Summary
On the same day that Google’s I/O developers conference begins, the company has introduced its Pixel 8A, a budget phone that will be available for purchase beginning on May 14 at a price of $500. In comparison to the flagship Pixel 8, which begins at $700, how does this comparatively more affordable device fare?
Pixel 8A vs. Pixel 8
A great deal of similarities exist between this device and its more expensive counterpart, just as they did with earlier Pixel A devices. This includes displays, battery life, and processors that are comparable to one another. There are a few minor distinctions between the cameras, and the Pixel 8A is available in a few different color options with these differences.
Here is a more in-depth look at how the specifications of each device compare to one another.
Comparison of displays: Are they the same size and brightness?
Similar to the display on the standard Pixel 8, the display on the Pixel 8A is approximately the same size. An Actua display measuring 6.1 inches is featured on the former, while the latter’s display measures 6.2 inches. Both displays have a 20:9 aspect ratio. High dynamic range (HDR) displays on both of these phones can reach up to 1,400 nits, while peak brightness can reach up to 2,000 nits.
You can see the time and any notifications on your lock screen without having to wake up your phone thanks to the always-on feature that is included in both displays, which have a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
On the other hand, the Pixel 8 uses the Gorilla Glass Victus cover glass, which is a more recent innovation and is said to be more scratch-resistant than its predecessors. The Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass is used by Corning for the Pixel 8A.
Both in terms of their overall size and their weight, the phones are almost comparable. The Google Pixel 8A has dimensions of 6 inches in height, 2.9 inches in width, and 0.4 inches in depth, and it weighs 6.8 ounces. It measures 5.9 inches in height, 2.8 inches in width, and 0.4 inches in depth, and it weighs 6.6 ounces. The Pixel 8 is also available.
The cameras: Are you seeing double?
The Pixel 8A comes equipped with a quad-pixel wide-angle camera that has a resolution of 64 megapixels, an aperture of 1.89, and a maximum zoom of 8 times Super Res Zoom. Another option is an ultrawide camera that has a resolution of 13 megapixels and features a 2.2 aperture as well as lens correction.
In contrast, the Pixel 8 comes equipped with an Octa PD wide camera that has a resolution of 50 megapixels, an aperture of 1.68, and the same 8x Super Res Zoom mechanism. A 2.2 aperture and lens correction are also included in the accompanying ultrawide camera that has a resolution of 12 megapixels.
It is essential to keep in mind, however, that the resolution of a phone camera is not the only factor that holds significance. In her comparison of the Pixel 7A and the Pixel 7, which took place a year ago, Lisa Eadicicco of CNET made the observation that the Pixel 7’s camera sensor is bigger and more sensitive to light than the Pixel 7A’s, despite the latter’s lower resolution. This is a significant factor in deciding the quality of their images. There is no way for us to truly know how the camera on the Pixel 8A compares to the camera on the Pixel 8 until we have had the opportunity to test both of them side by side.
Both of these phones come equipped with wide-angle cameras that are equipped with optical and electronic image stabilization.
There is a difference in the front camera resolution between the Pixel 8 and the 8A, with the Pixel 8 having 10.5 megapixels. In addition, both have a fixed focus and an aperture of 2.2.
Many of the camera features that are available on the Pixel 8A and the standard Pixel 8 are identical. These features include Magic Editor, Best Take, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Real Tone, and Portrait Mode.
The 8A’s rear camera is capable of recording video in either 4k or 1080p resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second, depending on the configuration. Both 4k and 1080p video can be captured by the front-facing camera at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The video specifications of the Pixel 8 are identical to those of the Pixel 7, with the addition of the capability to record at a frame rate of 24 frames per second on both the rear and front cameras.
Both phones are equipped with an Audio Magic Eraser that may eliminate any distracting backdrops that may be present in videos.
The Pixel 8A versus the Pixel 8?
| Google Pixel 8A | Google Pixel 8 | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels, 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.2-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 430 PPI | 428 PPI |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 in. | 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 188 g (6.8 oz.) | 187 g (6.6 oz.) |
| Mobile software (at launch) | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 64-megapixel (main), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (main), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| Front-facing camera | 13-megapixel | 10.5-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K at 30/60 FPS | 4K at 24/30/60 FPS |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM/storage | 8GB + 128GB or 256GB | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None |
| Battery | 4,492 mAh (18W fast charging, 7.5W wireless charging) | 4,575 mAh (27W fast charging, 18W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand, 12W wireless charging Qi chargers) |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under-display | Under-display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None |
| Special features | 5G (5G sub6 / mmWave), IP67 rating, VPN by Google One, Circle to Search, 7 years Android OS updates, 7 years security updates, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser | 5G (Sub 6 / mmWave); IP68 rating; VPN by Google One; 7 years of Android OS updates, 7 years of security updates; Best Take; Audio Magic Eraser; Magic Editor, 2x “optical quality” zoom; macro focus, Battery Share |
How about batteries that last all day?
Google claims that both the Pixel 8A and the Pixel 8 feature batteries that have a capacity to endure for more than twenty-four hours. The manufacturer claims that the phones can last for up to three days when equipped with Extreme Battery Saver. The flagship Pixel 8 offers the benefit of enabling users to wirelessly charge additional devices, in addition to receiving support for fast charging and wireless charging. However, this is one of the few features that differentiates the more affordable Pixel 8A from the more expensive Pixel 8.
In comparison, the 8 has a regular battery capacity of 4,575 mAh, while the 8A has a usual battery capacity of 4,492 mAh.
What about storage and memory?
There is a choice between 128GB and 256GB of storage space, and both phones are equipped with 8GB of random access memory (RAM).
Are there processors, SIM cards, and ports?
A Google Tensor G3 processor and a Titan M2 security coprocessor are both utilized by both the Pixel 8A and the Pixel 8. A dual SIM, which consists of a Single Nano SIM in addition to an eSIM, is also included in both of these devices. Additionally, a USB-C connector is included on each one.
Access control and operating system updates?
It is possible to access your phone by using a pattern, a personal identification number (PIN), or a password, and both of these phones come equipped with a fingerprint sensor that is located under the screen and a face unlock feature. Seven years’ worth of operating system and security updates are included with each of them.
Just a hint of color here and there
The Pixel 8A is available in a variety of colors, including obsidian (black), porcelain (off-white), bay (blue), and aloe (light green).
Obsidian (a dark black color), hazel (a gray color), rose (a pink color), and mint (a light bluish green color) are the colors that are available for the Pixel 8.
