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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
In the battle between the Google Pixel 8a and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro takes the lead thanks to its superior performance and gaming features. With a blazing fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a 165Hz display, it's a powerhouse for gaming enthusiasts. The Google Pixel 8a is the mid-range option here, offering fantastic software support with 7 years of updates and impressive camera capabilities. You'll feel the difference when you're on a long gaming marathon or watching videos for hours on end.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.78"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hz🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5500 mAh
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Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
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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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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8a
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)Winner
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
7.94 oz (225 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
★4.7(63)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.7(63)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 2,500 nits |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | 3x Optical |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 7.94 oz (225 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports |
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Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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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.
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Which one is better?
Grab the Google Pixel 8a if you prioritize software updates and a more compact design - it's lighter at 6.6 oz compared to the ROG Phone's 7.94 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want 7 years of software updates, prefer a lightweight phone at 6.6 oz, or enjoy taking photos with a 64MP camera.
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you need a gaming powerhouse with a 165Hz display, require a long-lasting 5,500mAh battery, or want advanced features like a telephoto lens.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is better if you prioritize first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. 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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