![Renders of the Google Pixel 8a and Google Pixel 6a.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/google-pixel-8a-vs-pixel-6a.jpg?fit=720%2C479&p=1)
Ahead of Google I/O 2024, Google revealed the latest entry in the Pixel lineup: the Google Pixel 8a. This budget-friendly Pixel option is packed with plenty of new features, including a new design and colors, the Tensor G3 chip, more storage, and a crop of new AI-powered tools.
- Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: specs
- Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: design, display, durability
- Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: performance, battery life, and charging
- Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: cameras
- Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: software and support
- Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: price and availability
- Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: is it worth upgrading?
But what if you still have a Google Pixel 6a? Are all of these new features worth an upgrade? Let’s examine both phones to help you make an informed decision.
Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: specs
Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 6a | |
Size | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 depth mm (6.0 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 inches) |
Weight | 188 g (6.8 ounces) | 178 grams (6.28 ounces) |
Screen size | 6.1 inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED |
Screen resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels (430 pixels per inch), 120Hz. 2,000 nits peak brightness | 2400 x 1080 pixels (429 pixels per inch), 60Hz, 876 nits peak brightness |
Operating system and updates | Android 14 w/seven years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | Android 12 w/three years of OS updates, five years of security updates. |
Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB |
MicroSD card slot | No | No |
Processor | Google Tensor G3/Titan M2 security coprocessor | Google Tensor G1/Titan M2 security coprocessor |
RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
Camera | 64MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide camera, 13MP front camera | 12.2MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, 8MP front camera |
Video | Up to 4K at 60 frames per second (fps) | Up to 4K at 60 frames per second (fps) |
Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
Fingerprint sensor | Yes, in-display | Yes, in-display |
Water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
Battery | 4,492mAh
18W wired charging 7,5W wireless charging (Qi-certified) |
4,410mAh
18W wired charging No wireless charging |
Colors | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
Price | From $499 | $449 (at release) |
Review | Google Pixel 8a review | Google Pixel 6a review |
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: design, display, durability
Since the Google Pixel 6 series, the Pixel lineup has retained the same overall aesthetic, with a few minor tweaks in design.
Both the
A big difference is the finish of the back exterior. The
The Pixel 8a also offers more color options: Aloe (green), Bay (blue), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (white). The
Both the
However, the Pixel 8a has double the refresh rate at 120Hz compared to the Pixel 6a’s measly 60Hz. This means much smoother scrolling, better animations and transitions, and an overall improved app experience. In our tests with the Pixel 8a, we experienced no lag or stutter in normal use. The Pixel 8a display will also reach up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, which is much better than the Pixel 6a’s maximum of about 876 nits. This higher peak brightness makes the Pixel 8a easier to use outdoors in sunlight.
In terms of durability, both the
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: performance, battery life, and charging
When you’re considering a new
The Pixel 8a uses the newest Google Tensor G3 chip with Google’s Titan M2 security coprocessor, the same one that you’ll also find in the mainline Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The
The
The batteries on the
In fact, Google claims that you should be able to get an average of “24 plus hours” of battery life from a single charge on the Pixel 8a. But in our testing, we found that getting that result really depends on your usage. In our review, we stated that we had about three or four hours of screen time per day with mixed use and typically saw 25% battery remaining by the end of the night. That’s not going to get you the 24-plus-hour claim that Google claims. But if you’re OK with a phone that you’ll have to charge at the end of the day anyway, then the Pixel 8a is fine.
Unfortunately, charging has remained unchanged. The Pixel 8a still only has 18-watt wired charging like the
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: cameras
Google Pixel phones have a solid reputation for taking good photos, but the hardware still matters. And the difference between the
The
Though the
Though the Pixel 8a is not perfect, it still takes very good photos. Colors pop with brightness, there’s a lot of detail, and the resulting photos are consistent. It does not have a telephoto lens, but it can do 2x digital zoom, which isn’t too bad.
The Pixel 8a also has better software tools for helping you get the best photo possible, including Best Take and Magic Editor, which are possible here due to the better performance of the G3 chip. Best Take lets you take multiple group photos and then combine the best faces from each one into a single photo. Magic Editor lets you enhance your photos with various AI-powered filters and effects.
But the
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: software and support
Another important thing to consider when getting a new phone is how long the hardware and software will be supported. After all, not everyone buys a new phone every year, right?
The
The Google Pixel 8a ships with
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: price and availability
Since the Google
The Pixel 8a is available now, starting at $499 for the 128GB version and $559 for the 256GB model. You can also save some money on a Pixel 8a by looking for special trade-in deals and other sales.
Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: is it worth upgrading?
It’s pretty clear that the Pixel 8a is a big upgrade over the
The Pixel 8a has a new design and colors, and the 120Hz refresh rate on the 6.1-inch OLED display provides a much better experience than the 60Hz on the 6a. With a maximum brightness of up to 2,000 nits, the Pixel 8a is also much easier to use outdoors in bright sunlight.
For photography and video, the Pixel 8a will definitely impress with its 64MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide lens, and 13MP selfie camera. This is almost as good as the regular
The Tensor G3 is also much improved over the first two iterations of the chip and even has less tendency to overheat. The slightly larger battery will get you through the day better, and you even have wireless charging. The Google Pixel 8a comes with
The Pixel 8a is easily one of the best value budget handsets this year. If you’re still holding on to your