Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Which is the right Pixel for you?

Does new mean better?

Google’s Pixel lineup has always been about delivering a premium Android experience with a focus on camera prowess and clean software. 

Even before the launch of the Pixel 9, Google continued this tradition with the release of the Pixel 8a, offering a distinct option for consumers.

However, a question arises: can this mid-range phone go against its older sibling, the Pixel 8, Google’s flagship from last year?

Let’s compare the two devices across various aspects to determine which one will prove to be the better buy for you. 

Differences between the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8

Design & Build

The design language of both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 stays true to Google’s minimalist aesthetic. They both offer the same round design with a colour-matched camera bar. However, there are differences in materials and dimensions. 

The Pixel 8a feels slightly bulkier and heavier due to its larger dimensions, while the Pixel 8 boasts a more premium, lighter and slimmer profile. The Pixel 8a also has a glossier finish, which gives a more expensive feel but also makes it slippery. 

When it comes to durability, the Pixel 8a features Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 goes for Gorilla Glass Victus and an IP 68 rating. 

In terms of colour options, both devices offer a variety to suit different tastes. While both phones are available in Obsidian, the Pixel 8a also offers Porcelain, Bay and Aloe finishes, while the Pixel 8 launched with Rose, Hazel and Mint colourways. 

Screen & Speakers

Both phones feature impressive OLED displays with a high refresh rate of 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations. 

But, the Pixel 8a sports a slightly smaller 6.1-inch FHD+ display compared to the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch QHD+ panel. 

While both screens deliver vibrant colours and deep blacks, the Pixel 8’s higher resolution may appeal more to users who prioritise display sharpness. It’s also brighter at 950 nits, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 812 nits that we’ve measured. 

However, the Pixel 8a offers an LTPO display, a feature that’s missing from the Pixel 8. 

Additionally, both phones come equipped with stereo speakers for immersive audio experiences. 

Specs & Performance

Under the hood, both devices are powered by Google’s own Tensor G3 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of internal storage, ensuring snappy performance and seamless multitasking. 

Both phones also support 5G connectivity, NFC, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, promising fast and reliable connections. 

In our Geekbench 6 multi-core test, the Pixel 8 scored 2842 points, while the Pixel 8a left it far behind with 3955 points. 

Last year’s Pixel 7a scored 2720 points, also surprisingly ahead of the Pixel 8’s 2197 GB 5 score, even before its release. The Pixel 7, on the other hand, managed to score as high as 3095 points. 

So, looking at these results, the Pixel 8a overtook the Pixel 8 in terms of pure performance. However, during everyday use, this should not play a major role as both phones work smoothly. 

Cameras

Camera performance has always been a highlight of the Pixel lineup, and both phones in question continue this trend. 

The Pixel 8a features a 64Mp main camera and a 13Mp ultrawide camera, while the Pixel 8 opts for a 50Mp main shooter and a 12Mp ultrawide lens. In terms of selfie cameras, the Pixel 8a offers a 13Mp camera, while the Pixel 8 boasts a 10.5Mp camera. 

Photo quality across all cameras of the Pixel 8a is excellent, particularly benefiting from Google’s advanced software, making it a strong performer in challenging conditions. The Night Sight mode is especially notable, providing outstanding night photography. 

The Pixel 8 also shines in photography thanks to its main sensor and exceptional software processing. Whether capturing landscapes or close-ups, it delivers consistent excellence in detail, dynamic range and exposure. The Night Sight mode also impressively brightens low-light shots while maintaining detail. 

Post-capture editing features on both phones include ‘Best take’, which swaps faces, ‘Magic Editor’ for subject manipulation and ‘Magic Audio Eraser’ that effectively reduces background noise. 

Both phones are also capable of recording up to 4K video at 30fps and 60fps, ensuring crisp and detailed footage. 

Battery Life & Charging

When it comes to battery life, the Pixel 8 edges it slightly with its larger 4575mAh battery compared to the Pixel 8a’s 4492mAh battery. Additionally, the Pixel 8 supports faster wired charging at 27W compared to the Pixel 8a’s 18W wired charging. 

It also offers the convenience of 18W wireless charging (compared to the 8a’s 7.5W) and reverse wireless charging, features that are absent in the Pixel 8a. 

Both phones will get you a full, but mostly light, day on a single charge. 

However, the Pixel 8 can reach 44% after half an hour, offering faster charging, while the Pixel 8a will charge from dead to slightly less than 41% in 30-minutes. 

Software & Apps

Both devices run on Android 14, ensuring the latest features and security updates from Google. 

As Pixel devices, they also benefit from a clean and bloatware-free software experience, with 7 years of Android and security updates directly from Google. 

Users can expect the same fluid and intuitive user interface from both phones, along with features such as Google Assistant and Pixel-exclusive AI features, including Magic Eraser, Live Translate and the new Circle to Search, enhancing the user experience. 

Price & Availability

The Pixel 8a comes at £499/$499 for 128GB of storage, with an option to upgrade to 256GB for £559/$559, though the larger capacity is only available in the Obsidian black colour. 

The phone can be purchased from the official Google store and Amazon, as well as from other retailers in both the UK and US. 

Google Pixel 8a

Rating of this product is 4 out of 5
Read our review
Price When Reviewed: From £499
Best Prices Today: £419 at John Lewis and Partners | £499 at Amazon | £499 at AO

The Pixel 8 is priced at $599/£599 for the base 128GB model. Upgrading to the 256GB version costs $659/£659.

It’s available from various retailers in the US and UK, including the official Google store and Amazon as well. 

Be sure to check out our dedicated Pixel 8a deals and Pixel 8 deals articles for comprehensive options. You can also take a look at our best mid-range phones round-up to see what else is out there.

Google Pixel 8

There’s also the brand new Pixel 9 that’s available for £799/$799 (the Pixel 8 was priced at £699/$699 at its initial launch), but it’s a tougher recommendation due to its price hike, limited upgrades in some areas compared to the Pixel 8, and a focus on AI features that aren’t fully developed or ready to ship yet.

However, if you want the latest Google tech, see our Pixel 9 deals round-up for everywhere you can buy one in the UK and US.

Verdict

Choosing between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 mostly comes down to your budget as they share a lot of similarities. However, there are key differences. 

The Pixel 8a offers excellent value for money with its attractive design, impressive camera setup and better raw performance than the Pixel 8, despite having the same Tensor G3 chip and 8GB of RAM combo. 

However, you won’t notice the differences in everyday use. 

On the other hand, the Pixel 8, as a proper flagship phone, steps up the game with its higher resolution display (although missing an LTPO technology), superior build quality, bigger battery with faster charging speeds and additional features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. 

If you’re willing to invest a bit more in a premium experience, the Pixel 8 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, the Pixel 8a might be your best bet right now.