Google Pixel 8avsNothing Phone (1)
SETTLEDUpdated September 8, 2026
Google Pixel 8a wins
Verdict
Google Pixel 8a wins 3 of 5 categories — our overall pick
Google Pixel 8a is the overall winner, 3 / 5 — price is its standout. At USD 399, it's also the most affordable of this group.
- Google Pixel 8a takes Performance — led by performance score (950,000 pts).
- Google Pixel 8a takes Display — led by peak brightness (2,000 nits).
- Google Pixel 8a takes Camera — led by camera score (138 pts).
- Nothing Phone (1) takes Battery — led by charging speed (33 W).
- Too close to call between Google Pixel 8a and Nothing Phone (1).
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 faster phone for apps and games — 950,000 pts vs 550,000 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a sharper screen — 430 ppi vs 402 ppi.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a screen you can read in sunlight — 2,000 nits vs 1,200 nits.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want better video quality — 91 pts vs 88 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a better camera — 138 pts vs 121 pts.
Choose Nothing Phone (1) if you want…
- Choose Nothing Phone (1) if you want a bigger screen — 6.55 in vs 6.1 in.
- Choose Nothing Phone (1) if you want sharper selfies — 16 MP vs 13 MP.
- Choose Nothing Phone (1) if you want faster charging — 33 W vs 18 W.
At a glance
- Google Pixel 8a
- Nothing Phone (1)
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Best price now
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 wins the most categories overall. It costs USD 399, the lowest price in this group.
Nothing Phone (1)
Choose Nothing Phone (1) if price matters most. It costs USD 399.
Pros & cons
Google Pixel 8a
- Great camera
- 7 years of updates
- Compact
- Slow charging
- Thick bezels
- Average battery
Nothing Phone (1)
- Unique Glyph design
- Wireless charging
- Clean Android
- Aging chipset
- 33 W charging
- Average battery