Google Pixel 8a vs. T-Mobile Revvlry: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Google Pixel 8a represents Google's latest attempt to deliver a flagship experience at a more accessible price point, while the T-Mobile Revvlry occupies the ultra-budget segment. This comparison isn't about direct competition; it's about understanding where the Pixel 8a's advancements justify the cost for users seeking a significant upgrade over a basic device like the Revvlry.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 8a is the clear winner. Its Tensor G3 chipset delivers substantially faster performance and AI capabilities, complemented by a brighter display and significantly better camera experience. While the Revvlry offers basic functionality at a low price, the Pixel 8a provides a far more refined and future-proof experience.

PHONES
Phone Names T-Mobile Revvlry Google Pixel 8a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 38, 66, 711, 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)
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2019, July. Released 2019, July2024, May 07
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2024, May 14
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions148.6 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm (5.85 x 2.81 x 0.32 in)152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight-188 g (6.63 oz)
 Splash resistant-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDOLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 506Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal32GB 3GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
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
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take
Single13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging
TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4492 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
Models-GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D
PriceAbout 180 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

T-Mobile Revvlry

  • Significantly faster performance with the Tensor G3 chip
  • Superior camera quality and AI-powered features
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Faster charging speeds and wireless charging support

  • Higher price point
  • May be slightly larger and heavier than the Revvlry

Google Pixel 8a

  • Extremely affordable price
  • Compact and lightweight design (assumed)
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks
  • Acceptable battery life for light usage

  • Slow performance with the Snapdragon 632
  • Limited camera capabilities
  • Slow charging speeds
  • Likely limited software update support

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1508 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the Revvlry (typical of budget phones). This translates to far better visibility outdoors. While the Revvlry's panel specifications are unknown, it likely lacks features like high refresh rates or HDR support found on the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 8a's display is crucial for enjoying content and utilizing its camera capabilities to the fullest.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8a's camera system is a major differentiator. While specific sensor details aren't provided, Pixel phones are renowned for their computational photography prowess. The Tensor G3's image signal processor (ISP) enables features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, which are unavailable on the Revvlry. The Revvlry likely features a basic camera setup focused on capturing acceptable images in good lighting conditions, but will struggle in low light and lack the advanced processing capabilities of the Pixel 8a. We can assume the Revvlry lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), further hindering low-light performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The T-Mobile Revvlry utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, a 14nm processor designed for efficiency, but lacking in raw power. The Google Pixel 8a, however, is powered by the Google Tensor G3, a 4nm chip with a nona-core configuration (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3, 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715, 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510). The 4nm process node of the Tensor G3 offers significantly improved power efficiency and performance per watt, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Tensor G3's architecture, including the Cortex-X3 prime core, is designed for demanding AI tasks, a feature absent in the Revvlry.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8a's battery endurance is rated at 40:06 hours, with an active use score of 11:25 hours, and a lifespan of 1000 cycles. This suggests a well-optimized battery system. The Revvlry, with its 10W wired charging, will take considerably longer to charge than the Pixel 8a's 18W wired charging with PD3.0, 7.5W wireless charging, and bypass charging. While the Revvlry may offer acceptable battery life for light users, the Pixel 8a provides significantly longer runtime and faster, more versatile charging options.

Buying Guide

Buy the T-Mobile Revvlry if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. You prioritize affordability above all else and don't require advanced features or long-term performance. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you value a smooth user experience, excellent camera quality, timely software updates, and the benefits of Google's AI features, even if it means spending more upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G3 is a powerful chip, Google has implemented thermal management solutions to mitigate overheating. Users may experience some warmth during prolonged gaming, but it's unlikely to cause significant throttling or performance degradation. The 4nm process helps with thermal efficiency compared to older, larger node chipsets.
❓ How long will the Pixel 8a's battery realistically last with moderate use (social media, browsing, some video streaming)?
With moderate use, the Pixel 8a should easily last a full day on a single charge. The 40:06h endurance rating suggests it can comfortably handle 8-10 hours of screen-on time. The adaptive battery features and efficient Tensor G3 chip contribute to excellent battery life.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the T-Mobile Revvlry painfully slow in 2024?
Yes, 10W charging is significantly slower than the 18W (and wireless) charging offered by the Pixel 8a. Expect a full charge to take several hours, making overnight charging essential. This is a major drawback for users accustomed to faster charging speeds.
❓ Will the T-Mobile Revvlry receive regular software updates and security patches?
The Revvlry, being a budget device, is unlikely to receive the same level of software support as the Pixel 8a. Expect limited updates, potentially only security patches for a short period. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, is guaranteed several years of Android OS and security updates directly from Google.