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

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.

.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8 ProGoogle Pixel 8a
Build MaterialsGlass front (Victus 2), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
Display TypeLTPO OLEDOLED
Display Size6.7 inches6.1 inches
Display Resolution2992 x 1344 pixels2400 x 1080 pixels
Pixel Density~489 ppi~430 ppi
Refresh Rate1–120 Hz60–120 Hz
Peak Brightness2400 nits2000 nits
Glass ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Corning Gorilla Glass 3
RAM12 GB8 GB
Storage Options128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB128 GB / 256 GB
Rear Camera SetupTripleDual
Telephoto CameraYes, 5x optical zoomNo
LDAF SensorYesNo
Front Camera10.5 MP with autofocus13 MP with fixed focus
Battery Capacity5050 mAh4492 mAh
Wired Charging30W18W
Wireless Charging23W7.5W
Reverse ChargingYesNo
Temperature SensorYesNo
Pro Camera ToolsYesNo
Macro FocusYesNo
Video BoostYesNo
Night Sight VideoYesNo
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
PriceCheck Pixel 8 Pro PriceCheck 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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8 ProGoogle Pixel 8a
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3Google Tensor G3
GPUArm Mali-G715Arm Mali-G715
Operating SystemAndroid 14Android 14
Software Support7 years OS + security updates7 years OS + security updates
Main Camera FeaturesOIS, Super Res Zoom, Real Tone, Magic EraserOIS, Super Res Zoom, Real Tone, Magic Eraser
Camera AI ToolsMagic Editor, Best Take, Photo UnblurMagic Editor, Best Take, Photo Unblur
Front Camera TypeUltrawideUltrawide
SecurityTitan M2 security chipTitan M2 security chip
BiometricsFace Unlock, In-display FingerprintFace Unlock, In-display Fingerprint
Wireless Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.35G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-C
Material FrameAluminum frameAluminum frame
SpeakersStereo speakersStereo speakers
SIM ConfigurationNano SIM + eSIMNano SIM + eSIM
Google FeaturesCall Screen, Now Playing, Recorder, Hold for MeCall 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?
Yes, both the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro are powered by the same Google Tensor G3 chipset, offering comparable performance and AI capabilities.

Do both Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both models support sub-6GHz 5G, giving users access to faster mobile network speeds where available.

Will the Pixel 8a receive the same software updates as the Pixel 8 Pro?
Yes, Google has committed to providing 7 years of Android OS, security, and Feature Drop updates for both phones.

Is the camera performance the same on both models?
No, while both support many of the same AI features, the Pixel 8 Pro has a more advanced triple-lens setup including telephoto and LDAF sensors, giving it a hardware edge.

Do both phones offer Magic Editor and Best Take features?
Yes, both models include Google’s Magic Editor and Best Take for advanced AI photo editing and face correction in group shots.

Can both Pixel 8 Pro and 8a record 4K video?
Yes, both phones support 4K video recording, though the Pixel 8 Pro offers more professional tools like Video Boost and Night Sight Video.

Is the display quality the same on both phones?
No, while both feature OLED displays with up to 120Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 8 Pro has a higher resolution LTPO OLED with peak brightness up to 2400 nits, compared to the 8a’s 2000 nits.

Do both phones have an IP water resistance rating?
Yes, the Pixel 8 Pro is rated IP68 and the Pixel 8a is rated IP67, both offering protection from dust and water splashes.

Do the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro support wireless charging?
Yes, both support wireless charging, though the Pixel 8 Pro supports faster speeds and includes reverse wireless charging.

Is the battery life similar between the two models?
No, the Pixel 8 Pro has a larger 5050 mAh battery compared to the Pixel 8a’s 4492 mAh, offering slightly longer endurance in heavy use.

Do both models have an in-display fingerprint scanner?
Yes, both the Pixel 8a and 8 Pro use an optical fingerprint scanner built into the display for quick unlocking.

Can both phones run Gemini Nano and on-device AI features?
Yes, thanks to the Tensor G3, both phones can run Gemini Nano and access on-device generative AI tools and features.

Do both phones support Face Unlock?
Yes, both Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a offer Face Unlock functionality, although the Pixel 8 Pro may use more advanced sensors for added accuracy.

Are both phones compatible with the same accessories?
Generally, yes, both use USB-C and support Qi wireless chargers, but due to different sizes and dimensions, case compatibility varies.

Leave a Comment