The Google Pixel 8a is the latest entry in the Pixel lineup, and it offers a number of upgrades over the Pixel 6a. These upgrades include a new design, a better display, a faster processor, more storage, a better camera system, and longer software support.
Design and display
The Pixel 8a features a more rounded design than the Pixel 6a, with softer corners and a more natural-looking camera bar. It also comes in a wider range of colors, including Aloe (green), Bay (blue), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (white). The Pixel 6a only comes in three colors: Chalk, Charcoal, and Sage.
Both the Pixel 6a and Pixel 8a have a 6.1-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, 430 pixels-per-inch density, and always-on capabilities. However, the Pixel 8a has double the refresh rate at 120Hz compared to the Pixel 6a’s measly 60Hz. This means you’ll get much smoother scrolling and animations, and using apps in general will be a much better experience. The Pixel 8a display will also reach up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, which is much better than the Pixel 6a’s maximum of about 876 nits.
Performance, battery life, and charging
The Pixel 8a uses the newest Google Tensor G3 chip with Google’s Titan M2 security coprocessor, the same one that you’ll also find in the mainline and . The Pixel 6a uses the first-generation Google Tensor G1 chip, which isn’t a bad chip, but it is a bit dated compared to the new G3. The Pixel 8a also has more RAM than the Pixel 6a, with 8GB compared to 6GB. This extra RAM pairs nicely with the improved performance and efficiency of the G3 chip.
The Pixel 8a has a slightly larger battery than the Pixel 6a, with 4,492mAh compared to 4,410mAh. However, both phones have 18-watt fast charging, and only the Pixel 8a supports wireless charging.
Cameras
The Pixel 8a has a significantly better camera system than the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 8a features a 64MP main camera with a 13MP ultrawide lens, while the Pixel 6a has a 12.2MP main camera with a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Pixel 8a also has a better 13MP selfie camera compared to the Pixel 6a’s 8MP selfie camera.
Software and support
The Pixel 8a comes with Android 14, while the Pixel 6a came out in 2022 with Android 12. Google has promised three years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Pixel 6a. This means that the Pixel 6a will last through Android 15, which should come out later this year. The Pixel 8a will last through Android 21 thanks to Google’s promise of seven years of support across the board, just like with the main Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Price and availability
The Pixel 8a is available now, starting at $499 for the 128GB version and $559 for the 256GB model. The Pixel 6a is no longer available from the Google Store, but you can still find it at some retailers for under $300.
Is it worth upgrading?
The Pixel 8a is a significant upgrade over the Pixel 6a in every way. If you’re thinking about upgrading your Pixel 6a, the Pixel 8a is the better choice.
