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The comparison between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 smartphones aims to highlight the key differences in terms of price, design, and display features.
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Price and Specs
The Pixel 8a is priced at $499, making it $200 cheaper than the Pixel 8. In terms of specifications, the Pixel 8a comes with a Google Tensor G3 chip, Titan M2 security co-processor, 128GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and a 6.1-inch, 2,400 x 1,080-pixel display. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 is priced at $699 with similar specs but a slightly larger 6.2-inch display. Both models offer the option to upgrade to 256GB of storage at an additional cost of $160.
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Design
The Pixel 8a features a design similar to the Pixel 8, with rounded corners and the signature tennis sweatband-like camera bar. However, the dimensions of the Pixel 8a are slightly larger compared to the Pixel 8. The Pixel 8 comes in color options such as Hazel, Mint, Obsidian, and Rose, while the Pixel 8a offers Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe. Additionally, the Pixel 8 has IP68 dust-and-water resistance, while the Pixel 8a has an IP67 rating, making the Pixel 8 more durable in water.
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Display
The Pixel 8 has a slightly larger display size of 6.2 inches compared to the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch screen. Both phones offer features like up to 120Hz refresh rate, 2,400 x 1,080-pixel resolution, up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, OLED screen, and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The Pixel 8 provides a more immersive display experience with its larger screen size.
Up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness
OLED screen
20:9 aspect ratio
On difference worth pointing out, however, is that the Pixel 8a has a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display. The Pixel 8, on the other hand, has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus panel, which offers significant improvement to drop and scratch resistance.
In other words, the Pixel 8 will be less susceptible to scratches as well as wear-and-tear, so if you’re looking for better durability, the Pixel 8 is your guy.
Winner: Pixel 8
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Performance
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a both have the same processors: Google Tensor G3 chip + Titan M2 security co-processor. They also have the same RAM (8GB).
As such, neither phone should have a significant advantage over the other when it comes to performance.
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 8: Camera
There are some marked differences between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 when it comes to their cameras. Let’s break them down.
Wide camera
Pixel 8a: 64MP
Pixel 8: 50MP
Ultra-wide camera
Pixel 8a: 13MP
Pixel 8: 12MP
Selfie camera
Pixel 8a: 13MP
Pixel 8: 10.5MP
The Pixel 8a’s cameras are more pixel dense than the Pixel 8’s shooters, but don’t let this fool you. For example, yes, the Pixel 8 has a 50MP main camera compared to the Pixel 8a’s 64MP main camera. But the Pixel 8’s wide-lens sensor is much larger than the Pixel 8a (1/1.31″ vs 1/1.73″), allowing the former to capture more light in photos.
On top of that, the Pixel 8’s main camera has a wider aperture (f/1.68 vs. f/1.89), again, yielding better light gathering.
The same can be said for the other shooters. On paper, the Pixel 8a may appear to have the better camera set, but the aperture and sensor size say otherwise.
Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8a: Camera features
The Pixel 8a has some features that the 7a didn’t have, including Best Take and Magic Editor (utilities you can find on the Pixel 8).
For the uninitiated, Best Take analyzes a set of similar photos and delivers, well, “the best take,” ensuring that everyone looks their best.
Magic Editor, on the other hand, lets you move objects around the scenery.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a share the following camera features:
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Magic Eraser
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Photo Unblur
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Real Tone
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Face Unblur
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Panorama
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Manual white balancing
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Locked Folder
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Night Sight
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Top Shot
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Portrait Mode
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Portrait Light
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Motion Auto Focus
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Frequent Faces
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Dual exposure controls
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Live HDR+
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Ultra HDR
One feature that the Pixel 8 has that the Pixel 8a doesn’t is Macro Focus. Macro Focus lets you get extremely close to a subject and capture it in great detail.
Winner: Pixel 8
Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8a: Battery life
The Pixel 8, packed with a 4,575 mAH battery, has a larger battery capacity compared to the Pixel 8a (i.e., 4,492 mAh).
Still, Google rates the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a as having the same runtime: “31 hours” on a usage profile based on a mix of talk, data, standby, and other features. We’ll have to get the Pixel 8a in for review to know for sure. Unlike the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8a does not have a feature called “Battery Share,” which lets you charge other devices on it wirelessly. Winner: TBD
Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8a: Which should you buy?
The biggest difference between the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8 lies in the cameras. You should get better-quality photos with the Pixel 8 because the shooters are designed to let in more light compared to the Pixel 8a. I’d also add that the Pixel 8 is designed to be more durable. As such, if longevity is important to you, and you want to reduce the risk of a cracked screen, get the Pixel 8. If these aren’t alluring to you, the Pixel 8a would be a perfectly good fit for anyone looking to snatch some flagship-caliber features at a more wallet-friendly price.
Google Pixel 8
Topics: Google
