Google Pixel 8a & Google Pixel 6 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel 8a rather than the Google Pixel 6.
Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 8a?
- The Google Pixel 8a has a Tensor G3 processor for faster app launches, improved AI performance, and better power efficiency compared to the Pixel 6’s original Tensor chip.
- Google Pixel 8a features a 120Hz OLED display for smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and better overall fluidity than the Pixel 6’s 90Hz screen.
- It includes a 13MP front camera that captures sharper selfies and supports 4K video recording for clearer video calls, while the Pixel 6 is limited to 1080p with an 8MP sensor.
- The Google Pixel 8a has improved brightness up to 2000 nits that enhances outdoor visibility and makes content easier to view in direct sunlight, unlike the dimmer screen on the Pixel 6.
- Google Pixel 8a includes LPDDR5X RAM that improves memory performance and power efficiency compared to the LPDDR5 RAM in the Pixel 6.
- It supports Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable wireless connections, lower latency with headphones, and better energy efficiency than the Bluetooth 5.2 used in the Pixel 6.
- The Google Pixel 8a supports 7 years of software and security updates that ensure long-term reliability, access to new Android features, and better resale value, compared to the shorter support cycle of the Pixel 6.
- Google Pixel 8a features a lighter and more compact design that makes it easier to hold, more pocket-friendly, and more comfortable for one-handed use than the bulkier Pixel 6.
Maybe the Google Pixel 6 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 8a. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 6 |
| Body Material | Plastic back, aluminum frame | Gorilla Glass Victus back, aluminum frame |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm | 158.6 × 74.8 × 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 188 g | 207 g |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz adaptive | 90 Hz |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 800 nits |
| Display Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor |
| CPU | 9-core | 8-core |
| GPU | Mali-G715 MP7 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5 |
| Front Camera | 13 MP, 4K@30fps video | 8 MP, 1080p@30fps video |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 64 MP | 50 MP |
| Rear Camera (Ultrawide) | 13 MP | 12 MP |
| Video Features | 10-bit HDR video, 4K selfie video | Standard HDR, no 4K selfie video |
| Battery Capacity | 4492 mAh | 4614 mAh |
| Bluetooth | v5.3 | v5.2 |
| OS at Launch | Android 14 | Android 12 |
| Software Support | 7 years OS + security updates | 3 years OS + 5 years security |
| Colors | Bay, Aloe, Obsidian, Porcelain | Kinda Coral, Stormy Black, Sorta Seafoam |
| Haptics | Improved haptics | Standard haptics |
| Price | Check Pixel 8a Price | Check Pixel 6 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Android Experience: Both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 6 run a clean, stock version of Android with exclusive Pixel features like Now Playing, At a Glance, and Live Translate for a consistent, optimized user experience.
- OLED FHD+ Displays: Both phones feature OLED screens with Full HD+ resolution (2400×1080), ensuring vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp text, suitable for media consumption and everyday use.
- Always-On Display & HDR10+: Both models support Always-On Display for at-a-glance notifications and HDR10+ for improved dynamic range in supported content.
- Camera Software Features: They share key Google computational photography tools like Night Sight for low-light shots, Magic Eraser for removing distractions, Super Res Zoom for clearer digital zooming, and Real Tone for accurate skin tone representation.
- Rear Video Capabilities: Each supports up to 4K at 60 fps and slow-motion recording at 1080p up to 240 fps, enabling high-quality video capture for casual or social media use.
- Stereo Sound: Both use stereo speaker setups to deliver a more immersive audio experience for movies, music, or gaming without headphones.
- 5G Support: Both devices are 5G-capable (Sub-6 and mmWave depending on region), ensuring fast mobile data connectivity and future network compatibility.
- USB-C Connectivity: They use USB Type-C for charging and data transfer, although the Pixel 8a supports 3.2 vs the 6’s 3.1, they function similarly for most users.
- Titan M2 Security: Both smartphones include Google’s Titan M2 security chip for on-device data protection, secure transactions, and enhanced user privacy.
- Biometrics & Face Unlock: Both include an under-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock for secure and convenient phone access.
- AI Features: Each includes AI-based features like on-device Live Translate, Call Screen to avoid spam calls, and the Recorder app with real-time transcription.
- No Expandable Storage or Headphone Jack: Neither phone supports a microSD card slot or a 3.5mm audio jack, aligning with modern Google hardware standards.
- eSIM Support: Both support eSIM in addition to physical SIM cards, enhancing flexibility for global or multi-carrier usage.
Common Features
| Feature | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 6 |
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | FHD+ | FHD+ |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| HDR Support | HDR10+ | HDR10+ |
| Main Camera Features | Night Sight, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Super Res Zoom | Night Sight, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Super Res Zoom |
| Rear Camera Video | 4K @ 30/60 fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps | 4K @ 30/60 fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| USB Port | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| Security | Titan M2 Security Chip | Titan M2 Security Chip |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under-display optical | Under-display optical |
| Face Unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Google Assistant | Integrated | Integrated |
| AI Features | On-device Live Translate, Recorder, Call Screen | On-device Live Translate, Recorder, Call Screen |
| No Expandable Storage | Yes | Yes |
| No Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| eSIM Support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Pixel 8a Price | Check Pixel 6 Price |