Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: What’s new in Google’s latest affordable phone

Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Display and design

Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Performance

Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Camera

Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Battery and charging

Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a: Which one should you buy

Google has launched its new affordable A-series phone, the Pixel 8a. Succeeding last year’s Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a packs in upgraded hardware, a slightly new design, and an increased price tag, among other things. So, what’s new in the Pixel 8a over the Pixel 7a. Let’s compare the two phones – Pixel 8a and Pixel 7a – and see what’s the difference between them.The Pixel 8a features a slightly larger 6.1-inch OLED display with a 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. In contrast, the Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution but a lower 90Hz refresh rate and the same Gorilla Glass 3 protection. So, while the size and resolution are the same, the Pixel 8a offers a smoother scrolling experience thanks to its higher refresh rate.While the two phones have the same design, with a visor on the back, the Pixel 8a has slightly rounder curves than the Pixel 7a.The two phones have stereo speakers and an in-display fingerprint sensor.Both phones have an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. However, Google says that the Pixel 8a is its most durable A-series phone yet. It features a metal frame, Gorilla Glass 3, and IP67 water and dust resistance.The 8a also comes in four colour options - Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe - while the 7a only comes in three.Google's Tensor processors power both phones, but the Pixel 8a uses the newer Tensor G3 chip while the Pixel 7a uses the Tensor G2 . Both phones also come with 8GB of RAM, but the Pixel 8a offers two storage options — 128GB and 256GB —while the 7a only comes with 128 GB.The Pixel 8 runs on Android 14, while the Pixel 7a was launched with Android 13 out-of-the-box. Additionally, the Pixel 8a will receive OS and security updates for 7 years, while the Pixel 7a is only promised 5 years.The camera is one area where the Pixel 8a sees some significant upgrades over the 7a. The 8a features a 64MP primary camera with a larger sensor size and a 13MP ultrawide camera. It also offers improved zoom capabilities, with Super Res Zoom up to 8x compared to 7x on the 7a. The Pixel 7a, on the other hand, has a 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide. Both phones can record 4K video at up to 60fps. The 8a also has new camera features like Magic Editor and Magic Eraser.The Pixel 8a has a slightly larger battery than the 7a, with a typical capacity of 4492mAh compared to 4385mAh. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, but the 8a can charge slightly faster with its 24W wired charging compared to 18W on the 7a. The 8a also boasts somewhat better battery life, with up to 24 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode.Overall, the Pixel 8a offers some notable improvements over the Pixel 7a, particularly in terms of its display, processor, camera, and battery life. However, these upgrades come at a slightly higher price point, starting at Rs 52,999. If you're looking for the best possible performance and features in a Pixel a-series phone, the 8a is the way to go. But if you're on a tighter budget, the Pixel 7a still offers excellent value for money for Rs 36,999 (the Pixel 7a launched at Rs 43,999).