Pixel 7a vs Pixel 8a: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Pixel 8a arrived as the successor to the Pixel 7a, and generation-to-generation comparisons tend to be more nuanced than launch-day headlines suggest. If you only read one line, make it this: the Pixel 8a takes 3 of 6 compared areas, and the display gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Display Pixel 8a wins
- Performance Pixel 8a wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Tie
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Software & Updates Pixel 8a wins
- Price Tie
- Display6.7
- Camera7.5
- Battery & Charging0.0
- Display9.3
- Camera7.5
- Battery & Charging0.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Pixel 8a has 4 years of extra promised updates
Put simply, the Pixel 8a is far ahead here: 7 years compared with 3 years. Software support is what separates a phone that ages gracefully from one that doesn’t, making it one of the most practical lines on the spec sheet.
-
The Pixel 8a has a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz
The Pixel 8a’s 120 Hz leaves the Pixel 7a’s 90 Hz well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Pixel 8a feels more fluid in everyday use.
-
The Pixel 8a has a newer 4 nm chip process
The Pixel 8a nudges ahead with 4 nm, while the Pixel 7a lists 5 nm. A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life.
Design & Size
- Pixel 7a 5.98 in × 2.87 in × 0.35 in
- Pixel 8a 5.99 in × 2.86 in × 0.35 in
If you’re worried about fit, relax: either phone occupies roughly the same footprint. Their weights are close enough to treat as identical in daily use.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.98 in | 5.99 in |
| Width | 2.87 in | 2.86 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in Thickest in class | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 6.83 oz | 6.63 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Pixel 8a leads
Here the Pixel 8a opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. In its favor, the Pixel 8a has a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz. Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power. That makes the Pixel 8a the natural choice for buyers focused on display.
Refresh rate
Pixel 7a: 90 Hz Pixel 8a: 120 Hz A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison.
Performance
Pixel 8a leads
If you’re keeping score, the performance point goes narrowly to the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 8a pulls ahead with a newer 4 nm chip process. The Pixel 8a’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much. In short, the Pixel 8a is the better-equipped phone for performance.
Process node
Pixel 7a: 5 nm Pixel 8a: 4 nm Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
CPU cores
Pixel 7a: 8 Pixel 8a: 9 Treat the core count as background information; the chipset name tells you far more about real performance.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
In the memory & storage category, the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 8a land in almost the same place. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Camera
Too close to call
Both the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 8a cover camera equally well on paper. For camera, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
Side by side, the battery & charging figures for the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 8a barely differ. Bottom line for battery & charging: it’s a wash.
Software & Updates
Pixel 8a leads
The Pixel 8a dominates the software & updates section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Pixel 8a steps ahead thanks to 4 years of extra promised updates. A longer update promise keeps the phone secure and current for longer, which matters if you keep devices for several years. Prioritize software & updates, and the Pixel 8a is where you should land.
Promised OS updates
Pixel 7a: 3 years Pixel 8a: 7 years The Pixel 8a’s longer software support can also help its resale value later on.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED | OLED (Actua) |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 429 ppi | 430 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | N/A (not specified) | 2,000 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G3 |
| CPU cores | 8 | 9 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 4 nm (winner) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | N/A (not specified) | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 64 MP | 64 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 13 MP | 13 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 13 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K60 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,385 mAh Smallest battery in class | 4,492 mAh |
| Wired charging | 18 W | 18 W |
| Wireless charging | 8 W | 8 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 13 | Android 14 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 3 years | 7 years (winner) |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.98 in | 5.99 in |
| Width | 2.87 in | 2.86 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in Thickest in class | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 6.83 oz | 6.63 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 7a | Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $499 | $499 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price is a tie: both launched at the same figure.
These are US launch prices, recorded May 2024; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 7a if…
- you rarely use the areas where the newer model improves
Choose the Pixel 8a if…
- you want software support that lasts longer (7 years vs 3 years)
- you game or scroll a lot and like motion to look fluid (120 Hz vs 90 Hz)
- you want a chip built on a finer process (4 nm vs 5 nm)
- you want the newer generation
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel 7a or the Pixel 8a?
For most people, the Pixel 8a is the stronger choice, unless you bought the Pixel 7a recently.
Is the Pixel 8a worth it over the Pixel 7a?
The Pixel 8a makes a solid case for upgrading, with 4 years of extra promised updates, a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz and a newer 4 nm chip process over the Pixel 7a.
Which has better battery life, the Pixel 7a or the Pixel 8a?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 8a land in almost the same place.
Which is larger, the Pixel 7a or the Pixel 8a?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 8a is too small to matter.
Which is faster, the Pixel 7a or the Pixel 8a?
Going by the specs, the Pixel 8a comes out ahead: it offers a newer 4 nm chip process.
Is the Pixel 7a’s display better than the Pixel 8a’s?
Going by the numbers, the Pixel 8a’s screen comes out ahead: a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz.
Executive Summary
Is the Pixel 8a worth it over the Pixel 7a? In my view, that depends less on hype than on a few specific numbers. Start with the headline difference (the Pixel 8a has 4 years of extra promised updates), and a lot of the decision falls into place. Another thing in the Pixel 8a’s favor is a 120 Hz display instead of 90 Hz.
Choose by what you’d use most: the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the Pixel 7a, display leads to the Pixel 8a.
My pick: the Pixel 8a for new buyers, while happy owners of the Pixel 7a can safely wait.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.