Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 9a
Compare Google Pixel 8 vs Google Pixel 9a side by side: Google Tensor G3 vs Google Tensor G4, 50MP vs 48MP camera, 4575mAh vs 5000mAh battery, $699 vs $499…
Pixel 8
$699
4categories won
Pixel 9a
$499
7categories won
10 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Google Pixel 9a takes the overall win
The Google Pixel 9a proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 8, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the two devices offer similar flexibility, while battery endurance leans towards the Pixel 9a. Choose the Pixel 9a if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 8 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
Pixel 9a takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 18W charging.
Pixel 9a provides greater sustained gaming output with its Google Tensor G4 and 8GB RAM.
Both camera setups are closely matched for daily street photography and low-light shooting.
Pixel 9a wins on budget and value at $499 compared to $699.
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 8 vs Pixel 9a: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2" | 6.3" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2424Winner |
| Pixel density | 424 ppi | 422 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 2000 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G4 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,080,000 | 1,150,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 4380 | 4600Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 256GB |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MPWinner | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 13 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 10.5 MP | 13 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps, 10-bit HDR | 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,575 mAh | 5,000 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 27 WWinner | 18 W |
| Wireless charging | 18 WWinner | 7.5 W |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 187 g | 186 g |
| Thickness | 8.9 mm | 8.9 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Build | Satin aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus front and glossy back | 100% recycled aluminum frame, matte composite back |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 14 | Android 15 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 8 yearsWinner | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 8 | Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699 | $499Winner |
Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 delivers flagship photography, 120Hz Actua display fluidness, 2000-nit outdoor brightness, and 7 years of full software support in a delightfully compact 6.2-inch form factor.
- Display
- 6.2"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G3
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,575mAh
Google Pixel 9a
Google equips the Pixel 9a with the same Tensor G4 processor and Gemini Nano intelligence found on the $1,000 Pixel 9 Pro, paired with an enlarged 5000mAh battery and a completely flush camera visor.
- Display
- 6.3"
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G4
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh