Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 3 points overall, so it depends on you: keep phones for years → Pixel 8a (supported until May 2031); want maximum speed → Pixel 8 (Google Tensor G3).
Value Score: Pixel 8 74 · Pixel 8a 77 — methodology
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
Performance is a wash — same chip tier.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.
The Pixel 8a is supported until May 2031 — 7 months longer than the Pixel 8.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Full spec table
| Spec | Pixel 8 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $320 | $300 |
| Display | 6.2-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.1-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 4,575 mAh | 4,492 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired, 18W wireless | 18W wired, 7.5W wireless |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | 152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 187 g | 188 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Supported until | Oct 2030 | May 2031 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.