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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
In real-world use, the Pixel's 64MP camera with AI features gives it an edge in photography, especially for those who love taking high-quality shots. . So, what matters most here is how you plan to use these devices daily.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.6"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 7.37 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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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6
(389)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
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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 A35 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.6"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6GB
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Samsung Galaxy A35 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 A35 5G
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (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 Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6(389)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.6(389)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 | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.6" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
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 | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP 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 | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 13MP, f/2.2 |
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 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
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 Victus+ (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 7.37 oz (209 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 (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet |
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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 A35 5G
Rating:★4.6(389)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.6"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front)
Dimensions:6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
- • Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
- • IP67 dust and water resistance rating
- • Premium glass back design (Gorilla Glass Victus+ front)
- • Reliable battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately)
- • Virtual proximity sensor rather than hardware
- • No wireless charging support
- • Slightly thick bezels compared to premium models
- • No 3.5mm headphone jack
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 7 years of software support crushes the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G's 4 years.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want unbeatable software support for the long haul, you prioritize photography with advanced camera features, or you prefer a compact design that fits easily in your hand. (6.1" display, 4492 mAh battery)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you need a larger screen for media consumption, you want longer battery life for all-day use, or you prefer expandable storage for more apps and media. (6.6" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Conclusion
Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
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 A35 5G is better if you prioritize excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). 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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