Google Pixel 8a vs Sony Xperia 1 III

The Google Pixel 8a (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Sony Xperia 1 III (2021) runs on the Snapdragon 888; launch prices were $499 and $1299. By overall MobileRank rating, the Google Pixel 8a leads — 65/100 vs 60/100 (a 5-point difference). Key differences: the Sony Xperia 1 III has the bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4492); the main camera is 64 MP vs 12 MP; the Google Pixel 8a is faster in AnTuTu (1,433,693 vs 1,232,200); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 8a has the stronger camera (136 vs 105).

The Google Pixel 8a edges out the Sony Xperia 1 III by just 5 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.

Profile comparison

Category scores

Google Pixel 8a

Performance 70
Display 82
Camera 70
Battery 39
Portability 57
Value for money 52

Sony Xperia 1 III

Performance 65
Display 90
Camera 46
Battery 42
Portability 65
Value for money 30

What makes Google Pixel 8a better?

  • Higher AnTuTu: 1433693 vs 1232200
  • Better Geekbench Single: 1722 vs 1500
  • Better Geekbench Multi: 4458 vs 3537
  • Better main camera: 64MP vs 12MP
  • Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $1299

  • Higher performance (70/100 vs 65/100)
  • Better camera (70/100 vs 46/100)

What makes Sony Xperia 1 III better?

  • Bigger battery: 4500 vs 4492 mAh
  • Faster charging: 30W vs 18W
  • Faster wireless charging: 11W vs 7W
  • Lighter: 186g vs 188g

  • Longer battery life (42/100 vs 39/100)
  • Better display (90/100 vs 82/100)
  • Better portability (65/100 vs 57/100)

Comparison verdict

Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Sony Xperia 1 III, the Google Pixel 8a scores 5 points higher (65/100 vs 60/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (70/100 vs 46/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8a — 52/100, Sony Xperia 1 III — 30/100; 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, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (70/100 vs 65/100). In the "display" category, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a bit better (90/100 vs 82/100). In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a notably outperforms the Sony Xperia 1 III (70/100 vs 46/100). In the "battery" category, the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (42/100 vs 39/100). In the "portability" category, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a bit better (65/100 vs 57/100).

Google Pixel 8a: The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users.
Sony Xperia 1 III: The Sony Xperia 1 III is a better fit for active users.

Specs comparison

Specification Google Pixel 8a Sony Xperia 1 III
Processor Google Tensor G3 Snapdragon 888
AnTuTu 1433693 1232200
Geekbench Single 1722 1500
Geekbench Multi 4458 3537
Display 6.1" OLED 6.5" OLED
Resolution 2400x1080 1644x3840
Refresh rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Battery 4492 mAh 4500 mAh
Charging 18W 30W
Wireless charging 7W 11W
DXOMark (camera) 136 105
Main camera 64 MP 12 MP
Ultrawide 13 MP 12 MP
Telephoto 0 MP 12 MP
Front camera 13 MP 8 MP
RAM 8GB 12GB
Storage 128GB / 256GB 256GB / 512GB
OS Android 14 Android 11
Brightness (peak) 2000 nits —
NFC yes yes
Protection IP67 IP65/IP68
Dimensions 152.1×72.7×8.9 mm 165.0×71.0×8.2 mm
Weight 188 g 186 g
Launch price $499 $1299

Camera comparison

Google Pixel 8a

  • Main: 64MP f/1.89
  • Ultrawide: 13MP
  • Front: 13MP
70
camera

Sony Xperia 1 III

  • Main: 12MP f/1.7
  • Ultrawide: 12MP
  • Telephoto: 12MP
  • Front: 8MP
46
camera

Display comparison

Google Pixel 8a

  • 6.1" OLED
  • Resolution: 2400x1080
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
82
display

Sony Xperia 1 III

  • 6.5" OLED
  • Resolution: 1644x3840
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
90
display

Battery and charging

Google Pixel 8a

  • 4492 mAh
  • Wired: 18W
  • Wireless: 7W
39
battery

Sony Xperia 1 III

  • 4500 mAh
  • Wired: 30W
  • Wireless: 11W
42
battery

Overall performance score

We compared Google Pixel 8a and Sony Xperia 1 III, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Google Pixel 8a Google Tensor G3
65/100
1433693 AnTuTu
Sony Xperia 1 III Snapdragon 888
60/100 -16.4%
1232200 AnTuTu

Google Pixel 8a leads Sony Xperia 1 III by 16.4% in our overall performance rating.

Benchmarks

Launch prices and where to check today's

Google Pixel 8a

$499

Sony Xperia 1 III

$1299

Launch price difference: $800. Google Pixel 8a was $800 cheaper at launch.

Detailed category analysis

performance

In the "performance" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (70/100 vs 65/100).

display

In the "display" category, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a bit better (90/100 vs 82/100).

camera

In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a notably outperforms the Sony Xperia 1 III (70/100 vs 46/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Sony Xperia 1 III and the Google Pixel 8a are nearly equal (42/100 vs 39/100).

portability

In the "portability" category, the Sony Xperia 1 III is a bit better (65/100 vs 57/100).

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Sony Xperia 1 III?

The Google Pixel 8a edges out the Sony Xperia 1 III by just 5 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.

What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8a and the Sony Xperia 1 III?

The Google Pixel 8a has a MobileRank rating of 65/100, the Sony Xperia 1 III — 60/100.

Which has the better camera: the Google Pixel 8a or the Sony Xperia 1 III?

The Google Pixel 8a leads on camera score (70/100 vs 46/100).

Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8a or the Sony Xperia 1 III?

The Google Pixel 8a leads on performance (70/100 vs 65/100).

Should you choose the Google Pixel 8a over the Sony Xperia 1 III?

The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users. The Sony Xperia 1 III is a better fit for active users.