Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 7a to the Pixel 8a?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 7a to the Pixel 8a, 1 year apart.
Yes — the Pixel 8a is a worthwhile upgrade
The Pixel 8a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 7a, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 81.6. The biggest improvements: display rated 14 points higher, 107 mah bigger battery, 11w faster wireless charging.
What you gain with the Pixel 8a
- +Display rated 14 points higher
- +107 mAh bigger battery
- +11W faster wireless charging
- +Smoother display (+30Hz refresh rate)
- +1,000 nits brighter peak display
- +5.5 g lighter
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 78.8 | 81.6 | +2.8 (4%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 80 | No real change |
| Camera score | 88 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery score | 70 | 70 | No real change |
| Display score | 74 | 88 | +14 (19%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,385 mAh | 4,492 mAh | +107 mAh |
| Wired charging | 18W | 18W | No real change |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 18W | +11W (157%) |
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.1" | No real change |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | +30Hz (33%) |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 2,000 nits | +1,000 nits (100%) |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 64 MP | No real change |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 193.5 g | 188 g | −5.5 g (3%) |
| Launch price | $499 | $499 | No real change |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Pixel 7a vs Pixel 8a: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 7a to the Pixel 8a?
Yes — the Pixel 8a is a worthwhile upgrade. The Pixel 8a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 7a, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 81.6. The biggest improvements: display rated 14 points higher, 107 mah bigger battery, 11w faster wireless charging.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a?
Display rated 14 points higher: 74 on the Pixel 7a vs 88 on the Pixel 8a.
Does the Pixel 8a have a bigger battery than the Pixel 7a?
The Pixel 8a has a 4,492 mAh battery versus 4,385 mAh on the Pixel 7a (+107 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 8a?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.