these are the big differences

The Pixel series has a new device: the Pixel 8a offers a lot for a lower price than the Pixel 8, but how is Google saving? You can read the differences here.

The differences between the Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8

Google released the Pixel 8a this week: a top device that saves on areas such as build quality, cameras and battery for a lower suggested retail price. It was released six months later than the Google Pixel 8. That is the regular model of the most recent Pixel series. But which one should you choose: an older top model or the new sub-topper? We list the differences for you below.

1. Price

Because the Google Pixel 8a is a sub-topper, the recommended retail price is a bit lower than the Google Pixel 8. The Google Pixel 8 was released last year with a recommended retail price from 799 euros and the new 8a costs at launch 549 euros, a difference of 250 euros. However, the prices are now closer together, because the Pixel 8 is now available from € 579.

2. Housing and screen

If you place the smartphones next to each other, they look almost the same – except for the rounder corners and narrower camera bar of the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 8 does have a glass back and the 8a has a plastic back.

The Pixel 8a is also a bit smaller, at 6.1 instead of 6.2 inches. The difference is more visible at the front. The Pixel 8a’s screen has much thicker bezels than the Pixel 8.

Despite this, the panels are very similar. These are OLED screens with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, a refresh rate of 120Hz and a resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels. The protection on the Pixel 8’s screen is slightly better than on the Pixel 8a, so keys in your pocket are more likely to leave scratches.

3. Cameras

Sub-toppers such as the Google Pixel 8a usually save a lot on the cameras. The Pixel 8a adopts the same 64 megapixel sensor from its predecessor. That is a higher resolution than the 50 megapixel camera on the Pixel 8, but that sensor lets in more light in dark environments. However, for beautiful snapshots you can’t go wrong with both.

The wide-angle lens on the Pixel 8a has 13 megapixels: one megapixel more than on the 8. A bit better on the new phone, but you won’t see much difference. The selfie cameras also differ with 10.5 megapixels on the Google Pixel 8 and 13 on the Pixel 8a. Here the difference is small and you will notice little improvement in practice.

4. Battery and charging

The last major difference between the Pixel 8a and 8 is in the battery. Not so much the battery size, because with 4492mAh on the 8a and 4575mAh on the 8 they are almost the same. The Pixel 8a mainly saves on charging options.

While the Pixel 8 is fully charged in just over an hour, the Pixel 8a takes almost two hours. The 8 charges at 27 watts, while the Pixel 8a stays at 18 watts. Wireless charging is possible on both phones. The Pixel 8 does this faster with 18 watts, the Pixel 8a supports a maximum of 7.5 watts.

Many similarities

It is striking that the Pixel 8a only differs from its big brother in a number of areas. The devices are generally very similar. They both run on Google’s own Tensor G3 chip. This chip is smooth and can handle artificial intelligence in Android 14 very well.

On the Pixel 8a you get access to the same AI functions as the Pixel 8. This includes Circle to Search, which allows you to search for objects you see in apps by circling them. The software can also remove background from noisy videos.

Android is supported for 7 years on both devices, which means that you will receive security updates and new Android versions on the Pixel 8a until 2031. Since the Pixel 8 came out last year, it will be supported through 2030. Both phones run on 8GB of RAM to run multiple apps and games simultaneously. You can choose from 128GB or 256GB of storage space for all your photos, videos and documents.

Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8: Which One Should You Choose?

The Google Pixel 8a matches its big brother in many areas. You currently save a few bucks by going for the 8a and get a very complete and smooth phone.

Do you pay extra for the Pixel 8? Then you get a phone with higher quality construction materials, a nicer-looking screen, slightly better cameras and you charge faster. As far as we’re concerned, you can’t go wrong with both!

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