Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S24+
Samsung Galaxy S24+ commands a $500 premium with meaningful upgrades across key areas. Its 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers 3120x1440 resolution and 2600 nits brightness, substantially sharper and brighter than the 8a's 6.1-inch 2400x1080 Actua OLED. Camera capabilities diverge significantly: S24+ offers a dedicated 3x telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and a superior 50MP main sensor versus the 8a's single 64MP telephoto-less setup. Performance-wise, Exynos 2400 and 12GB RAM provide noticeable advantages over Tensor G3 with 8GB. Battery capacity favors S24+ at 4900mAh with 45W charging, while the 8a's 4492mAh charges at just 18W. Both run Android 14, but IP68 vs IP67 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 vs Glass 3 show superior durability. However, Pixel 8a excels in computational photography and AI features, offering exceptional value for photography enthusiasts on a tighter budget. For heavy users prioritizing display, zoom capability, and raw power, S24+ justifies its price. Casual users should choose the 8a.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S24+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 188 g | 196 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP 3x optical |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4492 mAh | 4900 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W (Qi) | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Deca-core (1x3.2 GHz + 2x2.9 GHz + 3x2.6 GHz + 4x1.95 GHz) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Xclipse 940 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Exynos 2400 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
| 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 S24+
Pros
- Upgraded QHD+ display with 2600-nit peak brightness
- Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search
- 12 GB RAM standard
- Strong battery life from 4900 mAh cell
- Seven years of software updates
Cons
- Exynos 2400 runs hotter than Snapdragon variants
- No telephoto improvement over S23+
- Heavier than the Pixel 8 Pro alternatives
- 45W charging unchanged
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