Google Pixel 8a vs. vivo V29: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 8a is the superior choice, primarily due to its exceptional camera capabilities powered by the Tensor G3 chip. However, the vivo V29 excels in charging speed, reaching 50% in just 17 minutes, making it ideal for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo V29 | 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 31 | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm (6.46 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 13, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 13 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 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 | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | 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, 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 | 80W wired, 50% in 17 min | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 4600 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Himalayan Blue, Purple Fairy, Majestic Red | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | V2250 | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | About 250 EUR | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) | - |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
vivo V29
- Superior camera performance thanks to the Tensor G3 chip.
- Long-term software support from Google.
- Brighter and more vibrant display.
- Slower charging speed (18W).
- Lower endurance rating compared to the vivo V29 (based on older data).
Google Pixel 8a
- Incredibly fast 80W wired charging.
- High endurance rating (based on older data).
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Tensor G3.
- Inferior camera performance, especially in low light.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 1508 nits, compared to the vivo V29’s 996 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 8a’s higher peak brightness and likely superior color calibration (though not specified) provide a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The V29’s display is still respectable, but the Pixel 8a offers a clear advantage for outdoor use and media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details aren’t provided for either phone, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G3, elevates image quality significantly. The Tensor G3’s image signal processor (ISP) excels at noise reduction, dynamic range optimization, and detail preservation. The V29’s camera is likely competent, but it won’t match the Pixel 8a’s ability to consistently produce stunning photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 8a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior due to the Tensor G3’s advanced video processing features.
Performance
The Google Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3, built on a 4nm process, represents a substantial architectural leap over the vivo V29’s Snapdragon 778G (6nm). The Tensor G3’s nona-core configuration, featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core, delivers significantly improved CPU performance, particularly in AI-driven tasks and image processing. While the Snapdragon 778G is a capable chip, the Tensor G3’s focus on machine learning gives the Pixel 8a an edge in features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The Pixel 8a also benefits from a more modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A715/A510 vs A78/A55).
Battery Life
The Pixel 8a’s endurance rating of 83 hours (old data) and active use score of 11:25h is lower than the vivo V29’s 99-hour endurance rating (old data). However, the Pixel 8a’s battery is rated for 1000 cycles, suggesting longer-term battery health. The V29 compensates with its blazing-fast 80W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in just 17 minutes, a significant advantage over the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging. The Pixel 8a does offer 7.5W wireless charging and bypass charging, but the V29’s wired charging speed is the clear winner for those who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V29 if you prioritize incredibly fast charging and a stylish design, and frequently find yourself needing to top up your battery quickly. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you value a best-in-class camera experience, long-term software support, and a smoother, more optimized software experience, even if it means slower charging.