Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8a – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8aGoogle Pixel 6
Body MaterialPlastic back, aluminum frameGorilla Glass Victus back, aluminum frame
Water/Dust ResistanceIP67IP68
Dimensions152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm158.6 × 74.8 × 8.9 mm
Weight188 g207 g
Display Size6.1 inches6.4 inches
Refresh Rate120 Hz adaptive90 Hz
BrightnessUp to 2000 nitsUp to 800 nits
Display GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3Google Tensor
CPU9-core8-core
GPUMali-G715 MP7Mali-G78 MP20
RAM TypeLPDDR5XLPDDR5
Front Camera13 MP, 4K@30fps video8 MP, 1080p@30fps video
Rear Camera (Main)64 MP50 MP
Rear Camera (Ultrawide)13 MP12 MP
Video Features10-bit HDR video, 4K selfie videoStandard HDR, no 4K selfie video
Battery Capacity4492 mAh4614 mAh
Bluetoothv5.3v5.2
OS at LaunchAndroid 14Android 12
Software Support7 years OS + security updates3 years OS + 5 years security
ColorsBay, Aloe, Obsidian, PorcelainKinda Coral, Stormy Black, Sorta Seafoam
HapticsImproved hapticsStandard haptics
PriceCheck Pixel 8a PriceCheck 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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8aGoogle Pixel 6
Operating SystemAndroidAndroid
Display TypeOLEDOLED
ResolutionFHD+FHD+
Always-On DisplayYesYes
HDR SupportHDR10+HDR10+
Main Camera FeaturesNight Sight, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Super Res ZoomNight Sight, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Super Res Zoom
Rear Camera Video4K @ 30/60 fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps4K @ 30/60 fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps
AudioStereo SpeakersStereo Speakers
5G ConnectivityYesYes
USB PortUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.1
SecurityTitan M2 Security ChipTitan M2 Security Chip
Fingerprint SensorUnder-display opticalUnder-display optical
Face UnlockYesYes
Google AssistantIntegratedIntegrated
AI FeaturesOn-device Live Translate, Recorder, Call ScreenOn-device Live Translate, Recorder, Call Screen
No Expandable StorageYesYes
No Headphone JackYesYes
eSIM SupportYesYes
Price Check Pixel 8a Price Check Pixel 6 Price

FAQ

Is the Google Pixel 8a faster than the Pixel 6?
Yes, the Google Pixel 8a features the newer Tensor G3 chip which delivers better CPU and GPU performance compared to the original Tensor chip in the Pixel 6, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved efficiency.

Does the Pixel 8a have a better display than the Pixel 6?
Yes, the Pixel 8a has a 120Hz OLED display with higher peak brightness, while the Pixel 6 has a 90Hz OLED display, making the 8a smoother for scrolling and more visible under bright light.

Which phone is lighter and more compact?
The Pixel 8a is lighter at 188g and has a smaller 6.1″ screen, making it more compact and easier to hold compared to the heavier and larger 207g Pixel 6 with a 6.4″ screen.

Which phone is better for selfies and video calls?
The Pixel 8a has a 13MP front-facing camera that supports 4K video recording, offering sharper selfies and higher-quality video calls compared to the Pixel 6’s 8MP front camera that’s limited to 1080p.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 6 support 5G including Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands depending on the region and carrier model.

Which phone has better camera performance overall?
The Pixel 8a benefits from updated image processing with Tensor G3 and newer camera hardware, including a 64MP main sensor and 13MP ultrawide, offering more versatile and refined photo results than the Pixel 6.

Do both phones have wireless charging?
Yes, both support wireless charging, but the Pixel 6 has faster 21W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, while the Pixel 8a charges wirelessly at 7.5W and does not include reverse wireless charging.

How long will each phone receive software updates?
The Pixel 8a is promised 7 years of Android OS and security updates, whereas the Pixel 6 was promised 3 years of OS and 5 years of security updates from its 2021 launch, meaning it will stop receiving major updates sooner.

Which phone is more durable against water and dust?
The Pixel 6 has a higher IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, making it more protected than the Pixel 8a’s IP67 rating.

Do both phones have stereo speakers?
Yes, both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 6 come equipped with stereo speakers for balanced sound output when watching videos or playing games.

Is there a difference in charging speed?
Yes, the Pixel 6 supports faster 21W wired charging compared to the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging, resulting in shorter top-up times for the Pixel 6.

Do both phones have under-display fingerprint scanners?
Yes, both devices feature under-display optical fingerprint sensors for biometric authentication.

Is there any difference in the RAM and storage type?
Both phones have 8GB of RAM and use UFS 3.1 storage, but the Pixel 8a uses faster LPDDR5X RAM while the Pixel 6 uses LPDDR5, providing slightly improved memory performance.

Do both phones have the same AI features?
Yes, both include Pixel-exclusive AI features like Call Screening, Recorder with live transcription, Magic Eraser, and Live Translate, although some newer AI features may be better optimized on the Pixel 8a.

Which phone has a more premium design?
The Pixel 6 has a more premium build with a Gorilla Glass Victus back and aluminum frame, while the Pixel 8a uses a plastic back which feels less premium but is lighter and more durable to impact.

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