Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Price, Specs, and Features Compared

The Google Pixel 8a costs Rs 9,000 more than its predecessor, which is about a 20% price hike. Moreover, the Pixel 7a is often available with discounts at around Rs 35,000.

Also Read

Google Pixel 8a With Tensor G3, AI-Powered Camera Launched in India: Price, Specifications

Google Pixel 7a Review: The Most Practical Pixel to Date

Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Design

Google has continued with the visor-shaped camera module for the last three generations of Pixel devices, and as a result, the Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a look similar. However, the Pixel 8a has more rounded corners compared to the Pixel 7a, which has a boxy design.

• The Pixel 8a retails in four colour options – Bay (blue), Porcelain, Obsidian (black), and Aloe (green) colour options.
• The Pixel 7a is available for purchase in Coral (orange), Sea (blue), Charcoal (grey), and Snow colour variants.

Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Display

• The Pixel 8a offers a 6.1-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2000nits peak brightness, 1400nits HDR brightness, 10,00,000:1 contrast ratio, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
• The Pixel 7a features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a Full HD+, 90Hz refresh rate, 10,00,000: 1 contrast ratio, high brightness mode, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

The Google Pixel 8a features a 120Hz refresh rate display with 2,000 nits peak brightness, which is higher than its predecessor’s 90Hz display.

Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Performance

• The Pixel 8a sports Google’s in-house Tensor G3 processor, a Titan M2 security chip, and an Arm Mali-G715 GPU. It is paired with 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage.
• The Pixel 7a is powered by the last-gen Google Tensor G2 processor, which comes with an integrated Arm Mali-G710 GPU and a Titan M2 security chip. It features 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB UFS 3.1 storage.

The Pixel 8a features an updated Tensor G3 processor and faster LPDDR5X RAM. Technically, the Pixel 8a should offer better performance compared to Pixel 7a. But we can only comment on this post-testing once we get the device for review.

Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Software

• The Google Pixel 8 comes pre-loaded with Android 14 and will receive seven years of software support (including OS upgrades, feature drops, and security patches). This means it should receive Android updates up to Android 21.
• The Google Pixel 7a was launched with Android 13 and has received Android 14 update. The smartphone is eligible for five years of software support. So, it will receive updates up to Android 18.

The Google Pixel 8a, with an updated seven-year update policy, clearly have a big advantage over its predecessor.

Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Cameras

• The Pixel 8a offers a 13MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture. On the rear, it has a dual camera setup, which includes a 64MP primary camera with 1/1.73-inch sensor size, an f/1.89 aperture, and OIS, and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 120° field of view and an f/2.2 aperture.
• The Pixel 7a gets a 13MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It is equipped with a dual-rear camera setup consisting of a 64MP Sony IMX787 sensor with 1/1.73-inch sensor size, optical image stabilisation, an f/1.89 aperture and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 120° field of view and an f/2.2 aperture.

The Pixel 8a is exactly the same as its predecessor on the camera front. The Pixel a-series smartphones offer several camera features, such as Magic Editor, Real Tone, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Night Sight, and Long Exposure. However, the Pixel 8a additionally supports Best Take, giving it an edge over the Pixel 7a.

Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Battery and Charging

• The Pixel 8a has a 4,404mAh battery and 18W fast charging support. It also features support for Qi wireless charging.
• The Pixel 7a has a 4300mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. It is also compatible with Qi wireless charging.

The Google Pixel 8a has a slightly bigger (100mAh) battery than its predecessor.

Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Verdict

The Google Pixel 8a brings a higher refresh rate display, a faster processor, a slightly bigger battery, and much longer software support, but it also comes with a hefty 20% price increase. Moreover, the Pixel 7a is often discounted and can be grabbed at under Rs 35,000. The Google Pixel 7a seems to be a more value-for-money device, though we can only comment on the Pixel 8a’s performance after testing it.

There’s also the Pixel 8, available at a discounted price, which could be a good idea for those keen on getting a Pixel phone. Read our detailed comparison of the Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8 for more insights.