Google Pixel 8 vs. 8a
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a are powerful phones, both with distinctive advantages depending on your needs. We’re here to take you through the core differences between each handset, so you can decide which model is right for you.
Specs
Pixel 8
• Weight: 187g
• Dimensions: 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm
• Screen size: 6.2”
• Resolution: 1080 x 2400
• Chipset: Google Tensor G3
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB
• Battery: 4,575mAh
• Rear camera: 50MP+12MP
• Front camera: 10.5MP
Pixel 8a
• Weight: 188g
• Dimensions: 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm
• Screen size: 6.1”
• Resolution: 1080 x 2400
• Chipset: Google Tensor G3
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB
• Battery: 4,492mAh
• Rear camera: 64MP+13MP
• Front camera: 13MP
Design
With its Gorilla Glass Victus back cover, the Pixel 8 is the more premium model of the two. The front screen is also covered by Gorilla Glass Victus, instead of the Gorilla Glass 3 found on the Pixel 8a. As a result, the Pixel 8 is preferable if you want a phone that is both luxurious and durable; further cemented by the Pixel 8’s IP68 rating.
Despite lacking the premium construction of its sibling, the Pixel 8a is slightly larger and heavier (188g and 152 x 72 x 8.9mm). Like other entry-level phones in the Pixel series before it, the Pixel 8a is a great pocket-friendly option regardless of its dimensions, and is ideal for those that want a comfortable phone without the extra bells and whistles.
Display
Impressively, there’s very little separating the Pixel 8 and 8a when it comes to the display. Both have OLED panels that can refresh up to 120Hz, resulting in a silky-smooth viewing experience. Each handset also has a maximum brightness level of 2000 nits, so you can expect them both to be easily visible in the most extreme low-light settings.
The key display difference between the Pixel 8 and 8a is screen size, yet even that is minimal. The Pixel 8’s 6.2” display is only 0.1” larger than the Pixel 8a, which isn’t particularly noticeable when watching films or playing games.
The Pixel 8 also carries a slight advantage on the bezel front, too. They’re noticeably slimmer than those on the Pixel 8a, so you can view the screen without distracting black bars around the phone’s edge.
Given that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a’s displays can’t really be separated, the choice of which to buy ultimately comes down to fine margins. If you want the slightly smaller yet premium-looking option, the Pixel 8 is the way to go. Otherwise, the Pixel 8a packs in many of its sibling’s best display features at a lower price.
Performance
Whichever model you choose, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a share an almost identical level of performance. Both are powered by the Tensor G3 processor and 8GB RAM, giving them plenty of juice to run most games and tasks with ease. In terms of raw power, then, there’s nothing between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a.
Another feature that both handsets share is Android 14. Alongside its numerous personalisation features, Android 14 also keeps things buttery-smooth when switching between menus and apps, contributing enormously to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a’s excellent performance.
Both phones will also receive 7 years of security and feature updates, as well as access to Google’s AI tools such as Circle to Search and Call Assist.
Cameras
Where the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a start to significantly differ is in the camera department. The Pixel 8 sports a 50MP main camera on the back, whereas the Pixel 8a includes a 64MP camera. The latter handset has a clear advantage when it comes to pixel count, but the Pixel 8 produces photos with far greater clarity thanks to its camera’s larger sensor. This sensor can capture more light, which results in images that are considerably richer in detail. If you like to take nighttime shots, the Pixel 8 is a clear winner.
The Pixel 8’s secondary camera also takes the crown over the Pixel 8a. Its 12MP ultra-wide lens has a 126° field-of-view, enabling it to capture more of the environment compared to the 13MP 120° camera on the Pixel 8a. When taking a panoramic photo or a large landscape shot, the **Pixel 8 **is the phone of choice.
On the software front, however, the Pixel 8a doesn’t pull any punches. It comes with many of the same image processing features found on the Pixel 8, such as Best Take and Magic Editor, so you can easily fine-tune images to your liking.
Battery
The Pixel 8 outperforms the Pixel 8a in battery life, but this difference is fairly minor. With a battery capacity of 4,575mAh, the Pixel 8 can last a little bit longer than its sibling handset when browsing or streaming videos. Given that the Pixel 8’s display is brighter than the Pixel 8a’s, this extra battery life is particularly useful.
Recharge speed is another area where the Pixel 8 comes out on top, with support for 27W wired and 12W wireless charging. The Pixel 8a falls a little bit short in this regard with its 18W wired and 7.5 wireless charging, but is still respectable.
Verdict
All in all, there are few departments where the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a surpass each other. Google’s flagship Pixel 8 is the more recommended phone if you want a slightly larger screen, top-tier cameras and better battery life, but the Pixel 8a is a great option if you want the best of the Pixel 8 series without breaking the bank.
If you’re curious how the Google Pixel 8 compares to the premium phone in the series, the Pixel 8 Pro, we have a handy guide that showcases the key differences between them.