| SPECS | Google Pixel 8a | OnePlus 12R |
| Display | 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM & storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage | Up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage |
| Rear cameras | 64MP + 13MP dual cameras | 50MP main camera + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 13MP front camera | 16MP selfie camera |
| Battery and charging | 4,492mAh battery, 27W fast charging | 5,500mAh battery with 100W wired charging |
Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: price in India
| GOOGLE PIXEL 8A | OnePlus 12R |
| Rs 52,999 for 8GB/128GB | Rs 38,999 for 8GB/128GB |
| Rs 59,999 for 8GB/256GB | Rs 45,999 for 16GB/256GB |
Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: design
The Google Pixel 8a looks almost identical to the Pixel 8. The main highlight of the design is the horizontal strap on the back and rounded edges for better grip. The camera module has a slight protrusion, which makes the phone wobble on a flat surface. The Pixel 8a can be purchased in Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe colours.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R has a unique design of its own. There is a large circular module on the back to house the triple camera sensors. We get flat edges on the front, with slim bezels to fit in more content. The bezels on the OnePlus 12R are way slimmer compared to the Pixel 8a. This makes the OnePlus phone slightly more modern.
Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: display
The new Google Pixel 8a gets an OLED panel compared to the AMOLED screen on the OnePlus 12R. The latter allows for lower power consumption and is also more flexible than OLED displays. Both phones come with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The OnePlus 12R comes with an LTPO panel, which offers a 1Hz-120Hz adaptive refresh rate thus saving some battery life. The phone also offers 4,500nits peak brightness compared to 2000nits on the Pixel 8a. This will enable brighter outdoor visibility and sunlight legibility. The screen size of the OnePlus 12R is also larger at 6.78 inches compared to 6.1 inches on the Pixel 8a. The OnePlus phone offers Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 compared to Gorilla Glass 3 on the Google Pixel.
In the display department, the OnePlus 12R has a clear edge.
Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: performance
The Google Pixel 8a is powered by the in-house Tensor G3 chipset and there’s Titan M2 security SoC. This is the same chipset found on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. While we don’t have the benchmark scores of the Pixel 8a yet, the Pixel 8 (with the same Tensor G3) has managed to pull in 10,17,180 points on the AnTuTu platform (Read our full review of Pixel 8). The new Pixel phone might also score in the same range.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R gets the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with Adreno GPU. This has managed to score around 14 lakh points in the AnTuTu segment. This suggests the Google Pixel 8a is no match for the mighty OnePlus 12R. Our review notes the phone was able to sail through anything we threw at it, including gaming.
OnePlus 12R full review
Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: cameras
Google Pixel 8a features a 64MP primary camera with Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89 aperture, LED flash, OIS and a 13MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and PDAF. There is a 13MP shooter on the front for selfies and video chats and there’s 4K video recording support.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R has a 50MP primary Sony IMX890 sensor with f/1.8 aperture and OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. We get a 16MP shooter on the front for selfies and video chats.
We will have more to talk about the Pixel 8a cameras in our full review and see how the images compare against the OnePlus 12R.
Google Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: battery, software
The Google Pixel 8a packs a 4492mAh battery with fast charging support and Qi wireless charging. On the other hand, the OnePlus 12R has a 5500mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC fast charging support. OnePlus has a clear edge in the battery department, courtesy of a larger battery and faster charging support.
Both phones run on Android 14 OS out of the box. While the Pixel 8a has stock Android skin, the OenPlus 12R has OxygenOS custom skin. While Google is offering 7 years of OS updates, the OnePlus phone will only get 3 years of OS updates. This gives Google a good advantage.
Verdict
Pixel 8a is a new offering from Google but the price tag of Rs 52,999 puts it closer to Pixel 8’s cost on a sale day. or the price, you get the Tensor G3 chipset, which from the benchmarks stands no chance against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on the OnePlus 12R.
Meanwhile OnePlus 12R leads in the display, battery and fast charging departments. The Google Pixel 8a offers longer software support and probably better optics, all thanks to Google’s AI magic and software optimisations. If the camera is your main priority, the Pixel 8a is a good buy but for everything else, the OnePlus 12R is a good pick and is also way cheaper.
