Google has unveiled its latest smartphone lineup, and budget-minded buyers are excited about the Pixel 8A. But how does this mid-range offering compare to its flagship counterpart, the Pixel 8? Let’s take a deep dive into the specs, features, and design to help you decide which phone is right for you.

Displays: Big and Beautiful on Both

Both the Pixel 8A and Pixel 8 boast large, immersive displays perfect for gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web. The Pixel 8A features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, while the Pixel 8 bumps it up slightly to a 6.2-inch display with the same resolution. Both offer a smooth adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for a responsive and visually pleasing experience.

Performance: Powered by the Same Engine

Under the hood, both phones are equipped with Google’s Tensor G3 processor, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. You won’t experience any lag or sluggishness with either device.

Cameras: A Tale of Two Sensors

The camera is where the two phones start to diverge. The Pixel 8A sports a 64-megapixel main sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera. While megapixels aren’t the only factor in camera quality, the Pixel 8 might have a slight edge in low-light situations thanks to its 50-megapixel main sensor and 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. However, Google’s computational photography prowess is legendary, and both phones are likely to capture stunning images. The Pixel 8 also boasts a higher resolution 10.5-megapixel front-facing camera compared to the Pixel 8A’s 13-megapixel sensor.

Battery Life: All-Day Power on Both

Both Google phones are built to last a full day on a single charge, and even longer with battery-saving features enabled. Google claims over 24 hours of typical use, with the ability to stretch that to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, but the Pixel 8 takes the lead with the ability to wirelessly reverse charge other devices.

Storage and Memory: Options for Everyone

The Pixel 8A and Pixel 8 come with 8GB of RAM, offering plenty of muscle for multitasking and running multiple apps smoothly. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB, allowing you to choose the capacity that best suits your needs.

Build Quality: Glass Backs, Different Grades

The Pixel 8A and Pixel 8 both sport glass backs, but with different levels of protection. The Pixel 8 boasts a more premium feel with its Gorilla Glass Victus build, known for its superior scratch resistance. The Pixel 8A utilizes Gorilla Glass 3, which is still durable but may be more susceptible to scratches.

Software: The Latest and Greatest

Both phones come pre-installed with the latest version of Android 14, ensuring you have access to all the latest features and security updates. Google guarantees 7 years of software and security updates for both devices, keeping your phone protected and up-to-date for years to come.

A Few Perks for the Pixel 8

The Pixel 8 boasts a couple of extra features not found on the Pixel 8A. The Pixel 8 has a slightly larger battery capacity (4575mAh vs 4492mAh) and supports faster wireless charging (up to 18W vs up to 7.5W). Additionally, the Pixel 8 allows for wireless reverse charging, turning your phone into a wireless charging pad for other devices.

The Bottom Line: Value vs Premium

The Pixel 8A is a fantastic option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize value without sacrificing performance. It delivers a powerful processor, a beautiful display, a capable camera system, and long battery life, all at a significantly lower price point than the Pixel 8.

However, if you’re a photography enthusiast who demands the absolute best camera and every possible feature, the Pixel 8 might be worth the extra investment. It offers a slightly better camera system, a more premium build with tougher Gorilla Glass Victus, and a few extra convenience features.