Full of Google AI
The Google Pixel 8a brings alongside most of the identical options as the remainder of the Pixel 8 collection, together with the Tensor G3 processor. Meaning it could actually run loads of the most recent Google AI instruments, together with on-device Gemini Nano. Nearly a 12 months after its launch, the Pixel 8a would possibly grow to be a good higher worth with new reductions.
For
- Small and cozy kind issue
- Flagship-level Tensor G3 processor
- 7 years of full OS upgrades
- Wonderful digital camera system for the worth
- All the perfect Gemini and Google AI options
Towards
- Sluggish charging
- No MagSafe/Qi2
- Low-PWM show might trigger eye discomfort
Apple’s latest iPhone 16
Changing the iPhone SE in Apple’s lineup is the iPhone 16e, a price range smartphone with solely the necessities. It has a binned model of the A18 processor, helps Apple Intelligence, and has a single (however doubtlessly nice) digital camera lens. Nevertheless, there are some limitations that make the iPhone 16e nonetheless really feel outdated.
For
- Apple A18 processor provides assist for Apple Intelligence
- 6.1-inch OLED show
- USB-C port for charging
Towards
- No MagSafe assist
- Lacks 60Hz show and Dynamic Island
- Just one rear digital camera
- No Digicam Management button
Whereas it is all the time thrilling to match the most costly flagship telephones, the midrange sector is arguably extra aggressive than ever. Apple’s latest iPhone 16e is successfully a successor to the third-generation iPhone SE, and it tries to supply a pared-down iPhone 16 expertise on the $600 value level. That makes it a becoming competitor to Google’s Pixel 8a, a midrange Android smartphone out there for $500 with loads of highly effective AI options.
There are a number of causes to contemplate avoiding the Google Pixel 8a, however all of them contain shopping for one other midrange Android cellphone. The cellphone’s successor, the Pixel 9a, is nearly actually set to reach subsequent month — and present Android midrangers just like the OnePlus 13R may very well be a greater worth. However how does the Pixel 8a shake up when put immediately towards the iPhone 16e? That is what we’re right here to seek out out.
Google Pixel 8a vs. iPhone 16e: Design and show
Google and Apple took related approaches in designing the Pixel 8a and the iPhone 16e. They’re each intently associated to previous Pixel or iPhone flagships, whereas missing a few of the newer design selections or premium supplies discovered on the most recent fashions. Each telephones are additionally barely smaller than their flagship companions. The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch display, smaller than the 6.2-inch Pixel 8. In the meantime, the iPhone 16e additionally has a 6.1-inch display, and that is smaller than the 6.12-inch iPhone 16.
The small kind issue could also be supreme for individuals who get pleasure from compact flagships. In that respect, the iPhone 16e is the smaller alternative, measuring 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.80mm. By comparability, the Pixel 8a is greater by each measurement, however its thickness is one thing particularly value watching out for. Google’s midranger measures 152.1 mm x 72.7 mm x 8.9 mm — that is over a millimeter thicker than the iPhone 16e.
Apple’s midranger is significantly lighter, too, weighing simply 167 grams. That makes the 188-gram Pixel 8a really feel like an enormous. That is particularly odd when you think about that the Pixel has a plastic again and the iPhone has a glass again. By way of design and construct, the Pixel does have the benefit of consolation. Its curvy, pebble-shaped construct conforms properly to your hand with out concern.
Transferring to the shows, the Google Pixel 8a has the definitive edge. It has a 6.1-inch AMOLED panel with assist for HDR10+ shade and a 1,400-nit peak brightness ranking. That is higher in each manner than the iPhone 16e’s show, which has an OLED panel however solely helps 60Hz refresh fee and a 1,200-nit peak brightness ranking. Moreover, the iPhone 16e has an enormous notch on the prime of the display, whereas the Pixel 8a has a small hole-punch cutout.
By way of sturdiness, each telephones are rated for IP68 mud and water-resistance. Google makes use of Gorilla Glass 3 on the entrance, whereas Apple is utilizing its personal Ceramic Protect glass. Each units characteristic an aluminum development and a USB-C port for connectivity.
That about sums up the design variations between the Pixel 8a and the iPhone 16e. The previous might need barely bigger show bezels than the latter, however that will not matter because the iPhone 16e has that massive notch anyway. The iPhone 16e has the sting in compactness and weight, however the Pixel 8a will get the show win.
Google Pixel 8a vs. iPhone 16e: Efficiency and specs
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Midrange telephones often include a number of compromises, with the processor typically being one among them. That is true of the Google Pixel 8a and the iPhone 16e. Each telephones are extremely succesful, supporting Google AI and Apple Intelligence respectively, however they will not stack as much as flagship-level chips. Google makes use of the identical Tensor G3 chip right here as the remainder of the Pixel 8 collection. At first look, it’d appear to be Apple makes use of the identical A18 chip because the iPhone 16, however the iPhone 16e really has a binned model of the chip with one fewer graphics core.
What does that each one imply? In easy phrases, it implies that neither midrange cellphone will have the ability to hold with the Pixel 9, Samsung Galaxy S25, or iPhone 16 Professional Max. However you most likely already might’ve guessed that from their costs. The vital half is that each telephones assist their respective AI suites, Gemini Nano on-device and Apple Intelligence (with Visible Intelligence by way of the Motion button).
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Google Pixel 8a | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Apple A18 |
Show | 6.1-inch AMOLED Actua Show, 2400×1080 decision (430 ppi), 120Hz, HDR10+, 1,400 nits | 6.1-inch OLED, 2532 x 1170 decision, 60Hz, 1,200 nits |
Working system | Android 14 (upgradeable) | iOS 18 |
Reminiscence | 8GB LPDDR5x RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Battery | 4492 mAh | 26 hours of video playback (precise mAh unknown) |
Charging | 18W wired charging, 5W Qi wi-fi charging | 20W wired, Qi wi-fi charging |
Rear cameras | 64MP primary, 13MP extremely extensive | 48MP single digital camera |
Entrance digital camera | 13MP extensive digital camera | 12MP entrance digital camera |
Sturdiness | IP68, Gorilla Glass 3 | IP68, Ceramic Protect |
Colours | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe | White, Black |
Weight | 188 grams | 167 grams |
Dimensions | 152.1 mm x 72.7 mm x 8.9 mm | 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.80mm |
Google doubtless affords the sting in software program assist, because the Pixel 8a is assured seven years of OS updates. It is already gotten the increase to Android 15, and has been upgraded with new Circle to Search and Gemini options. After all, it is not assured to get each new characteristic, however the Pixel 8a has a stable basis.
Whereas Apple has an excellent popularity for software program assist, it would not present a assure. Moreover, even the year-old iPhone 15 did not get Apple Intelligence, so it is unclear how Apple’s software program assist may very well be affected by the fast-moving tempo of AI progress.
Google Pixel 8a vs. iPhone 16e: Cameras
Neither the Google Pixel 8a or the iPhone 16e have the perfect digital camera system on a smartphone, however the Pixel 8a seems to be closest to flagship-caliber. Google’s utilizing a 64MP primary digital camera sensor with an f/1.89 aperture and optical-image stabilization. With sensor crop, it could actually present 2x optical zoom high quality, with digital zoom past that. There’s additionally a secondary 13MP ultrawide digital camera with a 120-degree subject of view to spherical out the dual-camera system.
That is another digital camera when than the iPhone 16e has. Apple tries to make use of one digital camera sensor that is versatile sufficient to function a primary, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. It is a 48MP, f/1.6 lens with OIS able to taking pictures both 24MP or 48MP pictures. Just like the Pixel 8a, it makes use of sensor crop to imitate a 2x telephoto. Make no mistake, although: whereas this single digital camera is probably going spectacular, it will not match the efficiency of an excellent twin or triple-camera system.
On the entrance, the Pixel 8a makes use of a large 13MP, f/2.2 sensor. By comparability, the iPhone 16e has a 12MP digital camera with an f/1.9 aperture. Each front-facing cameras will get the job completed. By way of safety, the Pixel 8a has each a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, whereas the iPhone solely has Face ID.
Google Pixel 8a vs. iPhone 16e: Which one do you have to purchase?
After breaking down the specs between the iPhone 16e and the Google Pixel 8a, it is clear that the latter gives extra for $500 than the previous does for $600. Nevertheless, I nonetheless would not advocate shopping for the Pixel 8a at its full MSRP — contemplating it is almost a 12 months outdated and the Pixel 9a is on the way in which.
As an alternative, look to purchase the Pixel 8a for even cheaper than its $500 sticker value, which is able to make it that a lot better of a price than the iPhone 16e. Proper now, the Pixel 8a is $100 off while you activate it with a provider at Finest Purchase. The offers will virtually actually get higher after the Pixel 9a is launched, so ready a number of weeks to see what’s new may very well be a stable plan.
The iPhone 16e’s worth proposition is difficult, making it troublesome to advocate for anybody besides those that completely should have an iPhone on a sub-$600 price range. Even then, I might argue that it is value trying into an older — maybe even refurbished or renewed — flagship iPhone as an alternative.
A fierce iPhone 16e competitor
The Google Pixel 8a will beat the iPhone 16e in a ton of the way, together with in show high quality, digital camera efficiency, and AI smarts. If you happen to can snag a deal on the Pixel 8a, it is a superb Android midranger. Nevertheless, the asterisk there may be that the unannounced Pixel 9a is because of change it quickly.
For the iOS lovers on the market
It is considerably troublesome to advocate the iPhone 16e to patrons, except you solely have $600 to spend and actually need an iPhone. In any other case, the iPhone 16e’s limitations — together with the 60Hz, notched show and the shortage of MagSafe — loom giant. It is higher than the iPhone SE it replaces within the iPhone lineup, however will get crushed by $600 Android telephones.
