Samsung Galaxy M55 vs Google Pixel 8a: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 8a emerges as the winner. Its Tensor G3 chip, combined with Google’s computational photography, delivers superior image processing. However, the Samsung Galaxy M55 is a strong contender for those who value faster charging and extended battery endurance.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy M55 | 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, 25, 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, 66, 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, March 28 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 28 | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.31 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.4% 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 (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8.0 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, 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 | No | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Green | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | SM-M556B, SM-M556B/DS | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | € 272.94 / $ 265.00 / £ 251.97 / ₹ 20,999 | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| SAR | 0.93 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.96 W/kg (head) 0.98 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 M55
- 45W fast charging for quick power-ups
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Competitive Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 performance
- Camera performance likely lags behind Pixel 8a
- Software support may be shorter than Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8a
- Exceptional camera quality and computational photography
- Long-term software support and updates from Google
- Excellent battery endurance and 1000 charge cycles
- Slower 18W charging speed
- Less powerful chipset compared to flagship devices
Display Comparison
The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1508 nits, making it far more usable in direct sunlight compared to the M55 (brightness data unavailable). While the M55’s panel size isn’t specified, the Pixel 8a’s display technology is likely OLED, offering superior contrast and color accuracy. The Pixel 8a’s display is also likely to benefit from Google’s color calibration, ensuring a more accurate viewing experience. The absence of LTPO on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for optimal power efficiency.
Camera Comparison
While detailed camera specs are missing for the M55, the Pixel 8a’s strength lies in Google’s computational photography. The Tensor G3’s image signal processor (ISP) excels at noise reduction, dynamic range optimization, and detail enhancement. The Pixel 8a’s software features, like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, further enhance the user experience. Without knowing the M55’s sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Pixel 8a’s reputation for consistently delivering excellent image quality, even in challenging conditions, gives it a significant advantage. The M55 likely relies more on hardware than software for image processing.
Performance
The Google Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3, with its nona-core configuration (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3, 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715, 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510), offers a more complex CPU architecture than the Samsung Galaxy M55’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710, 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710, 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510). The Cortex-X3 core in the Tensor G3 provides a performance boost for demanding tasks. Both chips are fabricated on a 4nm process, suggesting comparable efficiency, but the Tensor G3’s dedicated AI cores give it an edge in machine learning tasks like image processing and voice recognition. The M55’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is still a capable performer, but the Pixel 8a is expected to handle intensive applications and multitasking more smoothly.
Battery Life
The Pixel 8a’s endurance rating of 40:06h and active use score of 11:25h demonstrate exceptional battery life, supported by 1000 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. The M55’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 45W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging. This means the M55 can replenish its battery much quicker, a crucial advantage for users who need a fast top-up. The Pixel 8a’s bypass charging feature allows charging the battery directly, bypassing heat generation, potentially extending battery lifespan.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M55 if you need a phone with exceptionally fast 45W charging and prioritize maximizing screen-on time. It’s ideal for media consumption and users who frequently find themselves away from a power outlet. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prefer a streamlined Android experience, exceptional camera performance, and long-term software support, even if it means sacrificing charging speed and some battery capacity.