Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8A: Which One Should You Choose?

Google’s latest offerings, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A, have hit the market with a bang. Promising a premium smartphone experience without the hefty price tag. Priced at $699 and $499 respectively, these devices cater to the mid-range market. Which aims to provide users with a taste of Google’s cutting-edge technology at a more accessible price point. With new features and improvements over their predecessors. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A are poised to shake up the smartphone landscape.

Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8A: Which One Should You Choose?

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A share a strikingly similar design. Which features rounded corners and a vertical camera layout. However, subtle differences set them apart, such as the Pixel 8’s glass back compared to the Pixel 8A’s matte plastic finish. Despite these differences, both phones feel comfortable in the hand and exude a sense of durability. The Pixel 8A offers a wider range of color choices, including the new Alo Green color, adding a touch of style to its design. These design choices, combined with the phones’ solid build quality, make them both visually appealing and robust in construction.

In this article, we will compare Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A smartphones. We will look at their design, including differences in materials and finishes. We will also compare their display sizes and camera setups. Additionally, we will discuss their performance, software features, and battery life. Finally, we will consider their prices and overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision. This will help you know what device you should get.

Comparisons Between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A

Here, we will compare the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A. Both phones are good and not too expensive, but they have some important differences. Let’s see how they are similar and different:

Design and Build

  • Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A feature a similar design, with rounded corners and a vertical camera layout.
  • The Pixel 8 boasts a glass back, while the Pixel 8A opts for a matte plastic finish. Despite the material difference, both phones feel comfortable in the hand.
  • The Pixel 8A offers a wider range of color choices, including the new Alo Green color, adding a touch of style to its design.

Aesthetics

  • The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A both feature a sleek and modern design, with slim profiles and minimalistic aesthetics.
  • The Pixel 8’s glass back gives it a more premium look and feel, while the Pixel 8A’s matte finish offers a more understated elegance.
  • Both phones are well-built and feel solid in the hand, with no creaks or flexing when pressure is applied.

Colors

The Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 are available in a range of stylish colors, adding a personal touch to your device.

  • The Google Pixel 8A is available in Obsidian (black), Porcelain (cream), Bay (light-blue), and Aloe (green).
  • The Google Pixel 8 is available in Obsidian (black), Hazel (gray-green), and Rose Gold (rose gold).

The Pixel 8A offers a wider range of color choices, including the new Aloe Green color, Porcelain cream, and Bay light-blue, adding a touch of style to its design. In comparison, the Pixel 8’s color options are more subdued, with the classic black, Obsidian black, and Hazel gray-green, along with the elegant Rose Gold rose gold.

Display

  • Both phones feature a 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and responsive user experience.
  • The Pixel 8A’s display is slightly larger at 6.2 inches compared to the Pixel 8’s 6.1 inches. However, the Pixel 8’s thinner bezels give it a more modern and premium look.

Size

  • The Pixel 8A is slightly larger and heavier than the Pixel 8, with dimensions of 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 185 grams, compared to the Pixel 8’s dimensions of 145.9 x 68.7 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 163 grams.
  • Despite the size difference, both phones feel comfortable to hold and use, with well-balanced proportions.

Performance

  • Powered by Google’s Tensor G3 processor, both phones deliver smooth performance and efficient multitasking.
  • The integration of Gemini Nano enhances the AI capabilities of both devices, offering intelligent features and functions.

Camera

  • The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A feature the same camera setup, including a main wide lens and an ultra-wide lens.
  • While the hardware is identical, the Pixel 8’s larger sensor size may result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.

Software Features

  • Both phones run on Android 14 with Tensor G3, providing a clean and intuitive user experience.
  • The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A come with a range of software features, including Circle to search, on-device modes, and security updates.
  • The Pixel 8A ships with Gemini Nano integration out of the box, offering enhanced AI functionality.

Durability

  • The Pixel 8 boasts an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, making it more durable and capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
  • In comparison, the Pixel 8A features an IP67 rating, offering slightly less protection against water and dust.

Battery

  • The Pixel 8A has a slightly smaller battery compared to the Pixel 8, but both phones offer similar battery life, lasting an average of 6 to 7 hours of screen-on time.
  • The Pixel 8 supports faster wired and wireless charging, with up to 27W wired charging and 18W wireless charging. The Pixel 8A supports slower charging speeds.

Price

  • The Pixel 8A is priced at $499, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the Pixel 8, which is priced at $699.
  • Despite the price difference, the Pixel 8 offers additional features and a more premium design, making it the preferred choice for those willing to pay a bit more for a higher-end device. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Pixel 8A is a great alternative, offering similar performance and features at a more affordable price.

Should You Get the Pixel 8 or 8A?

Deciding between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A boils down to what matters most to you. If you care about how your phone looks and feels, you might lean towards the Pixel 8 because it has a nice glass back. But if you’re looking to save some money and still get a good phone, the Pixel 8A could be a better choice.

Think about what you value in a phone. Do you want a bigger screen, a better camera, or a phone that can handle being dropped or getting wet? The Pixel 8A is a bit bigger and heavier than the Pixel 8, so if you prefer a smaller, lighter phone, the Pixel 8 might be more your style. Both phones have good cameras, but the Pixel 8’s camera might be a bit better, especially in low light.

It’s also important to consider what you might have to give up. For example, the Pixel 8A doesn’t have a glass back like the Pixel 8, so it might not feel as fancy. And while both phones have similar features, the Pixel 8A might not be quite as fast or have quite as good a screen as the Pixel 8. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Think about what’s most important to you in a phone and what you’re willing to compromise on. Whether you choose the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8A, you’re getting a solid phone with a lot to offer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A offer excellent value for money, with solid performance and impressive features. The Pixel 8 stands out with its premium design, better camera performance, and faster charging capabilities, making it the preferred choice for those willing to pay a bit more for a higher-end device. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Pixel 8A is a great alternative, offering similar performance and features at a more affordable price.