Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35: Which is the best smartphone under $500?

Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35
Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35: Which is the better smartphone? (Image via Samsung/Google)

Pitting the Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35 makes a lot of sense, as both are sub-$500 smartphones with respectable hardware and long software support. However, the Pixel 8a is better known for its camera prowess, whereas the Galaxy A35 focuses on all-round specifications, with a more versatile camera setup and a bigger battery and screen size.

Some users may be confused about which is the better smartphone of the two. This article compares both phones to see which is a better buy for under $500 in 2024.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.


Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35: Specifications

We begin the comparison by looking at the hardware specifications of both phones:

SpecificationsSamsung Galaxy A35Pixel 8a
Display6.6-inch, Super AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate6.1-inch OLED with 120Hz refresh rate
ChipsetExynos 1380Tensor G3
Operating systemAndroid 14 with OneUI 6.1Android 14
Memory and storage
Up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage
Camera setup50+8+5MP rear camera setup with 13MP selfie camera64+13MP rear camera setup with 13MP selfie camera
Battery and charging5000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging4492 mAh battery with 18W fast charging

Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35: Display comparison

The Pixel 8a has a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display (Image via Flipkart)
The Pixel 8a has a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display (Image via Flipkart)

The Google Pixel 8a has a flat 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED display with Gorilla Glass 3 protection and 2000 nits of peak brightness, making it usable under direct sunlight. Moreover, it also supports Always on Display. These features make it an upgrade over the Pixel 7a, which had a 90Hz panel.

The Samsung Galaxy A35, on the other hand, comes with a slightly larger 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with superior Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. However, it has lower 1000 nits of peak brightness support, which means usability under sunlight is not as good as the Pixel's. Samsung makes up for this by providing extra customizations on the Always on Display mode.


Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35: Performance comparison

Exynos processors are infamous for their heating and performance issues compared to their MediaTek or Qualcomm counterparts. However, the Exynos 1380 on the Galaxy A35 is still a decent performer and is great for day-to-day usage.

Meanwhile, the Tensor G3 on the Pixel 8a is much more powerful than the Exynos 1380, especially if you multitask or render videos regularly. The MC10 GPU on the Pixel 8a also provides much higher FPS in most games.


Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35: Battery comparison

The Pixel 8a has a rather average 4492mAh battery (Image via PBKreviews)
The Pixel 8a has a rather average 4492mAh battery (Image via PBKreviews)

The Samsung Galaxy A35 has a 5000 mAh battery with support for 25W wired charging support. The Pixel 8a on the other hand, has a 4492 mAh battery and supports 18W charging, which is relatively slow by 2024 standards. Both smartphones can last a full day of usage, but the Galaxy A35 promises more screen time with its bigger battery.

The Pixel 8a supports wireless charging, albeit only 7.5W wireless charging speed. The Galaxy A35 charges fully under 90 minutes with its 25W charging speed, whereas the Pixel 8a with its smaller battery pack, takes over two hours for a full charge. Neither phone comes with a charger in the box.


Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35: Verdict

The Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy A35 have a lot to offer for their price and are currently among the best smartphones under $500. However, the Pixel 8a costs an extra $100 for the base variant, although it comes with additional benefits, such as a more premium build, wireless charging support, and longer OS updates.

The cheaper Galaxy A35 has a bigger battery, larger display size, and a more versatile camera setup. Thus, if you're seeking a more premium design and longer software support, the Pixel 8a should be your preferred phone. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A35 is an all-rounder that's suitable for budget-conscious users.

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Edited by Dinesh Renthlei
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