Pixel 8a vs Phone (3a)
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 2 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The Pixel 8a edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: Pixel 8a 77 · Phone (3a) 75 — 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
The Phone (3a)'s screen is the better one — 6.77-inch amoled, 1080×2392 (fhd+), up to 120hz, 3000 nits peak.
The Pixel 8a's Google Tensor G3 is simply the faster chip.
The Phone (3a) has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).
5,000mAh vs 4,492mAh — the Phone (3a) lasts longer between charges.
Both phones' support windows end around the same time.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Full spec table
| Spec | Pixel 8a | Phone (3a) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $300 | $349 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.77-inch AMOLED, 1080×2392 (FHD+), up to 120Hz, 3000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 4,492 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired, 7.5W wireless | 50W wired, no wireless |
| Rear cameras | 64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 50MP telephoto 2x, 8MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm | 163.52 × 77.50 × 8.35 mm |
| Weight | 188 g | 201 g |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP64 |
| Supported until | May 2031 | Mar 2031 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.