Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 8a [Video]

The Pixel 6a brought a sleek design and Google’s signature smart cameras to the mid-range market. Now there’s a brand new Pixel 8a, tempting Pixel 6a owners with the promise of even more. But is it worth the upgrade? Here’s everything you need to know.

We’ll take a deep dive into the key differences between the Pixel 6a and 8a and help you decide if the 8a’s improvements warrant the switch. We’ll explore everything from camera upgrades and AI features to performance boosts and software support. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of ​​whether the Pixel 8a is the perfect upgrade for your Pixel 6a, or whether your faithful companion will still last.

Hardware

Google has noticeably improved the design language between the Pixel 6a and 8a. The 6a retains the boxy, two-tone aesthetic, while the 8a has a more comfortable, curved design that echoes the flagship Pixel 8. Both phones use matte aluminum frames for a sturdy feel, but the 8a takes a clear step up with a textured matte back compared to glossy plastic 6a.

This textured finish not only improves grip, but also improves fingerprint resistance and scratch protection, giving the 8a an overall more premium feel despite still being an affordable entry point to the Pixel lineup. One of the pain points is increased mass. An extra 10g doesn’t seem like much, but some might notice the jump up and see it as a frustrating increase in size.

While the spec sheets may suggest similar displays (both 6.1-inch 1080p OLED panels with Gorilla Glass 3), the Pixel 8a boasts significant improvements that should aid the everyday experience. It features a slick 120Hz refresh rate that doubles the 60Hz panel’s 60Hz.

This means noticeably smoother scrolling, animations and gameplay on 8a. In addition, the 8a display boasts a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, which is almost triple the 780 nits of the 6a. This means the newer hardware has significantly better outdoor visibility, richer HDR content with deeper blacks and brighter highlights and more vivid colors.

	Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 8a
Size	6.1 inches	6.1 inches
Dimensions	152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)	152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
Display	60 Hz / FHD+ / Gorilla Glass 3 / 2400 x 1080 pixels / 429 ppi	120 Hz / FHD+ / Gorilla Glass 3 / 2400 x 1080 pixels / 430 ppi
Chipset	Google Tensor G1	Google Tensor G3
FRAME	6GB DDR5	8GB DDR5
Storage space	128GB UFS 3.1	128/256 GB UFS 3.1
battery	4410 mAh	4492 mAh
Rear camera	12.2MP wide-angle / 12MP ultra-wide	64MP wide / 13MP ultra-wide
Front camera	8MP	13MP
Biometrics	Fingerprint scanner in the display	Fingerprint scanner in the display
Colors	Sage / Charcoal / Chalk	Obsidian / Porcelain / Bay / Aloe
Mass	178 g	188 g
IP rating	IP67	IP67

The most noticeable difference is under the hood. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor G1 chip with 6GB of RAM remains a capable performer for everyday tasks, but the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chip paired with 8GB of RAM offers a substantial leap forward. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking and the ability to handle more demanding applications. The G3 chip also unlocks new features such as secure biometric login to apps using facial recognition, which is completely missing from the 6a.

More importantly, the G3 boasts improved thermal management compared to its predecessor. This means the Pixel 8a stays cooler during extended use, such as running navigation apps or using the phone as a mobile hotspot. As a result, you’ll experience smoother performance even in these demanding conditions, but there’s still a little extra grunt to do more with the phone, from gaming to AI features.

The Tensor G3 chip also paves the way for the Pixel 8a’s impressive 7-year software update schedule, ensuring your phone receives the latest security patches and features for years to come. In essence, the Pixel 8a delivers a more powerful and forward-looking experience that handles your needs today and adapts to your demands tomorrow.

Software

The software experience – while similar – between the Pixel 6a and 8a is a clear difference, with the 8a leaning heavily on AI features. Both Pixel phones can run the latest build of Android 14, which is visually very similar.

	Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 8a
Software	Comes with Android 12	It comes with Android 14
Function	Fingerprint scanner in the display Magic eraser Face blur Movement modes Live translation on device	Fingerprint scanner in the display Face unlock Google One VPN Gemini Nano AI wallpapers Circle to search

However, for users who prefer high-end AI features, the Pixel 8a is the clear winner. It inherits a number of features from the Pixel 8 series, including AI summaries from Google Assistant, the ability to generate unique wallpapers based on your preferences, and advanced photo editing tools like the Magic Editor. Everyday tasks are also enhanced with AI features such as improved call screening and Best Shot, which automatically selects the best shot from a series of photos.

Additionally, the Pixel 8a is said to use Google’s Gemini Nano technology in the device. This unlocks features like summarizing voice recordings, generating more understandable responses within Gboard, and even drafting messages in Google Messages using Magic Compose. While future updates that take advantage of the Gemini Nano’s potential are expected, it’s important to note that they are not guaranteed at this time.

Anyone still using the Pixel 6a will naturally consider the lifetime of software support when deciding whether to upgrade. The Pixel 6a is nearing the end of its support lifecycle, with Android 15 likely to be its last major update. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, boasts a significantly longer support window right from the start. It ships with Android 14 and will be supported by regular security patches and feature drops until 2031 according to Google’s update plans. When you consider the entry price, there are currently no other devices offering a similar level of durability.

Basically, both Pixels will provide a clean and user-friendly experience. However, if you’re after the power of AI to enhance your everyday smartphone use and want a future-proof device, the Pixel 8a is a compelling upgrade path.

battery

Fortunately, battery life isn’t the main factor to consider when choosing between the Pixel 6a and 8a. Both phones feature very similar battery capacities: the 8a boasts a slightly larger 4,492 mAh battery compared to the 6a’s 4,410 mAh. In layman’s terms, that means both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use, as advertised by Google. However, if your 6a is a few years old, it may be time for a refresh or a new battery due to general wear and tear.

	Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 8a
Battery size	4410 mAh	4492 mAh
Charging speed	18W wired	18W wired 7.5W Qi wireless connection

While the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chip may be slightly more efficient when it comes to power management, any real differences in battery life are likely to be negligible. Both phones also support the same 18W wired charging speed, so neither device will take significantly longer to charge.

The only real difference in charging comes with the introduction of wireless charging on the Pixel 8a, albeit at a slower rate of 7.5W. This is possible using the Google Pixel Stand or compatible Qi wireless charging pads. If you appreciate wireless charging as an option, the newer model might sound even more appealing.

Cameras

Let’s dive into the camera on the Pixel 8a. Here the news depends on your point of view. The 8a uses the same Sony IMX787 sensor as its predecessor, the 7a. So if last year’s improvements didn’t wow you, this year’s iteration probably won’t either.

	Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 8a
Main sensor	Sony IMX363 12.2MP f1.7 aperture	Sony IMX787 64MP f1.9 aperture
Secondary sensor	Sony IMX386 12MP ultra wide f2.2 aperture 114˚ FOV	Sony IMX712 13MP ultra wide f2.2 aperture 120˚ FOV
Front sensor	Sony IMX 355 8MP aperture f2.0	Sony IMX712 13MP f/2.2
Camera hardware properties	OIS EIS PDAF	OIS EIS PDAF
Camera software features	Night vision portrait Portrait light 4K UHD 60 frames per second Real tone Film pan Focus locked Active mode	8x zoom Controlled frame 4K UHD 60 frames per second 4K UHD 30fps (selfie and wide angle) 10-bit HDR10 video True Tone 2.0 Magic editor Best Take Magic eraser Blur photo Audio Magic Eraser

However, there are some key improvements to consider. The Pixel 8a boasts a significant upgrade from the practically dated 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 used on the Pixel 6a to a larger, 64-megapixel primary lens. This means noticeably sharper photos, especially in low-light conditions or when using 2x to 8x digital zoom. Additionally, the ultra-wide lens offers a slightly wider field of view of 120 degrees compared to the Pixel 6a’s 114 degrees, allowing you to capture even more in a single shot.

The real game changer for the 8a camera, however, lies in its software. Google has packed the 8a with its most advanced AI features yet, including Magic Editor, Best Take, Magic Eraser and even Audio Magic Eraser – features that are completely missing from the Pixel 6a. These AI features offer impressive capabilities such as easily correcting blurred faces or unwanted objects in photos (Magic Eraser), automatically selecting the best shot from a series (Best Take), and effectively removing background noise from videos (Audio Magic Eraser).

The potential of these AI features is significant and offers a more refined and versatile photography experience. While the hardware may not represent a drastic leap forward, the exciting software features make the Pixel 8a camera a compelling choice for those who prefer AI-powered photo editing and manipulation.

Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 8a: Should I upgrade?

About the upgrade: 9to5Google often makes recommendations for specific products. Sometimes we can suggest not upgrade for a variety of reasons including: increased equipment costs, negligible performance gains, or environmental impact. Whether to upgrade is always up to you, but our goal is to help you make the most informed decision possible.

Upgrading from the Pixel 6a (or earlier) to the Pixel 8a depends on your priorities. For value-minded users, the Pixel 8a will be compelling with its Tensor G3 chip, robust AI features, 7-year update commitment, improved fingerprint sensor and better modem. However, if you prefer premium build quality, faster charging speeds, and a sleeker design, waiting for a good deal on the regular Pixel 8 (potentially around $550) might be a better strategy.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for innovation, waiting a few months for the Pixel 9 line with a refreshed design and potentially exclusive features could be the most rewarding option. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and needs. If you need an upgrade now and value AI features and long-term support, the Pixel 8a is a solid choice. But if you prefer hardware or want the latest innovations, it might be wiser to wait for the discounted Pixel 8 or the launch of the Pixel 9 series.

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