OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile) vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: Which 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile) is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel 5a 5G excels in battery endurance and offers Google’s signature computational photography, making it ideal for everyday users and photography enthusiasts.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile) | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 14 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, April 29 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 72.9 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.87 x 0.31 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (not for use underwater, liquid damage is not covered under warranty) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 3.0, 2-LANE | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 22 min | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Interstellar Glow | Mostly Black |
| Models | - | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 650 EUR | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 122h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile)
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- 30W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Likely higher refresh rate display for smoother visuals
- Potentially lower peak display brightness
- May run hotter under sustained load
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Excellent camera performance with Google’s computational photography
- Long battery life and efficient power management
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Slower processor compared to the OnePlus 8 5G
- Slower 18W charging
Display Comparison
The Pixel 5a 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 861 nits, a significant advantage for outdoor visibility compared to the OnePlus 8 5G, which lacks a published figure but typically falls slightly below this. Both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. While the OnePlus 8 5G likely has a higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz on the Pixel 5a 5G, based on OnePlus’s typical implementation), the Pixel 5a’s brightness provides a more usable experience in direct sunlight. The OnePlus 8 5G’s display is likely sharper due to a higher pixel density, but the difference is unlikely to be noticeable to most users.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are capable, their camera philosophies differ. The Pixel 5a 5G leverages Google’s renowned computational photography, excelling in dynamic range and low-light performance. The OnePlus 8 5G relies more on hardware, potentially offering more detail in optimal conditions. Without specific sensor size data for the OnePlus 8 5G, it’s difficult to definitively compare image quality. However, the Pixel 5a 5G’s software processing consistently delivers excellent results, particularly in challenging scenarios. The OnePlus 8 5G may offer more versatility with additional camera modes, but the Pixel 5a 5G’s simplicity and consistent quality are compelling.
Performance
The OnePlus 8 5G’s Snapdragon 865, built on a 7nm+ process, significantly outperforms the Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) in CPU and GPU benchmarks. The 865’s octa-core configuration, with a prime Cortex-A77 clocked at 2.84 GHz, provides a substantial advantage in single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth scrolling. The 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime core, at 2.4 GHz, is less powerful. This translates to faster gaming frame rates and quicker rendering times on the OnePlus 8 5G. While the Pixel 5a 5G is capable for everyday tasks, the OnePlus 8 5G offers a more future-proof and demanding user experience.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, this masks key differences. The OnePlus 8 5G supports 30W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in just 22 minutes, a significant advantage over the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0. This faster charging mitigates any potential battery life disadvantage. The Pixel 5a 5G’s endurance rating suggests efficient power management, but the OnePlus 8 5G’s faster charging provides greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus 8 5G (T-Mobile) if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or frequent multitasking, and value faster charging speeds. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prioritize all-day battery life, a clean Android experience with timely updates, and exceptional camera performance in various lighting conditions, especially if you rely heavily on Google Photos features.