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; launch prices were $699 and $499. By overall MobileRank rating, the Google Pixel 8 leads — 68/100 vs 65/100 (a 3-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).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8a
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 (44/100 vs 39/100)
What makes Google Pixel 8a better?
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $699
- Overall rating 65/100
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 8 vs the Google Pixel 8a, the Google Pixel 8 scores 3 points higher (68/100 vs 65/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8 — 50/100, Google Pixel 8a — 52/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 70/100. In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 82/100. 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 (44/100 vs 39/100). In the "portability" category, both devices are on the same level — 57/100.
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 | |
| Launch price | $699 | $499 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 10MP
Google Pixel 8a
- Main: 64MP f/1.89
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 13MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 8
- 6.2" OLED
- Resolution: 1080x2400
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Google Pixel 8a
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 8
- 4575 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 18W
Google Pixel 8a
- 4492 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- Wireless: 7W
Overall performance score
We compared Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8a, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Google Pixel 8 leads Google Pixel 8a by 0.7% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Google Pixel 8a was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, both devices are on the same level — 70/100.
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 82/100.
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 (44/100 vs 39/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, both devices are on the same level — 57/100.
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 3 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 68/100, the Google Pixel 8a — 65/100.
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 active users. The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users.