Google Pixel 8 Pro & Google Pixel 8a 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 8 Pro rather than the Pixel 8a.
Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 8 Pro?
- The Pixel 8 Pro has a powerful triple-lens camera system with a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto lens for superior zoom, wide-angle shots, and pro-level detail, compared to the Pixel 8a’s dual-lens system without optical zoom.
- Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7″ LTPO OLED display with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh and 2400 nits peak brightness for ultra-smooth scrolling and better outdoor visibility, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 6.1″ OLED with 60–120Hz and 2000 nits.
- It supports advanced Pro camera tools like Video Boost, Pro controls, macro focus, and Night Sight Video for professional-grade photography and video flexibility, while the Pixel 8a lacks these features.
- The Pixel 8 Pro offers 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage for faster multitasking, more app caching, and higher storage capacity, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 8GB RAM and 256GB storage limit.
- Pixel 8 Pro includes a larger 5050mAh battery with 30W wired, 23W wireless, and reverse wireless charging for faster power top-ups and device charging, compared to the Pixel 8a’s smaller 4492mAh battery with 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging.
- It has a 10.5MP front-facing camera with autofocus for sharper selfies and video calls, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 13MP fixed-focus camera that can lack sharpness at varying distances.
- The Pixel 8 Pro is built with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and rated IP68 for better scratch, drop, and water resistance, compared to the Pixel 8a’s Gorilla Glass 3 and IP67 protection.
- Pixel 8 Pro includes a unique rear-mounted temperature sensor for surface heat measurement and future health-related use cases, which is not present in the Pixel 8a.
Maybe the Google Pixel 8a price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 8 Pro. 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 8 Pro | Google Pixel 8a |
| Build Materials | Glass front (Victus 2), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED | OLED |
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Resolution | 2992 x 1344 pixels | 2400 x 1080 pixels |
| Pixel Density | ~489 ppi | ~430 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 1–120 Hz | 60–120 Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 2400 nits | 2000 nits |
| Glass Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage Options | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Rear Camera Setup | Triple | Dual |
| Telephoto Camera | Yes, 5x optical zoom | No |
| LDAF Sensor | Yes | No |
| Front Camera | 10.5 MP with autofocus | 13 MP with fixed focus |
| Battery Capacity | 5050 mAh | 4492 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 30W | 18W |
| Wireless Charging | 23W | 7.5W |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Pro Camera Tools | Yes | No |
| Macro Focus | Yes | No |
| Video Boost | Yes | No |
| Night Sight Video | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Price | Check Pixel 8 Pro Price | Check Pixel 8a Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Google Tensor G3 Chipset: Both phones are powered by the same Google-designed Tensor G3 chip, delivering flagship-level AI processing, fast performance, and efficient power management across photography, speech recognition, and multitasking.
- Arm Mali-G715 GPU: Each device features the same GPU for consistent gaming and graphics performance, ensuring smooth visual output across both models.
- Android 14 with Long-Term Support: The Pixel 8 Pro and 8a ship with Android 14 and are guaranteed 7 years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term value and support through Android 21.
- Shared AI-Powered Camera Features: Features like Magic Eraser, Super Res Zoom, Real Tone, Best Take, and Photo Unblur are present on both devices, giving users powerful editing and photography tools regardless of model.
- Titan M2 Security Chip: Both devices include Google’s Titan M2 chip, which provides hardware-level security, enhanced encryption, and verified boot for safeguarding your personal data.
- Biometric Options: Face Unlock and optical in-display fingerprint scanners are available on both phones, offering convenient and secure access methods.
- Connectivity Standards: Wi-Fi 6E, 5G support, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure fast and reliable connectivity across both Pixel models.
- USB-C Charging Port (3.2 Gen 2): Both phones use USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, which supports faster data transfer speeds than older USB standards.
- Build Materials – Frame: While the back panels differ, both models feature an aluminum frame, contributing to their structural durability.
- Stereo Speakers: Both phones deliver stereo sound, enhancing audio experience for media consumption and calls.
- SIM & eSIM Support: Both phones support dual SIM functionality using one physical Nano SIM and one eSIM.
- Google Smart Features: Exclusive features like Call Screen (Google Assistant handles unknown calls), Now Playing (ambient music ID), Recorder (live transcription), and Hold for Me (Google waits on hold for you) are supported on both devices.
Common Features
| Feature | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Google Pixel 8a |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G715 | Arm Mali-G715 |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Software Support | 7 years OS + security updates | 7 years OS + security updates |
| Main Camera Features | OIS, Super Res Zoom, Real Tone, Magic Eraser | OIS, Super Res Zoom, Real Tone, Magic Eraser |
| Camera AI Tools | Magic Editor, Best Take, Photo Unblur | Magic Editor, Best Take, Photo Unblur |
| Front Camera Type | Ultrawide | Ultrawide |
| Security | Titan M2 security chip | Titan M2 security chip |
| Biometrics | Face Unlock, In-display Fingerprint | Face Unlock, In-display Fingerprint |
| Wireless Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Material Frame | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| SIM Configuration | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + eSIM |
| Google Features | Call Screen, Now Playing, Recorder, Hold for Me | Call Screen, Now Playing, Recorder, Hold for Me |
| Price | Check Pixel 8 Pro Price | Check Pixel 8a Price |
FAQ
Does the Pixel 8a have the same processor as the Pixel 8 Pro? Do both Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro support 5G connectivity? Will the Pixel 8a receive the same software updates as the Pixel 8 Pro? Is the camera performance the same on both models? Do both phones offer Magic Editor and Best Take features? Can both Pixel 8 Pro and 8a record 4K video? Is the display quality the same on both phones? Do both phones have an IP water resistance rating? Do the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro support wireless charging? Is the battery life similar between the two models? Do both models have an in-display fingerprint scanner? Can both phones run Gemini Nano and on-device AI features? Do both phones support Face Unlock? Are both phones compatible with the same accessories? |