The Google Pixel 8a launched as a toned-down version of the flagship Pixel 8 series. It costs less too, at a starting price of Rs 52,999 in India. The Pixel 8a offers flagship-like specifications and even runs on the same Tensor G3 chipset. The smartphone also has a FHD+ 120Hz OLED display, a 64MP primary camera, and a 4,492mAh battery.
We’ve already talked about what’s different between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a. Now, we take a deep dive into the differences between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. Here’s how different the two phones are.
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: specs at a glance
| SPECS | GOOGLE PIXEL 8A | GOOGLE PIXEL 8 |
| Display | 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM, storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage |
| Rear cameras | 64MP + 13MP dual cameras | 50MP + 12MP dual cameras |
| Front camera | 13MP front camera | 10.5MP front camera |
| Battery, charging | 4,492mAh battery, 27W fast charging | 4,575mAh battery, 30W fast charging |
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: price in India
| GOOGLE PIXEL 8A | GOOGLE PIXEL 8 |
| Rs 52,999 for 8GB/128GB | Rs 75,999 for 8GB/128GB |
| Rs 59,999 for 8GB/256GB | Rs 82,999 for 8GB/256GB |
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: design
The Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 share a similar design language with not much of a difference between the two phones. With the Pixel 8, you get rounded edges and a flat display with a punch-hole camera. The rear camera strip is also the same with the thick band running along both ends of the phone.
It’s almost impossible to differentiate between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8. Both are compact with the Pixel 8 offering a slightly bigger display. But it’s worth mentioning that the Pixel 8 has a glass back, while the Pixel 8a comes in a plastic body with a matte finish. The Pixel 8a, however, offers more peppy colour options with Bay (blue) and Aloe (bright green).
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: display
Google Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch FHD+ (1080×2400 pixels) OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1400 nits HDR, and 2000 nits peak brightness. It also has Gorilla Glass 3 protection layered on top. With the Pixel 8, you get a slightly bigger 6.2-inch screen but with the same resolution and peak brightness. Both phones also come with an Always-on display. The Pixel 8, however, has Gorilla Glass Victus protection making the screen stronger than the Pixel 8a.
Overall, you’re getting mostly the same display on the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 in terms of specifications.
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: performance
The Pixel 8a is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chipset aided by the Titan M2 security coprocessor. The smartphone has 8GB LPDDR5x RAM paired with 128GB and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. The Pixel 8 also comes with the same hardware specifications as the Pixel 8a. Based on this information, you should get a similar performance from both devices. We can’t determine the real-life use case of the Pixel 8a yet since we haven’t reviewed it, but there shouldn’t be much of a difference in performance.
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: cameras
The camera bit is different for the two phones. On the Pixel 8a, you get a 64MP wide camera with up to 8x Super Res Zoom, Optical and Electronic Image Stabilisation. The second camera is a 13MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view. For selfies, there’s a 13MP ultra-wide camera up front. This is the same camera setup as the Pixel 7a but with more AI features such as Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser.
The Pixel 8, on the other hand, has a 50MP wide camera with Super Res Zoom up to 8x, EIS and OIS, and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. It houses a 10.5MP front camera for selfies.
Just considering the numbers, the Pixel 8a might seem to offer better cameras but we can’t say for sure before testing out the device. The Pixel 8 is already one of the best camera phones and the Pixel 8a is expected to offer impressive camera results as well. So it wouldn’t be a loss on either side.
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: battery, software
The Pixel 8a packs a 4,492mAh battery with 27W fast charging and wireless Qi charging support. Google claims the phone can last over 24 hours and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver. The Pixel 8 has a bigger 4,575mAh battery with 30W fast charging support. Although the difference is marginally high, the Pixel 8 is still winning here in the battery department.
On the software front, both phones run Android 14 out of the box with 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates.
Verdict
If we consider the spec-based comparison, then the Pixel 8a seems quite close to the Pixel 8. You get the same chipset, display, software experience, and camera features on the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8. There are differences in the battery and charging aspect, and the phone’s material. But overall, the Pixel 8a seems to offer almost the same experience as the flagship Pixel 8. The price difference is also pretty big so even if you go for the Pixel 8a, you won’t be missing out on much when compared to the Pixel 8.
Watch out till we review the Pixel 8a, and we’ll update you on the real-life performance.
