The Pixel 8 series now includes three models: the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 8, and the Pixel 8 Pro. Although they have different prices, these phones share many features, making it hard to decide which one is best for you. We can compare the three models based on their specifications to highlight the key differences.

Color Options

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have a Google-exclusive Mint (green) color, but only for the 128GB version. The Pixel 8a has an exclusive Aloe (brighter green) finish for its 128GB model. Otherwise, the Pixel 8a and 8 Pro are available in Bay (blue), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (grayish). The Pixel 8 comes in Hazel (darker grayish), Obsidian, and Rose (pink). Keep in mind that certain storage capacities limit your color choices.

Screen and Size

The Pixel 8 Pro has the largest screen at 6.7 inches. The Pixel 8's screen is 6.2 inches, which is slightly bigger than the Pixel 8a's 6.1 inches.

There are other differences too. The Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a have an adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz, which saves battery and makes animations smooth. The Pixel 8's refresh rate ranges from 60Hz to 120Hz, making it slightly less efficient.

The Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 have the same resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels, but the Pixel 8a has a higher pixel density at 430ppi compared to the Pixel 8's 424ppi. The Pixel 8 Pro has a higher resolution of 2,992 by 1,344 pixels and a density of 489ppi. All screens should show fine details clearly. The Pixel 8 Pro is the brightest with 2,400 nits, while the Pixel 8 and 8a reach 2,000 nits. 

Even though the Pixel 8 has the second-largest screen, it's the smallest and lightest, measuring 5.9 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches and weighing 6.6 ounces. The Pixel 8a is slightly bigger and heavier at 6.0 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches and 6.8 ounces. The Pixel 8 Pro is the largest and heaviest, at 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.4 inches and 7.5 ounces. The Pixel 8 and 8a are easy to carry, but the Pixel 8 Pro needs a larger pocket.

Tensor G3 for All

All three Mobile phones use Google's Tensor G3 chip and have the Titan M2 security coprocessor. Although the Tensor series doesn't score as high as Qualcomm's chips in benchmarks, it's made to excel at natural language processing and AI tasks rather than just synthetic tests. In everyday use, the Tensor G3 performs well.

The Pixel 8a and 8 come with 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 8 Pro has 12GB. This extra RAM might explain why the Pixel 8 Pro performs better in benchmarks compared to the Pixel 8.

Battery charging speed differs by model. The Pixel 8 Pro charges up to 30W, the Pixel 8 up to 27W, and the Pixel 8a up to 18W. For wireless charging, the Pixel 8 Pro, 8, and 8a charge up to 23W, 18W, and 12W, respectively.

Cameras and Imaging

Google's Pixel phones are known for taking great photos thanks to their top-notch hardware and software, and we expect the Pixel 8a to follow this trend.

The Pixel 8a has the same main camera as the Pixel 7a: a 64MP sensor with an f/1.89 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and up to 8x Super Res Zoom (a software-enhanced digital zoom). It also has a 13MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 13MP front camera with a wide 96.5-degree field of view.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro both have a 50MP main camera with an f/1.68 aperture and OIS. The Pixel 8 uses a single-zone laser autofocus system, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a more advanced multi-zone autofocus. Both have the same 10.5MP front camera with a 95-degree field of view.

Their ultra-wide cameras are different: the Pixel 8 has a 12MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 48MP ultra-wide lens with an f/1.95 aperture. The Pixel 8 Pro also has a third rear camera, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom.

What you can do with photos and videos varies by phone. The Pixel 8 Pro has exclusive features like Night Sight Video, Pro Controls, and Video Boost. However, all three models (Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a) have Audio Magic Eraser (to edit audio in videos), Best Take (to retouch group photos), and Magic Editor (to move and resize objects in photos). These features are not available on the Pixel 7 series.

If you want all of Google's camera features, the Pixel 8 Pro is the best choice. But if you don't need every feature, the Pixel 8 and 8a are also good options. Some features that were first available on the Pixel 8 Pro, like the AI chatbot Gemini, later came to the Pixel 8 and 8a, but there's no guarantee this will happen with all the imaging tools.

Durability, Connectivity, and Software

For durability, the Pixel 8 Pro has the newest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which helps protect against scratches and drops on hard surfaces like concrete. The Pixel 8 uses the older Gorilla Glass Victus, and the Pixel 8a uses Gorilla Glass 3. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro both have an IP68 rating, making them more water-resistant than the Pixel 8a, which has an IP67 rating. All three are equally dust-resistant.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro support the latest Wi-Fi 7, while the Pixel 8a supports Wi-Fi 6E. All three phones support sub-6GHz 5G (including C-band), mmWave 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a unique feature: a thermometer that can measure the temperature of objects and people, and you can save these readings in a Fitbit profile if you want.

All three phones will receive seven years of OS updates, feature drops, and security updates, the longest commitment for a non-Samsung Android device. They all currently run Android 14, with exact update timelines varying slightly based on their release dates.