Pixel 8a vs Pixel 9a: Is the Discounted Pixel 8a Still Worth Buying in 2025?

In the ever-evolving and sometimes confusing world of smartphones, Google continues to push prices higher, leaving many Pixel fans wondering: Is it worth upgrading now or waiting for the next model? The Google Pixel 8a, which launched at ₹52,900, is now available at a discounted price of around ₹29,000—if you manage to snag a bank offer like with an SBI credit card. But with the Pixel 9a hitting the market at nearly double the price, the big question is: Should you buy the Pixel 8a now or wait for the 9a to come down in price?

Let’s break it down.

Design and Build: A Familiar Face vs. a Fresh Look

The Pixel 8a sticks closely to the classic Pixel design with its signature camera visor and the Google “G” logo on the back. It comes with a plastic back and metallic frame, and it even boasts an IP67 rating for water resistance. Wireless charging is present, though slow at 7.5W.

The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, drops the camera visor entirely and smooths out the design—there’s no camera bump and no wobble when placed on a flat surface. While the 8a feels slightly heavier in hand, the actual weight difference is just 2–3 grams. For its price tag, the Pixel 8a still feels premium and holds up well design-wise even in 2025.

Display: Minor Changes, Familiar Experience

On paper, the Pixel 9a has a slightly larger and brighter display. However, when watching the same content side by side, there’s hardly any noticeable difference in brightness between the two. Both displays are compact and bright enough even for outdoor use. The downside? Both still carry chunky bezels, making them look somewhat dated.

Software: Flagship Experience, Shared Across the Lineup

The Pixel 8a launched with Android 14 and is currently running Android 15, with Google promising seven years of updates. That means it should receive updates well into Android 21 or 22—far outlasting most Android phones on the market.

Both the 8a and 9a offer the same core software features, including the Magic Editor in Google Photos and Gemini Live, Google’s on-device AI assistant. However, these once-exclusive Pixel features have become widely available on other brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola, reducing the Pixel’s unique software edge.

Performance: Good Enough, But Not a Powerhouse

Performance is where things get less exciting. The Pixel 8a runs on a Snapdragon chip that trails the newer 9a’s processor by only about 7.6% in benchmark scores. In daily use, you can play games like BGMI smoothly at 60fps, but heavier games will see some frame drops. The Pixel 8a also heats up during extended 5G use—likely because Google skipped a proper cooling layer in the A-series.

The battery, at 4,492 mAh, lasts about a day with moderate use but will need recharging by evening if you push it hard. Charging speeds are slow by today’s standards, topping out at 18W and taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach full charge. In comparison, competitors offer 60W or even 65W fast charging at this price point.

Cameras: The Pixel Magic Lives On

Cameras have always been a Pixel highlight. While the Pixel 9a’s camera setup is technically downgraded on paper, real-world photos show only slight differences. The Pixel 8a delivers warmer colors, while the 9a leans toward cooler tones. Details are marginally better on the 9a, but the Pixel 8a still shines in terms of consistency and light control.

That said, some occasional bugs crop up—like portrait mode failing to blur the background—but overall, the Pixel 8a remains one of the best camera phones under ₹30,000. Keep in mind that some competitors at this price now offer telephoto lenses, giving them an edge in hardware versatility.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Pixel 8a?

At its current discounted price, the Pixel 8a is a solid buy if and only if you’re specifically looking for the Pixel experience. If you’re open to exploring other options, you might want to look elsewhere:

• For performance: Realme GT 6T, iQOO Neo 10R

• For cutting-edge AI features: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

• For a well-rounded experience: OnePlus 12R, Nothing Phone 2a

The truth is, Google isn’t trying to compete with brands like OnePlus, Poco, or Motorola in the mid-range. Their true rival is Apple. The Pixel A-series is Google’s answer to the iPhone SE series.

So, if you’re a Pixel fan or need a reliable camera phone for parents or casual users, the Pixel 8a at ₹29,000 is a smart pick. Otherwise, you’ll likely get more value and performance from other brands.