The Google Pixel 7a was one of last year’s better budget smartphones. How does the new Google Pixel 8a compare to it? Let’s take a closer look.
The newly released Google Pixel 8a has made its debut in the competitive budget smartphone category, officially replacing its predecessor, the Google Pixel 7a, which launched last year. Despite the two phones’ similar appearances, the latest model boasts significant improvements under the hood, setting it apart as a considerably superior option.
In order to make an informed decision about which phone best suits your needs, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the Google Pixel 8a and the Pixel 7a. Therefore, let’s delve deeper into these distinctions to determine which device aligns with your preferences and requirements.Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: specsPixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: design, display, and durability
The design of the Pixel 8a is somewhat similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, although there are a few notable differences. The newer version has a more modern look because of its rounded corners, which soften the design and make it slightly easier to hold. On the Pixel 7a, there are more-angular corners. However, because of its metal frame and plastic rear panel, which make the Pixel 8a a little bit slippery, it is still recommended to buy a Pixel 8a case to avoid accidental drops.
The Pixel 8a brings some significant upgrades to the display. Both phones offer a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 2400 by 1080 resolution. However, the Pixel 8a takes it a step further with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, compared to the 90Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits of peak brightness of the Pixel 7a. These enhancements promise a smoother and brighter viewing experience, and they should be quite noticeable in daily use.
Both phones have Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass and IP67 dust and water resistance, ensuring durability. Finally, where the Pixel 7a launched in Charcoal, Snow, Sea, and Coral, the Pixel 8a is available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe.Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: performance, battery life, and charging
The Pixel 8a has seen a performance boost compared to the previous version. It has an upgraded Google Tensor G3 chip with Google’s Titan M2 security coprocessor. For context, the Google Tensor G3 chip is also featured in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The new chip offers a 22% increase in CPU speed and supports 25% higher memory bandwidth compared to the Tensor G2 chip in the Pixel 7a. It has nine cores compared to the older model’s eight cores. These advancements aim to enhance multitasking capabilities and improve the handling of resource-intensive applications.
