Google recently launched the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which now sit alongside the Pixel 7a in the wider family. All three phones share a few features, but there are also key differences that set them apart.
If you're struggling to pick which Pixel phone is right for you, we're here to help. First, here are their specs:
| Pixel 7a | Pixel 8 | Pixel 8 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch flat | 6.2-inch flat | 6.7-inch flat |
| Resolution | 1080p+ with 90Hz | 1080p+ with 120Hz | Quad HD+ with 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 64MP + 13MP | 50MP + 12MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 10.5MP | 10.5MP |
| Processor | Tensor G2 | Tensor G3 | Tensor G3 |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB - 256GB | 128GB - 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB |
| Water-Resistance | IP67 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus2 |
| Battery | 4,385mAh | 4,575mAh | 5,050mAh |
| 5G | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 + mmWave |
| Starting Price | $749 | From $1,199 | From $1,699 |
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Price
Price is a key difference between the Pixel family. The Pixel 7a retails for $749, the Pixel 8 starts at $1,199, while the Pixel 8 Pro will set you back a minimum of $1,699. While the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are still reasonably new phones, we've already seen discounts as deep as $500 on the top-end model.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are available from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, while the Pixel 7a is only available from Telstra and Optus.
All three providers offer both 24-month and 36-month plans. Choosing a 24-month plan is a good option if you want to own your phone faster, whereas paying your phone off over 36 months will help you keep your monthly plan fees lower.
Here's a look at the cheapest plans for each device.
Pixel 7a plans
Google Pixel 7a 5G 128GB Plans
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$105.20/mth
Min. cost $822.80
Link not supplied
|
Google Pixel 7a 5G 128GB Plans
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$94.80/mth
Min. cost $822.80
Link not supplied
|
Pixel 8 plans
Pixel 8 Pro plans
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Camera
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro share an identical 50MP primary camera, and it's excellent. It takes great photos in almost every situation, and it's even more reliable this year. The pair also share the same selfie camera, but that's where the similarities end.
The Pixel 8 Pro is the more versatile of the two, featuring an ultra-wide lens (with macro mode) and a 5x optical zoom lens that can achieve 30x digital zoom. The standard Pixel 8 also has an ultra-wide lens, but it's slightly narrower and lower resolution. It benefits from a macro mode this year.
The Pixel 8 Pro will also benefit from an exclusive Video Boost mode down the line. This will allow you to send your footage to Google's servers for enhancement. One of the big promises is greatly improving low-light footage, effectively making it a night mode for video. We haven't been able to test this functionality yet, however.
The Pixel 7a represents a step down in photographic prowess. It's still the best camera phone in its price bracket, but low-light images aren't quite as detailed and it can struggle with motion in darker environments.
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Design
The Pixel all look pretty similar, but there are key differences.
The Pixel 7a has the smallest screen of the three with a 6.1-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It is however ever so slightly larger than the 6.2-inch Pixel 8, thanks to a thicker bezel surrounding the display. The Pixel 8 has a faster 120Hz refresh rate display.
The Pixel 8 Pro is the largest of the family, with a 6.7-inch display. Unlike the Pixel 7 Pro before, the Pixel 8 Pro display is entirely flat. The subtle curve is gone. The Pixel 8 Pro display has a 120Hz fresh rate, but it's different to what you'll find in the standard Pixel 8.
The refresh rate is dynamic. Rather than being stuck at 120Hz constantly, the Pixel 8 Pro can adjust its refresh rate on the fly, going as low as 1Hz if you're not using the phone. This helps conserve battery life.
Durability is also worth considering. The Pixel 7a uses Gorilla Glass 3 for the front and back panels, the Pixel 8 uses Gorilla Glass Victus, and the Pixel 8 Pro uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Gorilla Glass Victus and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 are a lot more resistant to drops and scratches, making the Pixel 8 duo a better option for anyone prone to dropping their phone or averse to cases.
One interesting new feature exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro is a thermometer. This can be used to get the temperature of objects, and Google is seeking FDA approval to let users take their temperature and log it in the Fitbit app.
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Performance
The Pixel 7a is powered by the Google-made Tensor G2 processor, while the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have the newer Tensor G3 processor. While the Tensor G3 is faster than the Tensor G2, Google doesn't really talk up raw performance. Instead, a Google spokesperson told us that the Tensor G3 is focused on efficiency and on facilitating helpful experiences, such as the new AI camera features.
If you pick a Pixel 7a over its newer brethren, you won't have an issue with day-to-day performance. In our testing, we found it could still reliably run games like Diablo Immortal.
Processor aside, the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8 both have 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 8 Pro has 12GB of RAM. The extra RAM in the Pixel 8 Pro shouldn't make much of a different for most users.
Storage is another factor to consider. The Pixel 7a is only available in a 128GB variant, while the standard Pixel 8 also has a 256GB option. If you opt for the Pixel 8 Pro, you can pick from 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. None Pixel phones have expandable storage, so you'll want to make sure you get a phone with enough memory for your future needs.
The Pixel 7a will get three operating system updates and five years of security updates. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will receive seven years of software updates and seven years of security updates, which is currently an industry-leading promise.
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Battery
Battery life isn't the Pixel family's strongest point, but if you're looking for Google's longest-lasting handset, the Pixel 8 Pro is the one to get. In our testing we found it was able to achieve around 4.5 hours of screen time per charge, while connected to a 5G network. That's a day of moderate usage with a small buffer.
The standard Pixel 8 was a little weaker, getting around four hours of screen time per charge. You'll probably make it through a full day of moderate usage, but with very little buffer. It probably won't die on you, but it's the kind of phone you'll want to top up during the day if you're out in the evening.
The Pixel 7a battery life is pretty similar to the Pixel 8.
All Pixel phones have an extreme battery saver mode that can last up to 72 hours. This disables functionality like 5G, however.
Which Pixel phone should I buy?
All three Pixel devices are easy to recommend if you're after a Google-made phone. The Pixel 8 Pro is easily the best of the three if you can make your budget stretch. It has the most versatile camera setup, nicest display, and longest-lasting battery.
But if you'd prefer something more affordable, the Pixel 7a is our pick for the best midrange phone right now. If you're looking to buy on a budget, the Pixel 7a is your best choice right now.
The Pixel 8 acts as a nice middle ground between the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8 Pro. While it's more of a step up in price when compared to previous Pixels, the longer software update life could be a compelling reason to spend more.
Alex Choros
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