Google’s latest smartphone lineup includes two compelling options for Android enthusiasts – the mid-range Pixel 8a and the flagship Pixel 8.
While both devices share some similarities, such as the powerful Tensor G3 chipset and Google’s software expertise, they differ in several key aspects.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, pricing, and overall value proposition of these two smartphones.
Whether you’re looking for a more affordable option or seeking the best that Google has to offer, this analysis will help you make an informed decision and determine which device better suits your needs and budget.
| Feature | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 8a |
| Display | 6.2-inch OLED, 120Hz, Full HD, 2000nits | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz, Full HD, 2000nits |
| Processor | Tensor G3 SoC | Tensor G3 SoC |
| RAM | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5X |
| Storage | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 50MP Wide Camera, 12MP Ultrawide | 64MP Wide Camera, 13MP Ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 13MP |
| Battery | 4,485mAh | 4,404mAh |
| Charging | 27W, Qi Wireless Charging, Battery Share | 18W, Qi Wireless Charging |
| Others | IP68 | IP67 |
| Price (8GB + 128GB) | Rs 75,999 | Rs 52,999 |
| Price (8GB + 256GB) | Rs 82,999 | Rs 59,999 |
The Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 share a similar design language, featuring a full-screen display with a cantered punch-hole notch and a visor-shaped camera module.
However, the Pixel 8a sports a thicker chin and more rounded corners compared to its elder sibling, the Pixel 8.
The Pixel 8a comes in Bay (blue), Porcelain, Obsidian (black), and Aloe (green) colour options, while the Pixel 8 is available in Rose, Mint (green), Hazel (grey), and Obsidian (black) variants.
In terms of displays, the Pixel 8a boasts a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution, 1400 nits HDR brightness, 2000 nits peak brightness, a 10,00,000:1 contrast ratio, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
The Pixel 8, on the other hand, features a slightly larger 6.2-inch OLED display with similar specifications, but with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, giving it an edge over the 8a in terms of durability.
The Google Pixel 8a is priced at Rs. 52,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and Rs. 59,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model.
The Pixel 8, on the other hand, is available at a higher price point of Rs. 75,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and Rs. 82,999 for the 8GB + 256GB option.
However, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 8 is frequently available with discounts, making it possible to grab the device for under Rs. 60,000.
Both handsets can be purchased through Flipkart.
Under the hood, both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 are powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G3 processor, accompanied by a Titan M2 security chip, an Arm Mali-G715 GPU, 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
On the software front, both devices come pre-loaded with Android 14, and Google has promised seven years of OS, security, and feature drop updates for both models.
In the camera department, the Pixel 8a features a dual-rear camera setup with a 64MP primary camera (1/1.73-inch sensor size, f/1.89 aperture), a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera (120° field of view, f/2.2 aperture), and a 13MP front-facing camera (f/2.2 aperture).
The Pixel 8, on the other hand, boasts a 50MP primary camera (1/1.31-inch sensor size, f/1.68 aperture), a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera (125.8° field of view, f/2.2 aperture), and a 10.5MP front-facing shooter (f/2.2 aperture).
While the Pixel 8a has higher-resolution cameras, the Pixel 8’s primary camera features a larger sensor size and a wider aperture, potentially offering better low-light performance.
Additionally, the Pixel 8’s ultra-wide-angle camera has a larger field of view.
Both devices offer various camera features, including Best Take, Photo Unblur, Real Tone, Face Unblur, Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Panorama.
The Pixel 8a is equipped with a 4,404mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging and Qi wireless charging.
On the other hand, the Pixel 8 packs a slightly larger 4,485mAh battery with 27W fast charging support, Qi wireless charging, and a Battery Share feature that allows you to wirelessly charge other devices using the phone.
Overall, the Google Pixel 8 emerges as the superior option, offering a better-protected display, a slightly larger battery with faster charging capabilities, and the added convenience of the Battery Share feature.
However, it comes at a higher price point compared to the Pixel 8a.
If you’re willing to stretch your budget and can take advantage of the frequent discounts on the Pixel 8, it might be worth considering the extra investment for the additional features and enhancements it offers.
However, if budget constraints are a concern, the Pixel 8a still provides a compelling package without sacrificing too much in terms of features and performance.
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 |
| Rear Camera | 64 MP + 48 MP + 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Display | 5.8 inches (14.73 cm) |
| Launch Date | May 10, 2023 (Unofficial) |
| Operating System | Android v12 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 |
| CPU | Octa core (2.85 GHz, Dual core, Cortex X1 + 2.35 GHz, Dual core, Cortex A78 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 4 nm |
| Graphics | Mali-G710 MC10 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 5.8 inches (14.73 cm) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2268 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 433 ppi |
| Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) | 79.46 % |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with punch-hole display |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Height | 150.5 mm Compare Size |
| Width | 70.8 mm |
| Thickness | 8.9 mm |
| MAIN CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Triple | |
| Resolution | 64 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle, Primary Camera 48 MP f/3.5, Telephoto Camera 12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera |
|
| Autofocus | Yes | |
| Flash | Yes, LED Flash | |
| Image Resolution | 9000 x 7000 Pixels | |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control | |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) |
|
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus |
|
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
| FRONT CAMERA | ||
| Camera Setup | Single | |
| Resolution | 16 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle, Primary Camera | |
| Video Recording | 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
| Capacity | 5000 mAh |
| Type | Li-Polymer |
| Removable | No |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Fast |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
| Internal Memory | 128 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM |
| Network Support | 5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| SIM 2 |
4G Bands:
TD-LTE 2300(band 40)
FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands:
UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz
2G Bands:
GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz
GPRS:
Available
EDGE:
Available
|
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.2 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor Position | On-screen |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
| Sim Type | Dual Sim |
| Dual Sim | Yes |
| Sim Size | Nano+eSIM |
| Device Type | Smartphone |
| Release Date | October 11, 2023 (Expected) |
| Type | Color OLED Screen (16M Colors) |
| Touch | Yes |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 90 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 20:9 |
| PPI | ~ 418 PPI |
| Screen to Body Ratio | ~ 88.93% |
| Notch | Punch Hole |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Storage Type | UFS 3.1 |
| Card Slot | No |
| GPRS | Yes |
| EDGE | Yes |
| 3G | Yes |
| 4G | Yes |
| 5G | Yes |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| Wifi | Yes, with wifi-hotspot |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.3 |
| USB | Yes, USB-C |
| USB Features | USB Tethering, USB on-the-go, USB Charging |
| GPS | Yes |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, In Display |
| Face Unlock | Yes |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Ambient Light, Barometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity Sensor |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | USB Type-C |
| Extra | NFC |
| Rear Camera | 12.2 MP (Main) 12 MP (Ultra Wide) with autofocus |
| Features | Digital Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Touch to focus |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD |
| Flash | Yes, Dual LED |
| Front Camera | Punch Hole 10.1 MP f/2 |
| Front Video Recording | 1080p @ 30 fps FHD |
| OS | Android v13 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 |
| CPU | 3 GHz, Nine-Cores Processor |
| Core Details | 1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4×2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×2.15 GHz Cortex-A510 |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| Java | No |
| Browser | Yes |
| Yes | |
| Music | Yes |
| Video | Yes |
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Document Reader | Yes |
| Type | Non-Removable Battery |
| Size | 4700 mAh, Li-Po Battery |
| Fast Charging | Yes, 67W Fast Charge |
The Google Pixel 8 features a slightly larger display, more durable glass protection, and enhanced camera specifications compared to the more budget-friendly Pixel 8a, which offers solid performance at a lower price point.
The Pixel 8 boasts a 50MP primary camera with a larger sensor and aperture for improved low-light performance, while the Pixel 8a has a higher-resolution 64MP primary camera but with a smaller sensor size.
While the Pixel 8 is priced higher, it offers additional features like faster charging and a better camera system. The Pixel 8a, however, stands out for those seeking a balance between price and high-end smartphone capabilities.
Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a are equipped with robust batteries, but the Pixel 8 includes a slightly larger battery and faster 27W charging, making it a bit more efficient for power users.
The Google Pixel 8a is priced at Rs. 52,999 (MRP) for the 128GB version and the 256GB version costs Rs. 59,999 (MRP).
It is now available to order in India from Flipkart, with sales commencing at 6:30 AM IST on 14th May 2024.
Google Pixel 8a specifications
Our refined A-Series design feels even better in your hands with rounded edges, a matte back and an aluminum frame.
Its durable design can handle slips, spills and dust, making Pixel 8a the most durable A-Series phone yet. Plus, its new Actua display is 40% brighter than Pixel 7a’s, and the faster 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smooth.
There are two new A-series colors: Aloe (a limited-edition color!) and Bay. Or choose from one of our neutral color options: Obsidian or Porcelain.
And for the first time ever, there’s a larger storage capacity option at 256 GB, giving you more space for your favorite content.
Ranked the best smartphone camera in its category, Pixel 8a features a powerful dual rear camera with a 64-megapixel main lens and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens.
It also comes equipped with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera that has a large field-of view to fit even more into your shots.
Thanks to Google Tensor G3, Pixel 8a is packed with AI-powered tools to make the most out of your photos and videos:
Best Take lets you create the group shot you want. Choose what you think is the best expression for everyone in a series of photos.
Magic Editor lets you reposition and resize subjects or use presets to make the background pop — all with just a few taps.
Audio Magic Eraser easily removes distracting sounds in your videos— like wind, crowds and other noises — for crisp and clear audio.
Pixel 8a also includes Super Res Zoom up to 8x and features like Magic Eraser, Night Sight and Photo Unblur. Like every Pixel, Pixel 8a includes Real Tone to accurately represent everyone’s skin tone in photos and videos.
With features built to help you save time, Pixel 8a helps you get more things checked off your to-do list so you can spend more time doing things that matter most to you.
Gemini is coming to Pixel 8a. This built-in AI assistant lets you type, talk and add images for all kinds of help on the go — from brainstorming ideas, writing a thank you note or even planning your next vacation. Once you enable extensions, you can ask Gemini to do tasks like summarize your recent emails or quickly sift through your inbox. Hold the power button to get started with Gemini.
Circle to Search is also on Pixel 8a, so you no longer have to switch apps to find the information you are looking for — saving you time. Just use your finger to circle, scribble or tap on an image, text or video to search for what you’re looking at.
And AI-powered Pixel Call Assist features — like Call Screen, Direct My Call, Hold for Me, Clear Calling and more — are all included on the Pixel 8a too.
Pixel 8a will also introduce Audio Emoji, making your phone calls more expressive and engaging than before. With Audio Emoji, just tap on an emoji to trigger an audio reaction and visual effect.
Try using a hand-clap emoji to applaud a job well done or the laughing emoji after telling your best joke.
Improved setup and controls make it a great phone for families.
Now, it is even easier for parents and guardians to set up a Pixel for their child. With an improved setup right out of the box, parents and guardians can set digital ground rules for the phone.
Once the phone is set up, Family Link lets you manage privacy settings, establish screen time limits and share location.
Next level security
Safety and security are always a top priority. Similar to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, this phone is built with the latest Google Tensor G3 chip, our fastest and most secure chip to date.
It works with the certified Titan M2 security chip and built-in VPN for additional protection so it’s even more resilient against threats.
And Pixel 8a will receive seven years of software support, including security updates and Android OS upgrades. Plus you’ll benefit from all the new features and improvements in ongoing Feature Drops.
Google Pixel 8a is available for pre-ordering on Flipkart.You can visit the website to reserve your device. The phone will go on sale on the morning of May 14.
The Pixel 8a is available in four colour variants – Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain.
There are also two storage variants available – 128GB and 256 GB.
As mentioned already, the price for the 128 GB version is Rs 52,999 while the 256 GB variant costs Rs 59,999.
However, if you pre-order the phone, you can take advantage of various launch offers with selected bank cards which can reduce the starting price of the phone.
There is an instant discount of Rs 4,000 for SBI Credit Card users.
In addition to this, there is also an exchange offer of Rs 9,000 on selected smartphone models. This effectively brings the price of the device down to Rs 39,999.
Additionally, you can also purchase Pixel Buds A-Series for just Rs 999 if you buy the Pixel 8a during the pre-order period.
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The Google Pixel 8a has AI features that promise to enhance users’ experience. The phone comes with many of the same AI features as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The phone comes equipped with Gemini, Google’s built-in AI assistant, which allows users to type, talk, and add images for various tasks.
The AI assistant is also available for users to help them on the go for tasks such as brainstorming ideas, writing a thank you note, or planning a trip.
Circle to Search feature enables users to quickly find information without switching apps. Just use your finger to circle, scribble or tap on an image, text or video to search for what you’re looking at.
Audio Emojis promise to add a fun layer to your conversations. All that you need to do is tap on an emoji to trigger an audio reaction and visual effect in the middle of a phone call.
The person at the other end of the call will also hear the sound that you trigger.
– The camera also has some AI features to help you get the best of your shots.
Best Take lets you create the group shot you want, Magic Editor lets you reposition and resize subjects or use presets to make the background pop, and the Audio Magic Eraser easily removes distracting sounds in your videos.
In addition to this, the phone also includes 3 months of YouTube Premium, 3 months of Google One, and 6 months of Fitbit Premium.
Google says that the Pixel 8a is the “most durable A-Series phone yet”.
The phone comes with a metal frame and a new scratch-resistant Actua display which is made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic.
DP Alt Mode is a feature that allows USB-C ports to transmit DisplayPort signals for video broadcast to external displays.
Mishaal Rahman, a well-known tech expert, verified this feature through specialized testing and demonstrated it via a video on On X.
No, the feature is present at the hardware level but is disabled in the software, requiring users to manually enable it.
It’s unclear whether Google plans to activate this feature in future software updates, but the current discovery raises questions about the initial limitation.
Also Read: Google Pixel 8a Spotted on Geekbench: A Closer Look at Specs, Uncertainties, and Rumours
Also Read: New Google Pixel 8a Leaked Renders Emerge Revealing Fresh Design & Specs
Also Read: Google Pixel 8a Complete Specs Leaked Ahead of Official Unveiling at I/O
Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Series and Android 14 Bring Lossless Audio to the Mainstream
Also Read: Google Pixel 8 Series Found to Support DisplayPort Alternate Mode: What This Means for Users
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