Pixel 8a vs 12 4G

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Google Pixel 8a

Lifespan decides this one: the Pixel 8a is supported until May 2031 at $5.10 per month of safe use, while the 12 4G runs out in Jul 2028 ($7.16/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Pixel 8a 77 · 12 4G 63 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Google Pixel 8a $300

Safe to buy$5.10/mo

2024◆ Buy-by May 20292031

Realme 12 4G $175

Buy with care$7.16/mo

2024◆ Buy-by Jul 20262028

Category by category

Display

Pixel 8a 7012 4G 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance

Pixel 8a 7012 4G 36

The Pixel 8a's Google Tensor G3 is simply the faster chip.

Camera

Pixel 8a 6712 4G 55

The Pixel 8a has the stronger camera system (2 real rear lenses vs 1).

Battery

Pixel 8a 7012 4G 80

5,000mAh vs 4,492mAh — the 12 4G lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

Pixel 8a 7012 4G 29

The Pixel 8a is supported until May 2031 — 34 months longer than the 12 4G.

Value

Pixel 8a 7712 4G 63

Overall value goes to the Pixel 8a at $5.10 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	Pixel 8a	12 4G
Price (street)	$300	$175
Display	6.1-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak	6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak
Chipset	Google Tensor G3	Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm)
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB
Battery	4,492 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	18W wired, 7.5W wireless	67W wired SUPERVOOC
Rear cameras	64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide	50MP main, 2MP depth
Dimensions	152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm	163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm
Weight	188 g	187 g
Water resistance	IP67	IP54
Supported until	May 2031	Jul 2028

Pixel 8a full verdict →12 4G full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.