The Google Pixel 8 was formally introduced earlier this month. The Pixel 8 features a new Tensor G3 processor, sooner wired charging, a barely improved digicam, and essentially the most spectacular software program replace coverage within the cellular world. In fact, it’s additionally a bit dearer than earlier Pixels. Must you get the brand new Pixel 8 or look ahead to the subsequent finances Pixel? Let’s dive into every little thing we all know in regards to the Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a to see if it’s price spending the additional cash.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Efficiency and specs
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a are anticipated to share loads of the identical DNA, however there are actually some variations. Please take into account that every little thing we all know in regards to the Google Pixel 8a relies on rumors and hypothesis.
The Google Pixel 8 brings a brand new SoC and some different upgrades

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
The Google Pixel 8 shares many similarities with its predecessor, however the brand new Tensor G3 represents a major leap ahead. This new processor boasts next-gen ARM CPU cores, a stronger GPU, and a cutting-edge TPU. Arguably, essentially the most noteworthy amongst these SoC upgrades is the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), which allows specialised machine studying capabilities. This chip is chargeable for among the finest Pixel options, comparable to on-device speech-to-text translation, Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, and superior video and photograph processing.
Turning our consideration to the remainder of the specs, the Pixel 8 includes a 6.2-inch OLED show with a decision of two,400 x 1,080 pixels and a variable refresh price starting from 60 to 120Hz. By way of RAM and storage, you possibly can anticipate 8GB of RAM and a selection between 128GB and 256GB of storage.
Software program assist may also have a serious affect on efficiency, as well timed safety patches and bug fixes could make all of the distinction. To that finish, the Pixel 8 has the most spectacular software program replace coverage within the cellular world. You get seven years of OS updates, safety patches, and have drops.
The Google Pixel 8a ought to have loads of the identical options, however at a decrease value

There’s quite a bit we don’t know in regards to the rumored Pixel 8a, however we are able to anticipate it to function the Tensor G3. You’ll discover the identical fashionable ARM cores, a next-gen TPU, and an improved GPU. Primarily, it is going to be the identical chip because the Pixel 8, however with one doable caveat.
The Tensor G2 within the Pixel 7a was a barely modified “IPOP” variant. Whereas it had the identical inner parts, the exterior casing was cheaply produced and extra liable to overheating. On condition that the Tensor chip already has identified overheating points, this might be a disappointment. The Pixel 7a can be extra prone to throttle sooner below heavy masses in comparison with the Pixel 7 or 7 Professional. It’s very doable that Google might choose to make use of IPO casing on the Pixel 8a’s Tensor SoC as nicely.
The Pixel 8a will doubtless be powered by the Tensor G3.
As for different specs, you possibly can in all probability anticipate the identical 8GB of RAM however with just one storage choice at 128GB. Leaked renders additionally recommend the Pixel 8a may also retain the identical footprint, so it’s cheap to anticipate a 6.1-inch show.
Whereas we are able to’t communicate definitively in regards to the Pixel 8a’s software program replace coverage, we wouldn’t be stunned if it mirrors the identical dedication as its bigger counterparts.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Measurement comparability and design
The Pixel 8 is a smaller cellphone than the Pixel 7, measuring 150.5 x 70.8mm with a thickness of 8.9mm. It adheres to the identical design language that we’ve come to anticipate from the Pixel sequence, except for just a few tiny tweaks. It options Google’s metallic digicam bar on the again, which divides the glass rear panel. Moreover, it retains the identical centered punch gap on the entrance of the show.
Sometimes, Pixel A designs don’t deviate considerably from Google’s principal flagships. If the rumors show correct, this stays largely true for the Pixel 8a as nicely. Probably the most noticeable distinction seems to be the rather more rounded corners in comparison with the Pixel 8. Relating to its dimension, studies recommend that the Pixel 8a is predicted to have dimensions of 152.1 x 72.6mm with a thickness of 8.9mm. This could make it barely bigger than the Pixel 8 however equivalent in dimension to its predecessor.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Digicam

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Whereas the Pixel has constantly featured one of many finest smartphone cameras, its excellence is primarily attributed to its Tensor SoC’s picture and photograph processing capabilities. This isn’t to say that {hardware} enhancements aren’t made; they’re simply comparatively incremental.
The brand new Pixel 8 has an improved 50MP sensor with a barely wider aperture of ƒ/1.68 on the Pixel 8 versus ƒ/1.9 on the Pixel 7. Moreover, it has a 12MP ultrawide lens with a wider area of view, growing from 114 levels on the Pixel 7 to 125.8 levels on the Pixel 8. It additionally features a new 10.5MP entrance digicam, though it’s not anticipated to supply a drastically totally different selfie expertise. The first focus of the brand new sensor is its Class 3 biometrics, which implies that Face Unlock now possesses the identical safety classification as fingerprint scans.
There have been only a few Pixel 8a digicam rumors but. Nonetheless, we are able to make an informed guess on what to anticipate. Whereas the Pixel 5a and 6a had the identical major sensor, the ultrawide digicam did see some adjustments. Google tends to maintain its principal sensors for at the least two generations, so it’s very doubtless the Pixel 8a could have a 64MP principal digicam with a ƒ/1.9 aperture, 1.2μm pixel depth, and a 1/1.31-inch sensor dimension. It’s much less clear if we’ll see any adjustments to the ultrawide lens, although it’s actually a chance. We’ll make sure you replace this publish as we be taught extra.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Battery life and charging

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
The Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery, which is about 5% bigger than the Pixel 7. Much more vital, the Pixel 8 has upgraded its wired charging to 27W, a notable leap from the Pixel’s earlier 20W charging speeds. The wi-fi charging commonplace stays about the identical, with 12W wi-fi charging from generic chargers and 18W with the Pixel Stand. There’s additionally reverse wi-fi charging for powering up equipment like true wi-fi earbuds.
We don’t have any particular Pixel 8a battery particulars simply but, however it’s doable it is going to be a bit bigger than the 7a. Over the previous couple of years, it has slowly elevated battery sizes. Google’s Pixel 6a featured a 4,410mAh battery. whereas the Pixel 7a had a barely bigger 4,385mAh battery. Curiously, this was a bit bigger than the Pixel 7’s 4,355mAh capability. By this logic, it’s doable we might see a battery dimension of round 4,500-4,600mAh. Nonetheless, that’s actually only a guess.
As for charging speeds? It’s exhausting to say if Google will make any enhancements right here. The Pixel 6a and 7a each had wired speeds of 18W, although the latter added 7.5W wi-fi charging to the combo. On the very least, you possibly can anticipate it to cost no slower than this.
How lengthy do I’ve to attend for the Pixel 8a?

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a brand new cellphone, you’ll be ready some time for the Pixel 8a. First, there are studies Google might find yourself shelving the Pixel 8a, opting to attend till 2025 to launch a brand new finances Pixel. The excellent news is there are an increasing number of leaks showing that recommend the Pixel 8a remains to be occurring. If all of it goes in accordance with Google’s regular plan, the Pixel 8a launch date would doubtless be throughout Google I/O in Might of 2024. Meaning it might simply be seven months away.
Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Will there be a worth distinction?
- Pixel 3a and 3a XL: $399 and $479
- Pixel 4a and 4a 5G: $349 and $499
- Pixel 5a: $449
- Pixel 6a: $449
- Pixel 7a: $499
We received’t formally know the Pixel 8a price ticket for fairly some time, however it’s straightforward sufficient to take a position. Trying again at its historical past, the A sequence has by no means value over $500. In reality, it hovered round $449 for 2 years till the Pixel 7a launched a $50 worth reduce. If the Pixel 8a launches subsequent 12 months, it’s going to doubtless follow the identical $499 price ticket because the Pixel 7a.
The Google Pixel 8 grew to become accessible for pre-order on October 4 and can begin transport on October 12. You could find it at a number of totally different main retailers. That is really the costliest Pixel in years, beginning at $699. The Pixel 8 Professional is even larger, beginning at $999. In case you are on a strict finances, you’ll must shell out at the least $200 extra for the Pixel 8.
Must you purchase the Pixel 8 or look ahead to the Pixel 8a?

Ryan Haines / Android Authority
If you happen to completely want a brand new cellphone proper now? If you happen to’re on a decent finances, the Google Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon) might be a superb selection. A good higher transfer can be to choose up the Pixel 7 ($594.99 at Amazon), which could be discovered on sale proper now for below $500. Though the Pixel 8a might deliver the Pixel 8’s spectacular seven-year replace coverage and the newer Tensor G3 SoC, the Pixel 7 may be very doubtless a greater cellphone in almost each different approach.
Don’t thoughts spending a bit extra? The Google Pixel 8 is a superb cellphone and shall be higher than the Pixel 8a in each approach, it’s simply dearer. If you happen to don’t thoughts wanting outdoors of Google’s Pixel sequence, you can additionally take into account choosing up the Galaxy S23 ($799 at Amazon) or you can save much more by going with the Galaxy S23 FE ($599 at Samsung).

Google Pixel 8
Vibrant show • Upgraded face-unlock • Improved digicam
A brilliant show from Google’s 2023 flagship cellphone
The Google Pixel 8 introduces the brand new Actua show, a 6.2-inch panel that is 42% brighter than the Pixel 7. Backed by the totally up to date Tensor G3 chipset, and a brand new 50MP digicam, this guarantees to be one of many extra thrilling Pixel telephones.