Google Pixel 6 vs Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 6 (2021) runs on the Google Tensor, while the Google Pixel 8a (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G3; launch prices were $599 and $499. By overall MobileRank rating, the Google Pixel 8a leads — 65/100 vs 59/100 (a 6-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 6 has the bigger battery (4614 mAh vs 4492); the main camera is 50 MP vs 64 MP; the Google Pixel 8a is faster in AnTuTu (1,433,693 vs 1,027,182); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 8a has the stronger camera (136 vs 126); the Google Pixel 8a is noticeably lighter (188g vs 207g).

The Google Pixel 8a edges out the Google Pixel 6 by just 6 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 6
Performance 62
Display 69
Camera 62
Battery 44
Portability 45
Value for money 30
Google Pixel 8a
Performance 70
Display 82
Camera 70
Battery 39
Portability 57
Value for money 56
What makes Google Pixel 6 better?
  • Bigger battery: 4614 vs 4492 mAh
  • Faster charging: 21W vs 18W
  • Faster wireless charging: 21W vs 7W

  • Longer battery life (44/100 vs 39/100)
What makes Google Pixel 8a better?
  • Higher AnTuTu: 1433693 vs 1027182
  • Better Geekbench Single: 1722 vs 1477
  • Better Geekbench Multi: 4458 vs 3595
  • Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
  • Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 90Hz
  • Lighter: 188g vs 207g
  • Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $599

  • Higher performance (70/100 vs 62/100)
  • Better camera (70/100 vs 62/100)
  • Better display (82/100 vs 69/100)
  • Better portability (57/100 vs 45/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Google Pixel 6 vs the Google Pixel 8a, the Google Pixel 8a scores 6 points higher (65/100 vs 59/100). Value score: Google Pixel 6 — 30/100, Google Pixel 8a — 56/100; it is biased by price level, so it should not be compared directly between devices at different prices. In the "performance" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (70/100 vs 62/100). In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (82/100 vs 69/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (70/100 vs 62/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 6 is a bit better (44/100 vs 39/100). In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (57/100 vs 45/100).

Google Pixel 6: The Google Pixel 6 is a better fit for active users.
Google Pixel 8a: The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users.
Specs comparison
Specification Google Pixel 6 Google Pixel 8a
Processor Google Tensor Google Tensor G3
AnTuTu 1027182 1433693
Geekbench Single 1477 1722
Geekbench Multi 3595 4458
Display 6.4" OLED 6.1" OLED
Resolution 2400x1080 2400x1080
Refresh rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Battery 4614 mAh 4492 mAh
Charging 21W 18W
Wireless charging 21W 7W
DXOMark (camera) 126 136
Main camera 50 MP 64 MP
Ultrawide 12 MP 13 MP
Front camera 8 MP 13 MP
RAM 8GB 8GB
Storage 128GB / 256GB 128GB / 256GB
OS Android 12 Android 14
Brightness (peak) 2000 nits
NFC yes yes
Protection IP68 IP67
Dimensions 158.6×74.8×8.9 mm 152.1×72.7×8.9 mm
Weight 207 g 188 g
Launch price $599 $499
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 6
  • Main: 50MP f/1.85
  • Ultrawide: 12MP
  • Front: 8MP
62
camera
Google Pixel 8a
  • Main: 64MP f/f/1.89
  • Ultrawide: 13MP
  • Front: 13MP
70
camera
Display comparison
Google Pixel 6
  • 6.4" OLED
  • Resolution: 2400x1080
  • Refresh rate: 90 Hz
69
display
Google Pixel 8a
  • 6.1" OLED
  • Resolution: 2400x1080
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
82
display
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 6
  • 4614 mAh
  • Wired: 21W
  • Wireless: 21W
44
battery
Google Pixel 8a
  • 4492 mAh
  • Wired: 18W
  • Wireless: 7W
39
battery
Overall performance score

We compared Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 8a, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Google Pixel 6 Google Tensor
59/100
1027182 AnTuTu
Google Pixel 8a Google Tensor G3
65/100 +28.4%
1433693 AnTuTu

Google Pixel 8a leads Google Pixel 6 by 28.4% in our overall performance rating.

Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Google Pixel 6
$599
Google Pixel 8a
$499

Launch price difference: $100. Google Pixel 8a was $100 cheaper at launch.

Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (70/100 vs 62/100).

display

In the "display" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (82/100 vs 69/100).

camera

In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (70/100 vs 62/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 6 is a bit better (44/100 vs 39/100).

portability

In the "portability" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (57/100 vs 45/100).

Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 6 or the Google Pixel 8a?

The Google Pixel 8a edges out the Google Pixel 6 by just 6 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.

What is the rating of the Google Pixel 6 and the Google Pixel 8a?

The Google Pixel 6 has a MobileRank rating of 59/100, the Google Pixel 8a — 65/100.

Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 6 or the Google Pixel 8a?

The Google Pixel 8a leads on camera score (70/100 vs 62/100).

Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 6 or the Google Pixel 8a?

The Google Pixel 8a leads on performance (70/100 vs 62/100).

Should you choose the Google Pixel 6 over the Google Pixel 8a?

The Google Pixel 6 is a better fit for active users. The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users.