Upgrade paths: Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 8a [Video]

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

We are going to dive deep into the key differences between the Pixel 6a and 8a, helping you decide if the 8a’s advancements 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 picture of whether the Pixel 8a is the perfect upgrade for your Pixel 6a, or if your trusty companion can still hold its own.

Hardware

Google has noticeably refined the design language between the Pixel 6a and 8a. The 6a retains a boxy, two-toned aesthetic, while the 8a adopts a more comfortable, curved design that mirrors the flagship Pixel 8 series. Both phones utilize matte aluminum frames for a sturdy feel, but the 8a takes a clear step up with a textured matte back compared to the 6a’s glossy plastic.

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

While the spec sheets might suggest similar displays (both 6.1-inch 1080p OLED panels with Gorilla Glass 3), the Pixel 8a boasts significant advancements that should aid the experience daily. It features a slick 120Hz refresh rate, doubling the frame rate of the 6a’s 60Hz panel.

This translates to noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay on the 8a. Additionally, the 8a’s display boasts a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, nearly triple the 6a’s 780 nits. This means the newer hardware has vastly improved outdoor visibility, richer HDR content with deeper blacks and brighter highlights, and more vibrant colors.

The most significant difference lies 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 translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding applications. The G3 chip also unlocks new functionalities like secure biometric app sign-in using facial recognition, something that is entirely absent on the 6a.

More importantly, the G3 boasts improved thermal management compared to its predecessor. This means the Pixel 8a stays cooler during extended use, like running navigation apps or using your phone as a mobile hotspot. As a result, you’ll experience smoother performance even under those demanding conditions, but there is a little extra grunt to do more with your phone, from gaming to AI-powered functions.

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, future-proof experience that can handle your needs today and adapt to your demands tomorrow.

Software

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

However, for users who prioritize cutting-edge AI functionalities, the Pixel 8a is the clear winner. It inherits a wealth of features from the Pixel 8 series, including AI-powered summaries from Google Assistant, the ability to generate unique wallpapers based on your preferences, and advanced photo editing tools like Magic Editor. Everyday tasks are also enhanced with AI features like improved call screening and Best Take, which automatically selects the best shot from a burst of photos.

Furthermore, the Pixel 8a is set to take advantage of Google’s on-device Gemini Nano technology. This will unlocks functionalities like summarizing voice recordings, generating more insightful replies within Gboard, and even composing draft messages within Google Messages using Magic Compose. While future updates that utilize Gemini Nano’s potential are anticipated, it’s important to note that these are not guaranteed at this point.

Naturally, anyone still using the Pixel 6a will consider the longevity of software support when making their upgrade decision. The Pixel 6a is nearing the end of its support lifecycle, with Android 15 likely being its last major update. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, boasts a significantly longer support window from the get-go. It ships with Android 14 and will be supported with regular security patches and Feature Drops until 2031 per Google’s update plans. When you consider the entry price point, there are no other devices offering a similar level of longevity out of the box right now.

In essence, both Pixels will provide a clean and user-friendly experience. But if you crave the power of AI to enhance your daily smartphone usage and want a future-proof device, the Pixel 8a presents a compelling upgrade path.

Battery

Thankfully, battery life isn’t a major factor to consider when choosing between the Pixel 6a and 8a. Both phones come equipped with very similar battery capacities: the 8a boasts a slightly larger 4,492mAh battery compared to the 6a’s 4410mAh. In layman’s terms, this means both phones should comfortably last a full day under moderate use, as advertised by Google. However, if your 6a is a few years old, it might be time for a refresh or new battery due to general wear and tear.

While the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chip might be slightly more efficient in terms of power management, any real-world differences in battery life are likely to be negligible. Both phones also support the same 18W wired charging speeds, so topping them up won’t take significantly longer on either device.

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

Cameras

Let’s delve into the camera on the Pixel 8a. Here, the news depends on your perspective. The 8a utilizes the same Sony IMX787 sensor as its predecessor, the 7a. So, if last year’s improvements didn’t wow you, this year’s iteration likely won’t either.

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

But the true game-changer for the 8a’s camera lies in its software. Google packs the 8a with their most advanced AI features yet, including Magic Editor, Best Take, Magic Eraser, and even Audio Magic Eraser – functionalities completely absent on the Pixel 6a. These AI features offer impressive capabilities, like effortlessly fixing blurry faces or unwanted objects in photos (Magic Eraser), automatically selecting the best shot from a burst (Best Take), and effectively removing background noise from videos (Audio Magic Eraser).

The potential of these AI features is significant, offering a more polished and versatile photography experience. While the hardware might not be a drastic leap forward, the exciting software capabilities make the Pixel 8a’s camera a compelling option for those who prioritize AI-powered photo editing and manipulation.

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

About upgrading: 9to5Google often gives specific product recommendations. Sometimes, we may suggest not upgrading, due to various reasons including, but not limited to: increased device cost, negligible performance gains, or environmental impact. Whether to upgrade is always your call, but our aim is to help you make as informed a decision as possible.

Upgrading from a Pixel 6a (or older) to the Pixel 8a depends on your priorities. Value-focused users will find the Pixel 8a compelling with its Tensor G3 chip, robust AI features, 7-year update commitment, improved fingerprint scanner, and better modem. However, if you prioritize 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 an innovation seeker, waiting a few months for the Pixel 9 series with its 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 option. But if you prioritize hardware or crave the latest innovations, waiting for a discounted Pixel 8 or the Pixel 9 series launch might be wiser.

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