Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 8 (2023) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Google Pixel 8a (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G3; estimated prices are $699 and $499. By overall MobileRank rating, the Google Pixel 8 leads — 50/100 vs 48/100 (a 2-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 8 has the bigger battery (4575 mAh vs 4492); the main camera is 50 MP vs 64 MP; the Google Pixel 8 is faster in AnTuTu (1,443,431 vs 1,433,693); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 8 has the stronger camera (148 vs 136).

The Google Pixel 8 edges out the Google Pixel 8a by just 2 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8
Performance 21
Display 100
Camera 79
Battery 31
Design 66
Value for money 62
Google Pixel 8a
Performance 21
Display 100
Camera 70
Battery 25
Design 65
Value for money 75
What makes Google Pixel 8 better?
  • Higher AnTuTu: 1443431 vs 1433693
  • Bigger battery: 4575 vs 4492 mAh
  • Faster charging: 27W vs 18W
  • Faster wireless charging: 18W vs 7W
  • Lighter: 187g vs 188g

  • Better camera (79/100 vs 70/100)
  • Longer battery life (31/100 vs 25/100)
  • Better design/ergonomics (66/100 vs 65/100)
What makes Google Pixel 8a better?
  • Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
  • Cheaper: $499 vs $699

  • Better value for money (75/100 vs 62/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Google Pixel 8 vs the Google Pixel 8a, the Google Pixel 8 scores 2 points higher (50/100 vs 48/100). In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (75/100 vs 62/100). In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 21/100. In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (79/100 vs 70/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (31/100 vs 25/100). In the "design" category, the Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (66/100 vs 65/100). In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (75/100 vs 62/100).

Google Pixel 8: The Google Pixel 8 is a better fit for everyday use.
Google Pixel 8a: The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers.
Specs comparison
Specification Google Pixel 8 Google Pixel 8a
Processor Google Tensor G3 Google Tensor G3
AnTuTu 1443431 1433693
Geekbench Single 1722 1722
Geekbench Multi 4458 4458
Display 6.2" OLED 6.1" OLED
Resolution 1080x2400 2400x1080
Refresh rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Battery 4575 mAh 4492 mAh
Charging 27W 18W
Wireless charging 18W 7W
DXOMark (camera) 148 136
Main camera 50 MP 64 MP
Ultrawide 12 MP 13 MP
Front camera 10 MP 13 MP
RAM 8GB 8GB
Storage 128GB / 256GB 128GB / 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 14
Brightness (peak) 2000 nits 2000 nits
NFC yes yes
Protection IP68 IP67
Dimensions 150.5×70.8×8.9 mm 152.1×72.7×8.9 mm
Weight 187 g 188 g
Price $699 $499
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8
  • Main: 50MP f/f/1.7
  • Ultrawide: 12MP
  • Front: 10MP
79
camera
Google Pixel 8a
  • Main: 64MP f/f/1.89
  • Ultrawide: 13MP
  • Front: 13MP
70
camera
Display comparison
Google Pixel 8
  • 6.2" OLED
  • Resolution: 1080x2400
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
100
display
Google Pixel 8a
  • 6.1" OLED
  • Resolution: 2400x1080
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
100
display
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 8
  • 4575 mAh
  • Wired: 27W
  • Wireless: 18W
31
battery
Google Pixel 8a
  • 4492 mAh
  • Wired: 18W
  • Wireless: 7W
25
battery
Overall performance score

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

Google Pixel 8 Google Tensor G3
50/100
1443431 AnTuTu
Google Pixel 8a Google Tensor G3
48/100 -0.7%
1433693 AnTuTu

Google Pixel 8 leads Google Pixel 8a by 0.7% in our overall performance rating.

Benchmarks
Price and availability
Google Pixel 8
$699
Google Pixel 8a
$499

Price difference: $200. Google Pixel 8a is cheaper by $200.

Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 21/100.

display

In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.

camera

In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (79/100 vs 70/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8 is a bit better (31/100 vs 25/100).

design

In the "design" category, the Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (66/100 vs 65/100).

value for money

In the "value for money" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (75/100 vs 62/100).

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

The Google Pixel 8 edges out the Google Pixel 8a by just 2 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.

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

The Google Pixel 8 has a MobileRank rating of 50/100, the Google Pixel 8a — 48/100.

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

The Google Pixel 8 leads on camera score (79/100 vs 70/100).

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

The Google Pixel 8 is a better fit for everyday use. The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers.