The Google Pixel 8a aims to deliver flagship-level features at a mid-range price, while the HMD Aura 2 represents a more budget-conscious approach to Android. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on where each excels and who will benefit most from their respective strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 8a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor G3 chipset provides significantly faster performance and AI capabilities, complemented by a brighter display and longer battery endurance. The HMD Aura 2 is a viable option for those prioritizing extreme affordability and basic functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International) |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, February 11 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 13 | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.4 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.55 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 185.4 g (6.53 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 460 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP (16 MP eff.), f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0
7.5W wireless
Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Icy Blue, Electric Purple | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | - | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | About 100 EUR | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
HMD Aura 2
- Significantly faster performance with the Google Tensor G3
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Longer battery life and faster charging options
- Higher price point compared to the HMD Aura 2
- May be slightly larger and heavier
Google Pixel 8a
- Extremely affordable price
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially more compact design
- Slow performance with the Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging speed (10W)
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1508 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the HMD Aura 2. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the Aura 2’s panel technology isn’t specified, the Pixel 8a’s likely OLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy. The absence of details on the Aura 2’s display suggests a more basic LCD panel, potentially impacting viewing angles and color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the Pixel 8a’s image processing capabilities, powered by the Tensor G3’s ISP, are expected to be far superior. Google’s computational photography algorithms excel in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image quality. The HMD Aura 2’s camera system, given its budget positioning, likely relies more on hardware limitations and less on sophisticated software processing. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are missing for the Aura 2, but it’s reasonable to assume they are smaller and less capable than those found in the Pixel 8a.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 8a’s Google Tensor G3, built on a 4nm process, features a nona-core CPU configuration with a high-performance Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.0 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the HMD Aura 2’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) and its octa-core CPU comprised entirely of less powerful Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. The Tensor G3’s advanced architecture and smaller fabrication node deliver significantly faster processing speeds, improved AI capabilities, and better thermal efficiency, making the Pixel 8a far more capable for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Aura 2 will struggle with anything beyond basic app usage.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 8a demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving 40:06 hours of total usage and 11:25 hours of active use. It also supports 18W wired charging with PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging, alongside bypass charging. The HMD Aura 2, with only 10W wired charging, will take considerably longer to recharge. While the Aura 2’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Pixel 8a’s endurance rating, combined with its faster charging speeds, provides a significant advantage for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day. The Pixel 8a’s 1000 cycle battery life also suggests greater longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Aura 2 if you need a functional Android smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prioritize a smooth user experience, excellent camera quality, long-term software support, and the benefits of Google's AI features, even if it means spending more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc chipset in the HMD Aura 2 sufficient for running popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, expect slower loading times and potential lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. It's designed for light usage, not intensive tasks.
❓ How does the Google Tensor G3's AI capabilities benefit everyday Pixel 8a users?
The Tensor G3 powers features like Magic Eraser in Google Photos, improved voice typing, and real-time translation. It also enhances camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions, and provides a smoother overall user experience by intelligently managing resources.
❓ Does the Pixel 8a support over-the-air software updates for an extended period?
Yes, Google provides guaranteed software updates and security patches for the Pixel 8a for at least 5 years from its launch date. This ensures your device remains secure and receives new features for a long time, a significant advantage over the HMD Aura 2 which will likely have limited software support.
❓ What type of charging cable does the HMD Aura 2 use, and is a fast charger compatible?
The HMD Aura 2 uses a standard Micro-USB cable. While you can technically use a more powerful charger, the phone itself is limited to 10W charging, so you won't see any benefit from a faster charger.
