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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 8
Get the Google Pixel 8 unless you need to save money. While the Pixel 8a gives you 7 years of updates, the flagship Pixel 8 packs in premium specs that elevate your experience significantly.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.2"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 4575 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 6.60 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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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 8
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 8
6.2"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Performance2 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)Winner
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 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
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.2" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) |
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) | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 4,575mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) |
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 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
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 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) |
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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 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Grab the Pixel 8a if you want to save money - it's a no-brainer if you're on a budget.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want 7 years of software updates, you prefer a slightly smaller phone, or you want a bright display without breaking the bank.
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you need faster charging, you value a longer-lasting battery, or you want the best overall performance. (6.2" display, 4575 mAh battery)
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?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. Google Pixel 8 is better if you prioritize unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
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