Pixel 10
Pixel 8a
🏆 Verdict
Pixel 10 is the better pick overall by 16.2 points, leading in Camera, Performance and Build & durability. The gap is large; Pixel 8a only makes sense for a lower price or one specific feature.
Pixel 8a offers more for the money ($499 vs $799 at launch).
By category
Performance
Pixel 10 is faster with the Google Tensor G5 (performance index 80 vs 58). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use. Pixel 10 has more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Pixel 8a's main camera is 64 MP vs 48 MP. More pixels help cropping and digital zoom, but final quality depends on sensor size and processing. Only Pixel 10 has an optical 5× telephoto; the other relies on digital zoom. Pixel 8a has the higher-resolution selfie camera (13 MP vs 10.5 MP).
Battery
Pixel 10's battery is 478 mAh larger (4,970 vs 4,492 mAh), about 11% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Pixel 10 charges faster over cable (30W vs 18W).
Display
Pixel 10 has the larger screen (6.3" vs 6.1"). Pixel 10's screen gets brighter (3,000 vs 2,000 nits), which shows outdoors.
Build & durability
Pixel 10 is rated IP68 vs IP67 on the other. Pixel 8a is 16 g lighter.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (7 years).
Specifications
| Pixel 10 | Pixel 8a | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Tensor G5 | Chipset | Google Tensor G3 |
| 12 GB | RAM | 8 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB | Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB |
| 6.3" OLED | Display | 6.1" OLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2424×1080 (421 ppi) | Resolution | 2400×1080 (431 ppi) |
| 3,000 nits | Peak brightness | 2,000 nits |
| 48 MP | Main camera | 64 MP |
| 13 MP | Ultrawide | 13 MP |
| 10.8 MP · 5× | Telephoto | None |
| 10.5 MP | Front camera | 13 MP |
| 4,970 mAh | Battery | 4,492 mAh |
| 30 W | Wired charging | 18 W |
| 15 W | Wireless charging | 7.5 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP67 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 204 g | Weight | 188 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 7 years |
| $799 | Launch price | $499 |
| 2025-08 | Released | 2024-05 |
Pixel 10
Pros
- Faster chip (Google Tensor G5)
- 12 GB RAM
- 5× optical zoom
- 4,970 mAh battery
- 3,000 nits peak
Cons
- Pricier ($799)
Pixel 8a
Pros
- Lower price ($499)
Cons
- Slower chip
- No optical telephoto
- Smaller battery
- Dimmer screen
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.