2026 comparison

Updated Jan 7, 2026

|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 7a

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the flagship option, but the Google Pixel 7a holds its ground fiercely. After using both, you'll find that the Pixel's 64MP camera crushes the ROG's 50MP when it comes to photography. Meanwhile, the ROG Phone leads in gaming and display quality, boasting a 6.78" screen with a 165Hz refresh rate. If you're into gaming and need top-tier performance, the ROG is your go-to. However, if photography is your passion and you want to save money, the Pixel 7a is a fantastic option for 2026.

📱 Display: 6.78" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 165 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 5500 mAh vs 4385 mAh

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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

★4.7

(63)•Best Buy

Operating System:Android

Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates

Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)

Graphics:Adreno 750

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Google Pixel 7a

★4.5

(1,343)•Best Buy

Operating System:Android

Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)

Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor

Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7

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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Winner= clear advantage

Spec

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

Google Pixel 7a

Display2 specs

Display SizeKey

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

6.78"Winner

Google Pixel 7a

6.1"

Refresh Rate

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner

Google Pixel 7a

90Hz (Smooth Display)

Performance3 specs

ProcessorKey

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)

Google Pixel 7a

Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor

RAMKey

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)Winner

Google Pixel 7a

8GB LPDDR5

Storage

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)Winner

Google Pixel 7a

128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)

Camera2 specs

Main CameraKey

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0

Google Pixel 7a

64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner

Ultra-Wide Camera

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens

Google Pixel 7a

13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF

Battery2 specs

Battery CapacityKey

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner

Google Pixel 7a

4,385mAh (Typical)

Wireless Charging

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging

Google Pixel 7a

7.5W Qi Wireless Charging

Design2 specs

Weight

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

7.94 oz (225 g)

Google Pixel 7a

6.83 oz (193.5 g)Winner

Dimensions

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)

Google Pixel 7a

6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)

Connectivity1 specs

Connectivity

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC

Google Pixel 7a

5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Expand

Comparison: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 7a

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

★4.7(63)Best Buy

Google Pixel 7a

★4.5(1,343)Best Buy

Criterion	ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro	Google Pixel 7a
Rating	★4.7(63)Best Buy	★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System	Android	Android
Software Support	2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates	3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)	Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics	Adreno 750	Mali-G710 MP7
RAM	16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)	8GB LPDDR5
Storage	512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)	128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size	6.78"	6.1"
Screen Type	Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)	OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution	2400 x 1080 (FHD+)	2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate	1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)	90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness	2,500 nits	1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera	50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0	64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera	13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens	13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera	32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)	No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom	3x Optical	No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom	Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)	Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording	8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+	4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera	32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)	13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery	5,500mAh (Dual-cell)	4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging	65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)	18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging	15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging	7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity	5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC	5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB	Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0	USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability	IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)	IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions	6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)	6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight	7.94 oz (225 g)	6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics	Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock	Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras	AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports	Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
Pros	First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak) Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers	Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
Cons	Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh) Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations	Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro

Rating:★4.7(63)Best Buy

Operating System:Android

Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates

Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)

Graphics:Adreno 750

RAM:16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)

Storage:512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)

Display Size:6.78"

Screen Type:Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)

Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)

Refresh Rate:1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)

Peak Brightness:2,500 nits

Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0

Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens

Telephoto Camera:32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)

Optical Zoom:3x Optical

Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)

Video Recording:8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+

Front Camera:32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)

Battery:5,500mAh (Dual-cell)

Wired Charging:65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)

Wireless Charging:15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging

Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC

USB:Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0

Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)

Dimensions:6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)

Weight:7.94 oz (225 g)

Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock

Extras:AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports

✓ Pros:

• First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
• Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
• Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak)
• Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box
• Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers

✗ Cons:

• Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
• Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
• Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships
• Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler
• No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Price on Amazon→

Google Pixel 7a

Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy

Operating System:Android

Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)

Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor

Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7

RAM:8GB LPDDR5

Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)

Display Size:6.1"

Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR

Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi

Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)

Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)

Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x

Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF

Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom

Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)

Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)

Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps

Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps

Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)

Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)

Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging

Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC

USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2

Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)

Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)

Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)

Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock

Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One

✓ Pros:

• Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
• Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
• 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
• Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
• Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance

✗ Cons:

• Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
• Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
• Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
• Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
• Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Price on Amazon→

Which one is better?

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better buy for most people - its 165Hz display crushes the Google Pixel 7a's 90Hz. That said, grab the Pixel 7a if you prioritize photography – its 64MP camera excels in that department.

Who should buy each?

Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game frequently and want a buttery smooth 165Hz display, you need a larger battery for extended use, or you want advanced cooling features for performance.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you take a lot of photos and value a top-notch camera, you want a compact, lightweight phone, or you're looking for a more budget-friendly option. (6.1" display, 90 Hz refresh)

Conclusion

We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro excels if you value first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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