costs $100 more while running last-gen Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 with Android 13—already outdated at launch.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.

Google Pixel 8a
Google
Google Pixel 8a
$499
8.4/10
Winner
VS
Nothing Phone (2)
Nothing
Nothing Phone (2)
$599
7.6/10

Full Specifications

SpecGoogle Pixel 8aNothing Phone (2)
SoftwareAndroid 14Android 13, Nothing OS 2.0
Body
Weight188 g201 g
MaterialAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3Aluminum frame, glass back
IP ratingIP67IP54
Dimensions152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm
Camera
Main camera64 MP, f/1.89, OIS50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX890
Front camera13 MP, f/2.232 MP, f/2.45
Video4K@60fps4K@60fps
Ultrawide13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree50 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree
Memory
RAM8 GB8 GB / 12 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Battery
Capacity4492 mAh4700 mAh
Charging18W wired45W wired
Wireless charging7.5W (Qi)15W wireless
Display
Size6.1 inches6.7 inches
TypeActua OLEDLTPO OLED
Resolution2400 x 10802412 x 1080
Refresh rate120Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)20001600
Processor
CPUNona-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)
GPUImmortalis-G715s MC10Adreno 730
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 3.0USB-C 2.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.35.3

Category Scores

Google Pixel 8a
Nothing Phone (2)
Value
0
0
Camera
0
0
Battery
0
0
Display
0
0
Performance
0
0

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

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).