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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
The Google Pixel 8a is the mid-range option, but its 7-year software support is a game changer. Meanwhile, the Sony Xperia 1 VI, with its unique 85-170mm optical zoom, is designed for serious photography enthusiasts. In my testing, these models cater to very different needs, making your choice crucial. So, what matters most here? Each phone excels in its own way, so let's dive deeper into the specs.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.5"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 6.77 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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Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3
(41)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades 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
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAhWinner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 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
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
+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 Sony Xperia 1 VI
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3(41)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 3 OS upgrades 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 | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
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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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Sony Xperia 1 VI
Rating:★4.3(41)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models*
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Telephoto Camera:12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro
Optical Zoom:3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution)
Video Recording:4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses)
Front Camera:12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:5,000mAh
Wired Charging:30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included*
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort)
Durability:IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.77 oz (192 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
- • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
- • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use
✗ Cons:
- • NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
- • Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
- • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
- • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
- • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is the better buy for most people - its 21x zoom crushes the Pixel 8a's 8x. That said, grab the Pixel 8a if you want unmatched software support and a bright display - it's plenty affordable for its features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want reliable software support for 7 years, you prefer a more compact design, or you need a bright display for outdoor use.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you shoot a lot of photos with optical zoom, you need a battery that lasts 30+ hours, or you want professional-grade camera apps.
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. Sony Xperia 1 VI is better if you prioritize exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom 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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