Google Pixel 8a vs Nothing Phone (2a)
The Verdict
Google's Pixel 8a commands a $150 premium with meaningful advantages in display quality and processing power. Its Actua OLED screen reaches 2000 nits with superior color accuracy, while the Tensor G3 chipset delivers faster performance and better AI integration for photography. Nothing Phone 2a counters with a larger 6.7-inch display, bigger 5000mAh battery, and significantly faster 45W charging,practical benefits for heavy users. Camera performance is comparable between both, though Pixel's computational photography typically produces better results. Build quality favors Pixel with Gorilla Glass and aluminum versus plastic materials. Nothing offers better value at $349, especially if you prioritize battery life and charging speed. For most users, Pixel 8a's superior display, processor, and Google integration justify the cost, but budget-conscious buyers will find Nothing Phone 2a handles daily tasks admirably.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) if…
- →Distinctive transparent design with Glyph Interface
- →Clean Nothing OS with minimal bloat
- →Solid 50 MP dual camera setup
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 (2a)
Pros
- Distinctive transparent design with Glyph Interface
- Clean Nothing OS with minimal bloat
- Solid 50 MP dual camera setup
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Plastic build at this price
- No wireless charging
- Only IP54 splash resistance
- Mid-tier Dimensity chipset rather than Snapdragon
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 8a | Nothing Phone (2a) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14, Nothing OS 2.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 188 g | 190 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Samsung GN9 |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| 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 |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4492 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W (Qi) | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2412 x 1084 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 + 6x2.0 GHz A510) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| 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 |
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 Google products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Google Pixel 8a or the Nothing Phone (2a).