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Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: Specs
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED 2400 x 1080 resolution 120Hz refresh rate 20:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
6.6-inch Super AMOLED 2340 x 1080 resolution 120Hz refresh rate 19.5:9 aspect ratio Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128/256GB | 128GB Expandable via microSD card |
| Battery | 4.492mAh 18W wired charging 7.5W wireless charging |
5,000mAh 25W wired charging |
| Cameras | 64MP wide camera Æ’/1.89 aperture OIS + EIS 13MP ultra-wide camera, 120deg FoV Æ’/2.2 aperture |
50MP wide camera Æ’/1.8 aperture OIS 8MP ultra-wide camera, 123deg FoV Æ’/2.2 aperture 5MP macro camera Æ’/2.4 aperture |
| Connectivity | 5G 4G LTE Wi-Fi 6e Bluetooth 5.3 |
5G 4G LTE Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Operating System | Pixel UI Android 14 |
One UI 6.1 Android 14 |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Colors | Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, Porcelain | Iceblue, Lilac, Navy |
| Dimension and weight | 152.4 x 73.7 x 10.1mm 192.8 grams |
161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm 209 grams |
Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: Price and availability
Credit: Google
Google Pixel 8a: Starts at $499
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: Starts at $399
The Pixel 8a is available for pre-order from May 7, 2024, and will go on general sale a week after, on May 14, 2024. The affordable A-series device starts at $499, the same price as its predecessor. However, for the first time, Google is adding a 256GB storage variant, which will set you back an additional $60. As far as colorways go, the unique Bay and Aloe options join the standard Porcelain and Obsidian. However, the 256GB version will only be available in Obsidian at launch.
Credit: Samsung
On the other hand, the Galaxy A35 launched in the US on April 18, 2024. The mid-range smartphone from Samsung is priced at $399 and is available in Iceblue, Lilac, and Navy.
Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: Which should you buy?
Credit: Google
In previous years, the Galaxy A5x smartphone has been the more direct competition to the Pixel A-series. Samsung’s decision to not release the Galaxy A55 in the US means it falls on the Galaxy A35 to bring the fight to Google’s latest smartphone. And the cheaper Galaxy smartphone holds its ground surprisingly well.
Both phones have Full HD+ resolutions and 120Hz refresh rates, and those who prefer more screen real estate will appreciate the Galaxy A35’s 6.6-inch display. The Pixel 8a might have a smaller screen, but it gets much brighter with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, double that of its Samsung rival. Regarding build quality, the Pixel 8a has the edge with its metal frame. However, the Galaxy A35 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for scratch protection, while the Pixel relies on the seven-year-old Gorilla Glass 3.
Credit: Samsung
The Pixel 8a has a better processing package, more RAM, and a new storage variant that doubles the storage of the base variant. It’s a much-needed increase, and 256GB will likely be the preferred option for most buyers. While the Galaxy A35 only has 128GB storage, it more than makes up for it with microSD card support, even if it comes in lieu of dual-SIM capabilities. The Samsung phone also has a larger battery and faster wired charging, while the Pixel 8a comes with wireless charging.
The camera department is where the Pixel 8a solidifies its lead. Samsung’s mid-range phones don’t have bad cameras, of course. But the Pixel 8a’s cameras are more capable, and helped along by Google’s stack of AI-powered camera features, like Magic Editor. Despite falling in the affordable category, the Pixel A-series has given even flagships a run for their money, and the 8a is no different. The Galaxy A35’s triple-camera setup, headlined by a 50MP shooter, is also solid.
Speaking of flagship features, Google also brings most software features from the Pixel 8 series to the Pixel 8a. From Circle to Search and Gemini Nano to Live Translate and Pixel Call Assist, AI takes the Pixel 8a to the next level. The Galaxy A35’s One UI 6.1 is no slouch but won’t offer nearly the same experience as the Pixel. That extends to software support as well. The A35 will come with four major OS upgrades and another year of security updates, which is quite impressive for a Samsung mid-ranger. However, the Pixel 8a breaks the mold with seven years of major OS updates!
Unless you’re tied to a particular ecosystem — Samsung and Pixel phones will understandably play best with their own sets of accessories — the Pixel 8a is the better buy, albeit at a $100 surcharge, and even more if you want extra storage.
Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: FAQ
Are the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A35 waterproof?
Yes, both the Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A35 come with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
Do the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A35 have wireless charging?
While the new Pixel 8a supports 7.5W wireless charging, the Galaxy A35 does not.
Do the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A35 have an SD card slot?
The Pixel 8a doesn’t offer expandable storage, while the Galaxy A35 lets you add up to 1TB of storage via microSD card. This takes the place of the extra SIM slot, though.
Are the Google Pixel 8a and Galaxy A35 dual SIM and eSIM?
Yes, both phones offer dual-SIM support in the form of a nanoSIM and eSIM. The Galaxy A35 has dual SIM slots, with the secondary slot also working as the microSD card slot.
Do the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A35 have headphone jacks?
No, the two phones don’t come with headphone jacks.
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