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.
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Apple iPhone 14
Google Pixel 8a
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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: Apple iPhone 14 vs Google Pixel 8a

Apple iPhone 14
Google Pixel 8a
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,511)Best Buy | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Google Tensor G3 |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR4X) | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Actua OLED Display |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range) | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom |
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 | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus |
Battery | 3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 4,492 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | Qi Wireless Charging (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 | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame |
Dimensions | 5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm) | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.07 oz (172 g) | 6.6 oz (188 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock |
Extras | Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser |
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Apple iPhone 14
✓ 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
✓ 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
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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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