If you’re looking for a budget Pixel should you wait for the Pixel 8a, or spend a little more and get the Pixel 8 now?
The Google Pixel 8 was officially announced earlier this month. The Pixel 8 includes a new Tensor G3 processor, faster wired charging, a slightly improved camera, and the most impressive software update policy in the mobile world. Of course, it’s also a bit more expensive than previous Pixels. Should you get the new Pixel 8 or wait for the next budget Pixel? Let’s dive into everything we know about the Google Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a to see if it’s worth spending the extra money.Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8a: Performance and specs
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a are expected to share a lot of the same DNA, but there are certainly some differences. Please keep in mind that everything we know about the Google Pixel 8a is based on rumors and speculation.
The Google Pixel 8 shares many similarities with its predecessor, but the new Tensor G3 represents a significant leap forward. This new processor boasts next-gen ARM CPU cores, a more potent GPU, and a cutting-edge TPU. Arguably, the most noteworthy among these SoC upgrades is the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), which enables specialized machine learning capabilities. This chip is responsible for some of the best Pixel features, such as on-device speech-to-text translation, Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, and advanced video and photo processing.
Turning our attention to the rest of the specs, the Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels and a variable refresh rate ranging from 60 to 120Hz. In terms of RAM and storage, you can expect 8GB of RAM and a choice between 128GB and 256GB of storage.
Software support can also have a major impact on performance, as timely security patches and bug fixes can make all the difference. To that end, the Pixel 8 has the most impressive software update policy in the mobile world. You get seven years of OS updates, security patches, and feature drops.
There’s a lot we don’t know about the rumored Pixel 8a, but we can expect it to feature the Tensor G3. You’ll find the same modern ARM cores, a next-gen TPU, and an improved GPU. Essentially, it will be the same chip as the Pixel 8, but with one possible caveat.
The Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7a was a slightly modified “IPOP” variant. While it had the same internal components, the external casing was cheaply produced and more prone to overheating. Given that the Tensor chip already has known overheating issues, this could be a disappointment. The Pixel 7a is also more likely to throttle faster under heavy loads compared to the Pixel 7 or 7 Pro. It’s very possible that Google could opt to use IPO casing on the Pixel 8a’s Tensor SoC as well.
As for other specifications, you can probably expect the same 8GB of RAM but with only one storage option at 128GB. Leaked renders also suggest the Pixel 8a will also retain the same footprint, so it’s reasonable to expect a 6.1-inch display.
