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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Apple iPhone 14 vs Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 8a takes the lead in software support and camera performance, boasting a stunning 64MP dual camera and a remarkable 7 years of updates. Meanwhile, the Apple iPhone 14 offers a reliable experience with its A15 Bionic chip and solid build quality, but it uses an older Lightning port and has less software longevity. The 120Hz display on the Pixel 8a makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth, unlike the iPhone's 60Hz refresh rate. If you're looking for performance and longevity, the Pixel 8a might be worth considering in 2026.

⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 3279 mAh vs 4492 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.07 oz vs 6.63 oz

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Apple iPhone 14

Apple iPhone 14

4.8
(1,511)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
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Google Pixel 8a

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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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 14
6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 14
60 Hz
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 14
Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 14
6 GB (LPDDR4X)
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone 14
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 14
12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 14
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 14
3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 14
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 14
6.07 oz (172 g)Winner
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 14
5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm)
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 14
iOS
Google Pixel 8a
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 14
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); 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.

Comparison: Apple iPhone 14 vs Google Pixel 8a

Apple iPhone 14

Apple iPhone 14

4.8(1,511)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8a

Google Pixel 8a

4.4(1,570)Amazon
Apple iPhone 14

Apple iPhone 14

Rating:4.8(1,511)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
RAM:6 GB (LPDDR4X)
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR)
Main Camera:12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
USB:Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s)
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back
Dimensions:5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm)
Weight:6.07 oz (172 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch

✓ Pros:

  • Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
  • Reliable A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU still performs well
  • Lightweight and compact 6.1-inch design
  • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
  • Autofocus on the front-facing TrueDepth camera

✗ Cons:

  • Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
  • No optical zoom for telephoto (only digital)
  • Not compatible with newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to MagSafe/Qi)
  • Dynamic Island not available (uses the older notch design)

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Google Pixel 8a

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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Which one is better?

The Google Pixel 8a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the iPhone 14's 12MP setup. That said, grab the Apple iPhone 14 if you prefer the iOS ecosystem and value build quality - it's lighter at 6.07 oz compared to 6.6 oz.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you want a lightweight design at 6.07 oz, prefer iOS and its ecosystem, or need reliable performance for everyday tasks.
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want unmatched 7 years of software support, take a lot of photos with 64MP quality, or enjoy a smoother display with 120Hz refresh rate.

Conclusion

Apple iPhone 14 and Google Pixel 8a 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?

Apple iPhone 14 excels if you value affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. Google Pixel 8a is better if you prioritize unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. 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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