Google Pixel 8avsGoogle Pixel 8
TOO CLOSEUpdated September 8, 2026
Your call
Verdict
Too close to call — it comes down to your priorities
Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 8 trade category wins — Google Pixel 8a in Price; Google Pixel 8 in Display. Decide by the category you actually use most, then check the price.
- Too close to call between Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 8.
- Too close to call between Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8a.
- Too close to call between Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 8.
- Google Pixel 8 takes Battery — led by charging speed (27 W).
- Google Pixel 8a takes Price — led by price (399 USD).
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
In plain English
Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want…
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a sharper screen — 430 ppi vs 428 ppi.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want sharper selfies — 13 MP vs 10.5 MP.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a lower price — 399 USD vs 499 USD.
Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want…
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want a bigger screen — 6.2 in vs 6.1 in.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want better video quality — 92 pts vs 91 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want a better camera — 139 pts vs 138 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want longer battery life — 4,575 mAh vs 4,492 mAh.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 if you want faster charging — 27 W vs 18 W.
At a glance
- Google Pixel 8a
- Google Pixel 8
Click a label to jump to that section ↓
Best price now
The cheap alternative
Full record
Every spec, side by side — winners get a check and a proportional bar. Ties share the badge.
Performance score
Approximate benchmark score of the chipset — higher is faster for apps, games and AI.
Chipset
The processor inside — shown for reference, never decides a winner.
RAM
More RAM keeps more apps alive in the background.
Storage
Base onboard storage for photos, apps and media.
Screen size
Diagonal screen size — bigger is better for media, smaller is easier to hold.
Pixel density
Sharpness of the screen — above ~400 ppi looks crisp.
Refresh rate
How smooth scrolling and motion feel. 120 Hz is the modern standard.
Peak brightness
Peak brightness in sunlight — higher stays readable outdoors.
Main camera
Resolution of the primary rear camera — photo quality is judged by the Camera quality score, not megapixels.
Selfie camera
Resolution of the front camera.
Telephoto
A dedicated zoom lens for distant subjects without quality loss.
Video score
Composite video rating — stabilisation, 4K/8K support and colour.
Camera score
Composite camera quality from independent testing — how good the photos actually are.
Battery
Battery capacity — higher generally lasts longer.
Charging speed
Wired charging speed — higher refills faster.
Wireless charging
Whether the phone charges wirelessly.
Price
Typical MSRP in US dollars — lower is better value.
Which one should you buy?
Google Pixel 8a
Choose Google Pixel 8a if price matters most. It costs USD 399, the lowest price in this group.
Google Pixel 8
Choose Google Pixel 8 if display matters most. It costs USD 499.
Pros & cons
Google Pixel 8a
- Great camera
- 7 years of updates
- Compact
- Slow charging
- Thick bezels
- Average battery
Google Pixel 8
- Photo quality
- 120 Hz display
- 7 years of updates
- Tensor G3 throttles
- Average battery
- Slow-ish charging