Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A15
Google's Pixel 8a commands a $299 premium over Samsung's Galaxy A15, and that investment translates into meaningful real-world advantages. Display quality differs substantially—the Pixel 8a's Actua OLED screen with 2000 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate outperforms the A15's 800-nit AMOLED panel at 90Hz, delivering noticeably sharper and more vibrant content. Performance heavily favors the Pixel 8a, powered by Google's Tensor G3 processor with superior AI capabilities versus the Galaxy A15's MediaTek Helio G99. Camera systems reflect the price gap: Pixel 8a's 64MP OIS primary lens and computational photography produce dramatically better photos and 4K@60fps video, while A15 maxes out at 1080p. Battery capacity slightly favors the A15 (5000mAh), but the Pixel 8a's superior optimization ensures competitive longevity. Durability differs—Pixel 8a offers IP67 water resistance versus A15's IP54, plus Gorilla Glass protection. For budget-conscious buyers, the Galaxy A15 delivers acceptable everyday performance. However, Pixel 8a's superior display, processor, camera, and water resistance make it the clear choice for anyone valuing photography, performance, and longevity.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy A15 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 188 g | 200 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Polycarbonate |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8 |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 2 MP macro |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4492 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W (Qi) | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 5 |
| 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
Samsung Galaxy A15
Pros
- Super AMOLED display at an entry-level price
- Capable Helio G99 for everyday gaming and tasks
- Large 5000 mAh battery provides excellent endurance
- Ships with Android 14 and four years of security patches
- Expandable storage via microSD
Cons
- No 5G or NFC
- Only 4 GB RAM can feel cramped multitasking
- 90Hz instead of 120Hz like the A25
- No 4K video recording
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