Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Which Mid-Range Champion Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 8a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G3 chipset offers a more refined and future-proofed experience, coupled with Google’s exceptional camera processing. While the Galaxy M35 boasts a larger display, the Pixel 8a’s overall performance and software support justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Google Pixel 8a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 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, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 24 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May 24 | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 3.09 x 0.36 in) | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 222 g (7.83 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.96", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent) |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue, Gray | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | SM-M356B, SM-M356B/DS | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | About 200 EUR | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| SAR | 0.53 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Samsung Galaxy M35
- Superior performance with Tensor G3 chip
- Exceptional camera quality and AI features
- Long-term software support from Google
- Slower wired charging than the Galaxy M35
- Potentially higher price point
Google Pixel 8a
- Larger display for immersive media consumption
- Faster 25W wired charging
- More affordable price
- Less powerful Exynos 1380 chipset
- Inferior camera performance compared to Pixel 8a
Display Comparison
The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1508 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the Galaxy M35 (typical of its price bracket). This makes the Pixel 8a far more usable in direct sunlight. While the M35 likely has a larger screen size, the Pixel 8a’s OLED panel and higher brightness translate to a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience. We expect the Pixel 8a to have a higher contrast ratio as well, enhancing image quality. The absence of LTPO on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for power saving.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8a’s camera prowess is driven by Google’s renowned computational photography, even without detailed sensor specifications. The Tensor G3’s image signal processor (ISP) excels at noise reduction, dynamic range optimization, and detail preservation. While the Galaxy M35 likely features a higher megapixel count on its main sensor, the Pixel 8a’s software algorithms will likely produce more consistently pleasing results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of detailed camera specs for the M35 suggests a focus on quantity over quality, while the Pixel 8a prioritizes image processing excellence. We can expect the Pixel 8a to have superior video recording capabilities as well.
Performance
The Google Tensor G3, fabricated on a 4nm process, holds a clear architectural advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M35’s 5nm Exynos 1380. The Tensor G3’s nona-core configuration, featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, promises superior single-core performance crucial for app responsiveness and demanding tasks. While the Exynos 1380’s octa-core setup is capable, the Tensor G3’s more advanced architecture and dedicated AI processing unit will deliver a smoother experience, particularly in tasks leveraging machine learning. The Pixel 8a will likely exhibit better sustained performance due to the more efficient 4nm node, minimizing thermal throttling during prolonged gaming or video editing.
Battery Life
The Pixel 8a’s endurance rating of 40:06h and active use score of 11:25h demonstrate exceptional battery life, even with its smaller battery capacity (implied). This is likely due to the efficiency of the Tensor G3 chip and Google’s software optimizations. The Galaxy M35’s 25W wired charging is slower than the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 and the added benefit of 7.5W wireless charging and bypass charging. The Pixel 8a’s 1000 cycle battery longevity also suggests a more durable battery over the long term.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M35 if you prioritize a large display for media consumption and extended battery life above all else, and are comfortable with Samsung’s One UI. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, exceptional camera capabilities powered by AI, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google.