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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 8a is the smarter buy for most people, thanks to its 7-year software support, which crushes the Pixel 7a's 3 years. Plus, the 8a features a stunning 120Hz display that makes scrolling feel twice as smooth compared to the 90Hz display on the 7a. That means more time for streaming videos or gaming on the go, making it an excellent choice for anyone who values longevity and performance in their mid-range device.
⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 4385 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 6.84 oz
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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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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
Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 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
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; 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
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 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 | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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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.
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.
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 7-year software support crushes the Pixel 7a's 3 years.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want long-lasting software updates, enjoy smooth scrolling with a 120Hz display, or need a durable device with excellent battery life.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you want to save money, prefer a compact design, or take a lot of still photos. (90 Hz refresh, 4385 mAh battery)
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. 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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