Google Pixel 8avsGoogle Pixel 8 Pro
SETTLEDUpdated September 8, 2026
Google Pixel 8 Pro wins
Verdict
Google Pixel 8 Pro wins 4 of 5 categories — our overall pick
Google Pixel 8 Pro is the overall winner, 4 / 5 — camera is its standout. It costs USD 799 — USD 400 more than the Google Pixel 8a. Pay the premium if camera is your priority.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro takes Performance — led by ram (12 GB).
- Google Pixel 8 Pro takes Display — led by screen size (6.7 in).
- Google Pixel 8 Pro takes Camera — led by telephoto (Yes).
- Google Pixel 8 Pro takes Battery — led by battery (5,050 mAh).
- 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 sharper selfies — 13 MP vs 10.5 MP.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a lower price — 399 USD vs 799 USD.
Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want…
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want more apps open at once — 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want a bigger screen — 6.7 in vs 6.1 in.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want a sharper screen — 489 ppi vs 430 ppi.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want a screen you can read in sunlight — 2,400 nits vs 2,000 nits.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want true optical zoom — Yes vs No.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want better video quality — 95 pts vs 91 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want a better camera — 144 pts vs 138 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want longer battery life — 5,050 mAh vs 4,492 mAh.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if you want faster charging — 30 W vs 18 W.
At a glance
- Google Pixel 8a
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
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 Pro
Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if camera matters most — it wins the most categories overall. It costs USD 799.
Pros & cons
Google Pixel 8a
- Great camera
- 7 years of updates
- Compact
- Slow charging
- Thick bezels
- Average battery
Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Excellent photos
- 5x telephoto
- 7 years of updates
- Tensor throttles
- 30 W charging
- Average battery