Google Pixel 12 vs Google Pixel 8a
Compare Google Pixel 12 vs Google Pixel 8a side by side: Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen) vs Google Tensor G3, 50MP vs 64MP camera, 4900mAh vs 4492mAh…
Pixel 12
$849
13categories won
Pixel 8a
$499
4categories won
4 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Google Pixel 12 takes the overall win
The Google Pixel 12 claims the overall win over the Google Pixel 8a, delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. In camera testing, the Pixel 8a leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Pixel 12. Choose the Pixel 12 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 8a if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Pixel 12 wins on endurance with 4,900 mAh and 45W fast charging.
Pixel 12 leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen) and 16GB RAM.
Pixel 8a takes photography with 64MP optics.
Pixel 8a wins on budget and value at $499 compared to $849.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Pixel 12 vs Pixel 8a: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.36" | 6.1" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 |
| Pixel density | 414 ppi | 431 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nitsWinner | 2000 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen) | Google Tensor G3 |
| Process node | 2 nmWinner | 4 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 3,200,000Winner | 1,050,000 |
| Geekbench multi | 10800Winner | 4310 |
| Maximum RAM | 16 GBWinner | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 512GBWinner | 256GB |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 64 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Ultrawide | 50 MPWinner | 13 MP |
| Selfie camera | 16 MPWinner | 13 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,900 mAhWinner | 4,492 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45 WWinner | 18 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 WWinner | 7.5 W |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 178 gWinner | 188 g |
| Thickness | 7.8 mmWinner | 8.9 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Build | Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back | Matte aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 front, matte composite plastic back |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 17 | Android 14 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 8 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 12 | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $849 | $499Winner |
Google Pixel 12
Powered by the second-generation 2nm Tensor G7 processor with hardware-accelerated local AI, the Pixel 12 features a refined 7.8mm matte glass frame, 4,900 mAh battery, and dual 50MP optics.
- Display
- 6.36"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G7 (TSMC 2nm Second Gen)
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,900mAh
Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a brings flagship Tensor G3 silicon, a 120Hz 2000-nit Actua OLED display, AI photo editing suite, and 7 years of full OS updates to the sub-$500 category.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G3
- Main camera
- 64MP
- Battery
- 4,492mAh