Google and Samsung are battling it out with their latest mid-range phones: the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A55. Both phones offer great features and performance, but which one is the better buy? Let’s break it down.
Design & Build
Both the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A55 look sleek and modern with their slim bezels. The Pixel 8a is compact, measuring 152.4 x 73.6 x 10.1mm and weighing 192g.
It’s easy to hold and feels sturdy with its matte back and polished aluminum frame. It comes in four colors: Bay (blue), Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), and Aloe (green). The 256GB model, however, is only available in black.
The Galaxy A55 is a bit bigger at 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2mm and weighs 213g. It has an aluminum frame and a glass back, with a unique design for the power and volume buttons.
Available colors include Awesome Iceblue, Awesome Navy, Awesome Lilac, and Awesome Yellow. Both phones have Gorilla Glass and an IP67 rating, meaning they’re protected against water and dust. Choosing between them really comes down to personal preference in design.
Screen & Speakers
The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making visuals smooth and clear. It also boasts superior brightness, up to 1400 nits for HDR and 2000 nits peak. The Galaxy A55 has a larger 6.6-inch FHD+ OLED screen, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1000 nits brightness.
Both phones feature stereo speakers, but the Pixel 8a’s speakers offer slightly better audio depth, giving it a small advantage.
Performance
The Pixel 8a, powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, includes advanced AI features like Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser. It has 8GB of RAM and offers either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The Pixel 8a also includes the Titan M2 security chip and Google VPN for added security, but lacks a microSD slot.
The Galaxy A55 uses Samsung’s Exynos 1480 chip, also with 8GB of RAM and the same storage options. Unlike the Pixel, it includes a microSD slot for up to 1TB of expandable storage. However, in benchmark tests, the Pixel 8a outperforms the Galaxy A55, especially in graphics, making it better for demanding tasks.
Cameras
The Pixel 8a has a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide sensor. It excels in point-and-shoot photography and low-light conditions, thanks to advanced software. It supports up to 4K video recording at 30fps, with the main camera capable of 60fps.
The Galaxy A55 features a 50MP main shooter, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. It also supports 4K video at 30fps. While its camera performs well in good lighting, it struggles in low-light compared to the Pixel 8a. Google’s superior software-based image processing gives the Pixel 8a the edge in this category.
Battery Life & Charging
The Pixel 8a has a 4492mAh battery, supporting 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging. It typically lasts a day with normal use but struggles with heavy use.
The Galaxy A55, with a larger 5000mAh battery, offers better battery life, lasting up to two days with normal use. It supports faster 25W wired charging but lacks wireless charging. The A55’s superior battery life and charging speed make it the better choice for those who prioritize these features.
Software & Updates
Both phones run on Android 14. The Pixel 8a benefits from Google’s optimizations and offers seven years of software updates, along with exclusive AI features. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on the Galaxy A55 offers customization and functionality but promises only four years of major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, slightly behind the Pixel 8a.
Price & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A55 is priced at £439 for the 128GB model and £489 for the 256GB model in the UK but isn’t available in the US. The Pixel 8a costs £499/$499 for the 128GB variant and £559/$559 for the 256GB version and is available in both the UK and US.
Verdict
The Pixel 8a stands out with its superior performance, camera capabilities, and longer software support, making it the better buy for most users.
However, if you prioritize battery life and faster charging or are on a tighter budget, the Galaxy A55 is a compelling alternative. In the US, the Pixel 8a is the clear choice due to its availability.