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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
The Google Pixel 8a is the premium option here, offering 7 years of software support and a stunning 120Hz display. . However, the Pixel 8a’s charging speed is slower at 18W compared to the A15’s 25W, making the Samsung a better pick if you need quick top-ups on the go.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5000 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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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
★4.4
(950)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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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
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
90Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4GB (Common US config)
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
50MP, f/1.8, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5MP, f/2.2
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
7.05 oz (200 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 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 Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
★4.4(950)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.4(950)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 4GB (Common US config) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 90Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 800 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, AF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 5MP, f/2.2 |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4 |
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 10x |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 13MP, f/2.0 |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 25W Super Fast Charging |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 7.05 oz (200 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot |
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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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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Rating:★4.4(950)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:4GB (Common US config)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.0
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back)
Dimensions:6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Weight:7.05 oz (200 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched software support in budget class (4 OS updates)
- • Vibrant Super AMOLED display (rare at this price point)
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- • Includes 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage
- • Solid 50MP main camera performance for the price
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
- • Charging adapter not included in the box
- • Performance can be sluggish with only 4GB RAM (base US model)
- • Thick bezels and outdated U-shaped notch design
- • Video recording limited to 1080p (No 4K support)
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 7 years of software updates crushes the Galaxy A15 5G’s 4 years. That said, grab the A15 if you need a larger screen and don’t mind missing out on top-tier software longevity.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want the latest software for 7 years, you’re into photography with a 64MP camera, or you need a high-refresh-rate display for gaming.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if: you want a budget-friendly phone with a vibrant display, need longer battery life for heavy usage, or prefer expandable storage options. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
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. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is better if you prioritize unmatched software support in budget class (4 os 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.
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