Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: Which Pixel is value getting?

A comparability between Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a is important when two generations have handed. You need to know if the most recent mid-range Pixel is definitely worth the improve and the money. Each new mannequin affords one thing that the earlier mannequin does not, much more so with a two-model hole.

Each Android telephones have a couple of specs in frequent, however the Pixel 8a has extra to supply than the Pixel 6a. You could have skipped final yr’s mannequin as a result of there wasn’t a lot of a distinction, however that is not the case with these Pixels because the Tensor 3 processor brings some new options to the desk. Let’s have a look at what the newer mannequin affords and uncover how a lot of a distinction there may be between them.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: Design

In some circumstances, you’ll be able to inform which Android telephone is a Pixel and which isn’t by trying on the design. Regardless that these are two Pixel telephones and preserve the final aesthetic, you’ll be able to nonetheless inform them aside by trying on the design. 

For instance, the Pixel 8a has extra rounded corners on the chassis, abandoning that sq. look. Within the Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a comparability, you may additionally see you’ve got extra colours to select from. The Google Pixel 8a is available in Aloe (Inexperienced), Bay (Blue), Obsidian (Black), and Porcelain (White). The Pixel 8a comes with a matte-textured rear, which is a good anti-smudge addition.

The Pixel 6a, however, has sharper edges, giving it that sq. look. You get one much less shade choice with the older mid-range mannequin since you’ll be able to solely select from three: Black, White, and lighter inexperienced. Or like Google likes to name them Charcoal, Chalk, and Sage. Each telephones share an IP67 ranking and Gorilla Glass 3 safety.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: Show

Each Pixel telephones share a 6.1-inch show with a 1080 x 2400 decision, Now
Taking part in, HDR help, 20:9 side ratio, Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colours, All the time-on, Refresh fee, and brightness. As an example, the Pixel 8a wins on the subject of its 120Hz adaptive (60Hz out of the field) refresh fee and a couple of,000 nits peak, due to the Actua show that the Pixel 8 additionally options. Each fashions could have Corning Gorilla Glass three, however the one on the Pixel 8a is scratch-resistant, whereas it is not on the older mannequin.

The Google Pixel 6a lags with a 60Hz refresh fee and options 778 nits for brightness, making it a bit harder to see outside. Do not let the 60Hz refresh fee make you discard this telephone since, in his evaluation of the Pixel 6a, Nicholas Sutrich mentions that this refresh fee is smoother than on different shows with the identical refresh fee.    

Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: {Hardware}

Concerning the chipset, the Google Pixel 8a is the winner with a Tensor G3. It isn’t the quickest available on the market however will give customers extra processing energy. Each Pixel telephones have virtually the identical battery dimension, the 8a having a 4410mAh battery and the 6a having a 4492mAh one. Our Nicholas Sutrich mentions in his evaluation that the battery life isn’t very spectacular when you need to all the time put the show at 100% brightness. However for those who use the Pixel 8a at a 60Hz refresh fee and auto-brightness, you will get extra out of the battery. 

The digicam you noticed on the Pixel 7a makes a comeback within the 8a, with a 64MP main digicam and a 13MP selfie digicam to seize all of the enjoyable. Each Pixel 8a and 6a telephones share Stereo audio system and two microphones. The Pixel 8a has wi-fi charging, a function you will not discover on the 6a, however it will likely be on the gradual aspect with 7.5W. Each telephones share a USB Sort-C port.

With the Google Pixel 6a, you get a chipset two generations behind with a Tensor G1. The battery on the 6a is not all that unhealthy since it could possibly final all day and perhaps not even dip under 30%, as Nicholas Sutrich mentioned in his evaluation of the older Pixel mannequin. The height brightness on the 6a isn’t as excessive as the most recent mannequin, coming in at 778 nits.

The Pixel 6a has two 12MP rear cameras, one major and the opposite ultrawide. Nonetheless, it solely has an 8MP digicam for selfies.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: Software program

Whereas each Pixel telephones have AI options, because the Pixel 8a has a extra highly effective processor, it is clear that you will get extra on the Pixel 8a. For instance, the most recent mid-range Pixel mannequin options Finest Take, Magic Editor, Circle to Search, Gemini Nano, Stay Translate, and Audio Magic eraser. Different useful options allow you to display screen calls, Picture Unblu, and navigate telephone bushes. 

There’s a huge distinction within the years customers will get system and safety updates. For instance, the 8a will get seven years of system and safety updates, and it does ship with Android 14 out of the field. And since Pixels all the time get the updates first, you may benefit from the secure model of Android 15 when it turns into accessible later this yr.

The Pixel 6a nonetheless has some AI options up its sleeve, such because the Magic Eraser instrument and Stay Translate. Nonetheless, on the subject of updates, the 6a solely will get three years of OS updates and 5 years of safety updates. So, 6a followers may get the most recent replace, which brings the Android 15 model. 

The Pixel 6a shipped with Android 12 however will be upgraded to Android 14. Sadly, it seems like Android 15 would be the final improve it will get. So, upgrading is a should if you wish to preserve getting OS and safety updates for a lot of extra years.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 6a: Who wins?

The Google Pixel 8a is a transparent improve from the 6a, however what issues most to you’ll decide whether or not you improve or not. In case you stick with the older mannequin, you are solely taking a look at yet one more system replace earlier than it is caught at that model, however you get seven extra years with the most recent mid-range mannequin.

The Pixel 8a additionally offers you extra AI options to play with and extra highly effective cameras. In case you solely use your telephones for basic items and you are not a heavy person, the Pixel 6a will do exactly wonderful. However since most of us use them for all the pieces today, the improve seems very tempting.