5 key differences between Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8

Pixel 8a is Google's latest mid-range product, while Pixel 8 is the company's flagship smartphone. Both phones look similar and have almost similar specs, but we'll highlight the differences below to help you decide which is better for your money.

1. Pixel 8a has a smaller screen, but thicker bezels

The Pixel 8a has a better display than the Pixel 7a, but not as good as the Pixel 8's 6.2-inch screen, even if the spec sheet is different.

The Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch panel has a refresh rate of 120Hz, while the Pixel 7a's panel is 90Hz. Additionally, the Pixel 8a can reach a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. However, this mid-range Pixel from Google has thicker bezels, making it look less premium.

5 key differences between Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Picture 1

The Pixel 8a is taller, wider, and heavier than the Pixel 8. Additionally, it uses Gorilla Glass 3, while the Pixel 8 has Gorilla Glass Victus.

2. Pixel 8a has a plastic back

5 key differences between Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Picture 2

The Pixel 8a may look similar to the Pixel 8 but has a lower build quality. Google's mid-range Pixel has an aluminum frame with a "matte composite back," which is another name for plastic with a specialized rubber coating.

The Pixel 8 has glass panels on the front and back, giving it a more premium feel in the hand. Because it has thinner bezels, it also looks a lot more modern.

3. Pixel 8 has a superior camera

5 key differences between Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Picture 3

The Pixel 8a's 64 MP main camera and 13 MP ultra-wide camera are better than the Pixel 8's 50 MP main camera and 12 MP ultra-wide camera because they have higher resolution. But that's not true.

The Pixel 8 has a large 50MP 1/1.31-inch camera sensor with a wider f/1.68 aperture, allowing for more light. Additionally, the pixels themselves are larger so they are more sensitive to light. By comparison, the Pixel 8a's 64MP camera is physically smaller at 1/1.73 inches and has an f/1.89 aperture.

Google claims the Pixel 8's 2x zoom shots offer "optical quality". That doesn't happen with the Pixel 8a due to the smaller sensor. The same is true for the ultra-wide camera. While the Pixel 8's 12MP camera has a pixel size of 1.25μm, the Pixel 8a's 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera has a smaller pixel size of 1.12μm. The rear field of view is also narrower at 120 degrees compared to the Pixel 8's 125.8 degrees.

More importantly, the Pixel 8a's ultra-wide camera lacks Macro Focus functionality, meaning it can't focus on nearby subjects for macro photography like with the Pixel 8.

Similarly, the Pixel 8a has an inferior 13MP front camera with a pixel size of 1.12μm. By comparison, the Pixel 8's 10.5MP f/2.2 selfie camera takes better photos thanks to its 1.22μm pixel width. From a software standpoint, there is no difference and you get access to all the AI-powered features like Magic Eraser, Magic Editor and Best Take.

Pixel 8 delivers impressive camera performance. Although the Pixel 8a can also take impressive photos, it won't be as good as the Pixel 8.

4. Pixel 8a has slow charging speed

5 key differences between Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Picture 4

The Pixel 8 and 8a have nearly identical battery capacities: The Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery, while the Pixel 8a has a 4,492mAh battery. Google even claims the two phones have battery life lasting more than 24 hours, with Extreme Battery Saver pushing runtime to 72 hours. But there is a big difference in the charging speed of the two phones.

Pixel 8 supports 27W fast wired charging and 18W wireless charging with Pixel Stand (2nd generation). On the Qi charging pad, the phone will charge the battery wirelessly at 12W. By comparison, the Pixel 8a charges significantly slower, both wired and wireless. Over a USB-C connection, it supports 18W, while wireless charging is limited to 7.5W.

Sadly, neither phone supports the new Qi2 wireless charging standard. It's also worth noting that there's no reverse wireless charging on the Pixel 8a. This feature can be useful for charging accessories such as wireless headphones when out and about.

5. Price difference

5 key differences between Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Picture 5

For all the above compromises, the Pixel 8a comes with a lower price tag. Users can buy the mid-range Pixel 8a for $499 on the Google Store, and the 256GB variant costs $60 more at $559. Pixel 8 costs $699, $200 more expensive than the mid-range version.

However, the difference in hardware will make up for this price difference. If you spend more money, you'll get a phone with a larger screen, better build quality, better cameras, and faster charging.

The Pixel 8 launches in 2023, so it can now be found at a reduced price on Amazon. Google also occasionally offers attractive deals on the Pixel 8. With a good deal, you can get the phone at a lower price, making it a better option than the Pixel 8a.

Samuel Daniel

Update 13 May 2024