The Pixel 8a is Google’s newest mid-ranger, whereas the Pixel 8 is its child flagship. Each telephones look comparable and pack virtually the identical specs, however we’ll spotlight the variations beneath so you possibly can higher resolve which one deserves your hard-earned cash.
1 The Pixel 8a Has a Smaller Show With Chunkier Bezels
The Pixel 8a options a greater show than the Pixel 7a. Nevertheless it’s not so good as the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch display, even when the specs sheet suggests in any other case.
The Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch panel has a 120Hz refresh fee, up from the Pixel 7a’s 90Hz panel. Plus, it carries the Actua branding because the Pixel 8, that means it may hit a peak brightness of two,000 nits. Nonetheless, Google’s mid-range Pixel has chunkier bezels, giving it a much less premium look.
With a smaller 6.1-inch display, you’d anticipate the Pixel 8a to be extra compact than its costly sibling. However that is not the case, because the cellphone is taller, wider, and heavier than the Pixel 8. Plus, it makes use of Gorilla Glass 3, whereas the Pixel 8 options Gorilla Glass Victus.
2 The Pixel 8a Has a Plastic Again
The Pixel 8a would possibly look much like the Pixel 8, nevertheless it has an inferior construct high quality. Google’s mid-range Pixel options an aluminum body with a “matte composite again,” which is a elaborate means of claiming plastic with a specialised rubber coating.
The Pixel 8, although, has glass panels on the back and front, giving it a extra premium in-hand really feel. Because it has slimmer bezels, it additionally seems to be much more trendy.
3 The Pixel 8 Has Superior Cameras
You would possibly suppose the Pixel 8a’s 64MP main shooter and 13MP ultrawide are higher than the Pixel 8’s 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide due to their greater decision. However that is not the case.
The Pixel 8 has a much bigger 50MP 1/1.31-inch digicam sensor with a wider f/1.68 aperture, permitting it to seize extra gentle. Plus, the pixels themselves are larger, so they’re extra delicate to gentle. For comparability, the Pixel 8a’s 64MP shooter is bodily smaller at 1/1.73″ and has an f/1.89 aperture.
Google claims the Pixel 8’s 2x zoom pictures present “optical high quality.” That is not the case with the Pixel 8a as a consequence of its smaller sensor. The identical is true for the ultrawide digicam. Whereas the Pixel 8’s 12MP shooter options 1.25μm pixels, the Pixel 8a’s 13MP ultrawide has smaller 1.12μm pixels. The latter’s subject of view can also be narrower at 120 levels vs. the Pixel 8’s 125.8 levels.
Extra importantly, the Pixel 8a’s ultrawide digicam lacks Macro Focus performance, that means you possibly can’t deal with close by topics to click on macro photographs like with the Pixel 8.
Equally, the Pixel 8a has an inferior 13MP entrance digicam with 1.12μm pixels. As compared, the Pixel 8’s 10.5MP f/2.2 selfie shooter will seize higher footage because of a 1.22μm pixel width. From a software program standpoint, there is no distinction, and also you get entry to all AI-powered options like Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, and Finest Take.
As famous in our Pixel 8 assessment, it delivers spectacular digicam efficiency. Whereas the Pixel 8a also needs to seize spectacular footage, it will not be near that of the Pixel 8.
4 The Pixel 8a Has Gradual Charging Speeds
The Pixel 8 and 8a have near-identical battery capacities; the previous packs a 4,575mAh battery, whereas the latter has a 4,492mAh unit. Google even claims the 2 telephones can final over 24 hours, with Excessive Battery Saver pushing the runtime to 72 hours. However there is a large distinction within the charging speeds of the 2 telephones.
The Pixel 8 helps 27W quick wired charging and 18W wi-fi charging with the Pixel Stand (2nd gen). On a Qi charging pad, the cellphone will prime up its battery wirelessly at 12W. As compared, the Pixel 8a costs significantly slower, each wired and wirelessly. Over a USB-C connection, it helps 18W, whereas wi-fi charging limits you to simply 7.5W.
Sadly, neither of the telephones helps the newer Qi2 wi-fi charging commonplace. It is also value noting that you aren’t getting reverse wi-fi charging on the Pixel 8a. This function could be helpful for charging equipment like wi-fi earbuds once you’re out and about.
5 The $200 Value Distinction
For all of the compromises the Pixel 8a makes, it comes with a cheaper price tag to justify them. You may get the mid-range Pixel 8a for $499 on the Google Retailer, with the 256GB variant costing $60 extra at $559. The Pixel 8 prices $699, making it $200 dearer than its mid-range sibling.
That is some huge cash, however the {hardware} variations justify the hole. For the extra cash, you get a cellphone with a much bigger show, higher construct high quality, higher cameras, and sooner charging. All these enhancements add up and are simply noticeable in every day life.
Contemplating the Pixel 8 got here out in 2023, you could discover it at a reduction on Amazon. Google additionally presents engaging presents for the Pixel 8 every now and then. With a very good deal, you possibly can snag the cellphone at a far cheaper price than its MSRP, making it a greater deal than the Pixel 8a.