If you are considering the new Google Pixel 8a, you might be wondering if it’s worth the extra money compared to last year’s Pixel 7a. Both models are praised for their excellent cameras within their price ranges. Let’s dive into the details to see if the €100 price difference is justified.
Design
The Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a are almost identical in size, sharing the same screen dimensions and similar hardware. However, the Pixel 8a has a more rounded chassis, replacing the sharp corners of the Pixel 7a. This design change makes the Pixel 8a more comfortable to hold, offering a secure and ergonomic grip.
Size Comparison
| Model | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | 188 g | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm |
| Google Pixel 7a | 194 g | 152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm |
Display
Both phones feature a 6.10-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels. However, the Pixel 8a boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and can reach a brightness of up to 1,500 nits, compared to the Pixel 7a’s 90Hz and 1,000 nits. This makes the Pixel 8a’s display faster and brighter, providing a superior viewing experience.
Display Comparison
| Model | Size | Type | Refresh Rate | Resolution | Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | 6.10″ | OLED | 120Hz | 1080×2400 | 1,500 nits |
| Google Pixel 7a | 6.10″ | OLED | 90Hz | 1080×2400 | 1,000 nits |
Battery Life
The Pixel 8a slightly edges out the Pixel 7a in battery performance, with a larger 4,492 mAh battery compared to the 4,385 mAh battery in the 7a. This results in marginally longer usage times across various scenarios.
Battery Life Comparison
| Model | Battery | Endurance Rating | Call Time | Web Browsing | Video Playback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | 4,492 mAh | 83h | 22:36h | 15:23h | 19:30h |
| Google Pixel 7a | 4,385 mAh | 76h | 21:27h | 14:56h | 18:12h |
Charging Speed
Surprisingly, the Pixel 7a charges slightly faster than the Pixel 8a. Both phones support 18W PD charging and 7.5W wireless charging. The difference in charging speed is minimal and should not be a deciding factor.
Charging Speed Comparison
| Model | Battery | Charging (15 min) | Charging (30 min) | Full Charge Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | 4,492 mAh | 18% | 33% | 129 min |
| Google Pixel 7a | 4,385 mAh | 20% | 36% | 117 min |
Speaker Test
Both phones have identical loudness scores, but the Pixel 8a offers a better sound quality with more pronounced bass and mids. The Pixel 7a leans more towards high frequencies.
Speaker Comparison
| Model | Loudness Score | Sound Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | -26.5 LUFS | Better bass and mids |
| Google Pixel 7a | -26.5 LUFS | Emphasis on highs |
Performance
The Pixel 8a features the newer Google Tensor G3 SoC, making it more powerful than the Pixel 7a, which uses the Tensor G2. The Pixel 8a also offers an additional storage option of 256GB.
Performance Comparison
| Model | SoC | Manufacturing Process | RAM/Storage Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | Tensor G3 | 4 nm | 128GB 8GB, 256GB 8GB |
| Google Pixel 7a | Tensor G2 | 5 nm | 128GB 8GB |
Benchmark Performance
| Model | AnTuTu 10 | Geekbench 6 | 3D Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a | 1,193,520 | 4,384 | 8,478 |
| Google Pixel 7a | 959,080 | 3,631 | 6,646 |
Cameras
Both phones feature the same camera setup with a 64 MP main shooter and a 13 MP ultrawide unit. The selfie camera is also the same at 13 MP. There are minimal differences in daytime photo quality, but the Pixel 7a performs slightly better in low-light conditions.
Camera Comparison
| Feature | Google Pixel 8a | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64 MP, f/1.9 | 64 MP, f/1.9 |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Selfie Camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
Verdict
With a price difference of just €100, the Pixel 8a offers a better display, slightly longer battery life, improved ergonomics, better speakers, and a more powerful chipset. It also promises 7 years of OS updates, compared to the 2 years remaining for the Pixel 7a.
However, if you prioritize similar camera performance and charging speed, the Pixel 7a remains a strong contender at a lower price point.
Pricing
| Model | USD Price | Price in Naira (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 8a 128GB | $499 | ₦754,622.75 |
| Google Pixel 8a 256GB | $559 | ₦846,355.75 |
| Google Pixel 7a 128GB | $229.81 | ₦347,461.30 |
