On Tuesday, Google unveiled the Pixel 8a, prompting a comparison with last year’s Pixel 7a. Both phones share similarities expected in a one-year iteration of Google’s budget Pixel line, but significant changes have been made under the hood between the Pixel 7a and 8a.
### Pixel 8a vs. 7a: Price and specs
As of now, both Pixel 8a and 7a are priced at $500. This makes it easy to compare the specs of both devices without considering value. The Pixel 8a features a Google Tensor G3 chip, 8GB RAM, and options for 128GB or 256GB storage, along with a 6.1-inch display with 2,400 x 1,080-pixel resolution. On the other hand, the Pixel 7a comes with a Google Tensor G2 chip, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, and the same display resolution.
The Pixel 8a stands out with a newer Tensor G3 chip and the option for more storage, even though it increases the price to $559. Overall, the Pixel 8a offers more for the same price.
### Pixel 8a vs. 7a: Design
In terms of design, both the Pixel 7a and 8a maintain the same basic design language, with a horizontal camera bar near the top of the phone’s backside. There are no significant dimensional differences between the two phones, with almost identical sizes and weights. Color options differ, with the Pixel 8a offering aloe, bay, obsidian, and porcelain, while the Pixel 7a comes in orange, light blue, black, and white.
Subjectively, color choices are the main difference in this category, with the Pixel 8a winning for its color options.
### Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: Display
The main difference in display between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a is the refresh rate capability. The Pixel 8a can reach up to 120Hz, providing a smoother scrolling experience compared to the Pixel 7a’s 90Hz limit.
Overall, the Pixel 8a wins in display performance due to its higher refresh rate.
### Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: Performance
Performance-wise, the Pixel 8a excels compared to the Pixel 7a.
Simply put, a newer processor typically means better performance. While this could change with more hands-on time with the Pixel 8a, last year’s Tensor G3-powered Pixel 8 had great performance, and the same is expected for the Pixel 8a.
### Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: Camera
Google Pixel phones are known for their top-notch photography, but the A-series doesn’t always bring significant upgrades in this area. Both the Pixel 8a and 7a feature identical camera setups with 64MP wide lenses, 13MP ultra-wide lenses, and 13MP front lenses.
### Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: Camera features
In terms of camera features, the Pixel 8a offers everything the Pixel 7a does and more. It includes AI-powered features like Portrait Mode, Face Unblur, Night Sight, and Magic Eraser, along with new additions like Magic Editor and Best Take, thanks to the Tensor G3 chip.
### Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: Battery life
It’s challenging to determine which phone has better battery life without extensive testing. The Pixel 8a has a slightly larger battery size at 4,492mAh compared to the Pixel 7a’s 4,385mAh, giving it a potential advantage. However, various factors can influence battery performance, so the final verdict will require further evaluation.
In conclusion, the Pixel 8a emerges as the winner in this comparison. Both phones are very similar, but the Pixel 8a offers a newer processor, potentially more storage, and additional camera features, making it a more compelling choice over the Pixel 7a.


