Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 5a to the Pixel 8a?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 5a to the Pixel 8a, 3 years apart.
Yes — the Pixel 8a is a worthwhile upgrade
The Pixel 8a is 3 years newer than the Pixel 5a, and the BeastScore rises from 72.0 to 81.6. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, display rated 26 points higher. Trade-offs to know: battery rated 8 points lower, 188 mah smaller battery.
What you gain with the Pixel 8a
- +Performance rated 8 points higher
- +Camera rated 16 points higher
- +Display rated 26 points higher
- +Smoother display (+60Hz refresh rate)
- +1,550 nits brighter peak display
- +Higher-resolution main camera (+51.8 MP)
- +2 GB more RAM
What you give up
- −Battery rated 8 points lower
- −188 mAh smaller battery
- −0.2" smaller screen
- −5 g heavier
- −Launched $50 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 5a | Pixel 8a | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 72.0 | 81.6 | +9.6 (13%) |
| Performance score | 72 | 80 | +8 (11%) |
| Camera score | 72 | 88 | +16 (22%) |
| Battery score | 78 | 70 | −8 (10%) |
| Display score | 62 | 88 | +26 (42%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,680 mAh | 4,492 mAh | −188 mAh (4%) |
| Wired charging | 18W | 18W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.1" | −0.2" (4%) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | +60Hz (100%) |
| Peak brightness | 450 nits | 2,000 nits | +1,550 nits (344%) |
| Main camera | 12.2 MP | 64 MP | +51.8 MP (425%) |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | +2 GB (33%) |
| Weight | 183 g | 188 g | +5 g (3%) |
| Launch price | $449 | $499 | +$50 (11%) |
Upgrade if…
- Photo quality is a priority for you
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
- Your Pixel 5a is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down
Pixel 5a vs Pixel 8a: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 5a to the Pixel 8a?
Yes — the Pixel 8a is a worthwhile upgrade. The Pixel 8a is 3 years newer than the Pixel 5a, and the BeastScore rises from 72.0 to 81.6. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, display rated 26 points higher. Trade-offs to know: battery rated 8 points lower, 188 mah smaller battery.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 5a and Pixel 8a?
Performance rated 8 points higher: 72 on the Pixel 5a vs 80 on the Pixel 8a.
Does the Pixel 8a have a bigger battery than the Pixel 5a?
The Pixel 8a has a 4,492 mAh battery versus 4,680 mAh on the Pixel 5a (−188 mAh (4%)).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 8a?
Upgrade if: Photo quality is a priority for you; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen; Your Pixel 5a is 3+ years old and its battery has worn down.