If you’ve been holding onto a Pixel 4a, you’ve probably found it to be a reliable and compact phone, offering excellent performance for the price. However, in the years since its release, Google has significantly improved its Pixel A-series, culminating in the latest Pixel 8a. Whether you’re considering upgrading for better performance, longer battery life, or enhanced camera features, here’s a comprehensive checklist to compare features and determine if the jump to the 8a is worth it.
The Evolution from Pixel 4a to Pixel 8a
The Pixel A-series has come a long way. Each iteration brought meaningful upgrades, but the leap from the Pixel 4a to the Pixel 8a is particularly dramatic. Below is a comparison of key areas you should consider before upgrading.
1. Performance & Processor
- Pixel 4a: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
- Pixel 8a: Google Tensor G3
The upgrade from the modest mid-range Snapdragon 730G to the Tensor G3 chip represents a massive leap in raw performance, machine learning capabilities, and overall efficiency. The Tensor G3 allows the Pixel 8a to run demanding apps, multi-task effortlessly, and support intensive AI features like voice typing and live translation.
2. Display & Refresh Rate
- Pixel 4a: 5.81″ OLED, 60Hz refresh rate
- Pixel 8a: 6.1″ OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
The 4a’s display was impressive for its time, but the 8a steps it up with a smoother, more vibrant 6.1″ OLED panel supporting 120Hz refresh. Users will notice crisper scrolling, improved responsiveness, and brighter colors.
3. Camera Capabilities
- Pixel 4a: 12.2 MP rear camera, software-based Night Sight and Portrait features
- Pixel 8a: 64 MP main camera, upgraded image processing, Real Tone, Face Unblur, and Magic Eraser
The Pixel 8a maintains Google’s tradition of best-in-class photography at budget prices. Thanks to advanced AI smarts and enhanced resolution, the Pixel 8a’s camera delivers sharper photos, more accurate skin tones, and versatile editing features. Upgrading means unlocking a plethora of creative tools not available on the Pixel 4a.
4. Battery & Charging
- Pixel 4a: 3,140 mAh battery, 18W wired charging
- Pixel 8a: 4,492 mAh battery, 18W wired + Qi wireless charging
The 8a offers a significant battery upgrade—both in capacity and features. Wireless charging support, even at standard speeds, is a welcome enhancement, making everyday usage more flexible. The Tensor chip also enables better battery optimization with adaptive features.
5. Software Support
- Pixel 4a: Final Android update ends with Android 13 or 14
- Pixel 8a: Promised 7 years of OS and security updates
If long-term value and security are important, the Pixel 8a steamrolls the competition. Google is providing seven years of software support, ensuring your device stays protected and up-to-date into the 2030s, a rarity in the smartphone world.
6. Design & Durability
- Pixel 4a: Polycarbonate body, no IP rating
- Pixel 8a: Matte plastic housing, IP67 water and dust resistance
Aesthetically and practically, the Pixel 8a boasts a more refined, modern design and adds IP67 water and dust resistance—meaning your phone is now safer in wet environments. It also has slimmer bezels and more color options that appeal to modern tastes.
7. Biometrics & Security
- Pixel 4a: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner
- Pixel 8a: In-display fingerprint scanner + Face Unlock
The Pixel 8a gives users dual biometric security options—face and fingerprint. The in-display scanner is more convenient than the rear-mounted one on Pixel 4a, and while not as fast as flagship hardware, it’s a significant usability improvement.
8. AI Features & Smart Software
Thanks to the Tensor G3, the Pixel 8a supports exclusive Google smarts like:
- Live Translate in real time
- Audio Magic Eraser to clean up background noise in videos
- Best Take in photo albums to get everyone’s best expression
- On-device voice dictation that’s faster and more natural
These enhancements are powered by Google’s commitment to AI, which is deeply embedded throughout the Pixel 8a’s software architecture. These features alone could make a compelling case for an upgrade.
9. Connectivity & Future-Proofing
- Pixel 4a: 4G LTE only
- Pixel 8a: Full 5G support (Sub-6 and mmWave), WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
The Pixel 8a is fully future-proof with connectivity, making the 4G-only Pixel 4a feel dated. If data speed and device longevity are important, the 8a is leaps and bounds ahead in this category.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re experiencing battery issues, performance slowdown, or a lack of newer software support on your Pixel 4a, upgrading to the Pixel 8a is a smart move. The leap in hardware power, camera innovation, and longevity of updates makes the 8a a worthy successor.
Even if your Pixel 4a still works well, the performance and feature gap between it and the 8a is now wide enough to justify the change, especially considering the generous support window Google is offering with the newer device.
FAQs
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Q: Is the Pixel 8a significantly faster than the Pixel 4a?
A: Yes. The Google Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8a offers much better performance compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G in the Pixel 4a. Multitasking, gaming, and AI features are smoother and faster. -
Q: Will I miss the compact size of the Pixel 4a?
A: The Pixel 8a is slightly larger but still maintains a one-handed form factor. It’s designed to strike a balance between usability and screen real estate. -
Q: Are the AI features exclusive to the Pixel 8a?
A: Most of the new AI-powered tools like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Audio Eraser do require the Tensor chip and are not available on older models like the 4a. -
Q: Is 5G worth it if I only use WiFi at home?
A: While 5G is more beneficial on the go, having the tech keeps your device relevant for years and allows for faster updates and content downloads when away from WiFi. -
Q: How long will I get software updates on the Pixel 8a?
A: Google promises 7 years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 8a, far surpassing the 3-year update cycle of the Pixel 4a.
In conclusion, upgrading from the Pixel 4a to 8a isn’t just about keeping up with the latest tech—it’s a transformation across hardware, software, and everyday usability. With substantial improvements in nearly every key area, the Pixel 8a makes a persuasive case for any loyal Pixel user looking to make their next move.