Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Which One Should You Buy?
Pixel 8 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 82.0/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.
Pixel 8
Pixel 8a
Pixel 8 wins 3 of 8 categories
Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.
Bigger shape = better phone.
Scores out of 100. How we score
- SpeedTie8080
- CameraTie8888
- VideoNot enough data
- SelfiePixel 8a4060
- BatteryPixel 87870
- DisplayTie8888
- ConnectivityPixel 89588
- SecurityPixel 810086
- ValuePixel 8a6880
- Pixel 8 has the bigger battery4,575 mAh vs 4,492 mAh
- Pixel 8 charges faster27W vs 18W
- Pixel 8a has a sharper main camera64 MP vs 50 MP
- Pixel 8 has the bigger screen6.2" vs 6.1"
- Pixel 8 is lighter187 g vs 188 g
- Pixel 8a launched cheaper$499 vs $699
- Pixel 8a has a sharper selfie camera13 MP vs 10.5 MP
- Pixel 8 has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6E
- Pixel 8 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
Why buy each phone
Swipe ⇄Pixel 8 wins — BeastScore 82.0/100
The Pixel 8 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (4,575 mAh vs 4,492 mAh) and faster charging (27W vs 18W). The Pixel 8a is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (64 MP vs 50 MP).
Reliable all-round performance.
Higher-resolution main camera: 64 MP vs 50 MP · Lower launch price: $499 vs $699
Common questions
Which is better: Pixel 8 or Pixel 8a?
The Pixel 8 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (4,575 mAh vs 4,492 mAh) and faster charging (27W vs 18W). The Pixel 8a is worth a look if you prefer its sharper main camera (64 MP vs 50 MP). BeastScore: Pixel 8 82.0/100, Pixel 8a 81.6/100.
What are the main battery and display differences between Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a?
Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch display and 4575 mAh battery. Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch display and 4492 mAh battery.
How do Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a compare for speed?
Pixel 8 scores 80/100 for performance; Pixel 8a scores 80/100.
Similar Smartphones
Gear for the Pixel 8
All Amazon Finds →Related articles
All articles →
Flagship ShowdownSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold vs. Honor Magic V3 vs. OnePlus Open: The Definitive Flagship Foldable Architecture, Hinge Engineering, Crease-Free Displays, and Camera Benchmark Showdown (2026)
An exhaustive microarchitectural breakdown, hinge mechanism durability, crease analysis, dual-screen multitasking benchmarks, and periscope camera shootout across the 4 premier book-style foldables of 2026.
Read →
Tech NewsPixel 10a Now $599 vs Galaxy A57 & iPhone 17e: Still Worth It?
Google quietly raised the Pixel 10a from $499 to $599 in early October, and Samsung pushed the Galaxy A57 up to $599.99 the same week. That puts three "budget" phones at the same $599 starting price as the iPhone 17e. Here is what changed, how the three compare, and which one makes sense now.
Read →
2026 COMPACT FLAGSHIP BENCHMARKSApple iPhone 16 Pro vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: The Definitive Flagship Compact Smartphone Architecture, 6.3-inch 120Hz LTPO Super Actua & ProMotion Displays, Apple A18 Pro vs. Google Tensor G4 vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Silicon, 5x Periscope Telephoto Optics, 4K120 ProRes Log, On-Device Gemini Nano & Apple Intelligence, and Real-World Battery Showdown (2026)
A comprehensive 2,500+ word engineering analysis, thermal dissipation benchmark, camera sensor breakdown, and battery endurance comparison of the premier 6.2-to-6.3-inch pro smartphones.
Read →