ZTE nubia Focus Pro vs Google Pixel 8a: A Detailed Comparison

The ZTE nubia Focus Pro and Google Pixel 8a represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The nubia Focus Pro aims for affordability with a focus on core functionality, while the Pixel 8a leverages Google’s Tensor G3 chip and AI capabilities. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality, software experience, and long-term support, the Google Pixel 8a is the clear winner. However, the ZTE nubia Focus Pro offers a compelling value proposition for those on a tighter budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need advanced features.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Focus Pro Google Pixel 8a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International)
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, February 282024, May 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, Q2Available. Released 2024, May 14
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions166 x 76.1 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight222 g (7.83 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzOLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetUnisoc T760 (6 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 13Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), AF Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4492 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GoldObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
ModelsZ2351NGKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D
PriceAbout 220 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

ZTE nubia Focus Pro

  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Functional and reliable for basic tasks

  • Less powerful processor
  • Inferior camera system
  • Likely less refined software experience

Google Pixel 8a

  • Superior performance with Google Tensor G3
  • Exceptional camera quality and AI features
  • Long-term software support and updates

  • Slower 18W wired charging
  • Higher price point
  • May require more frequent charging

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1508 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the nubia Focus Pro’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be considerably dimmer. The Pixel 8a’s display technology, though not explicitly stated as LTPO, benefits from Google’s color calibration expertise, delivering accurate and vibrant colors. The Pixel 8a’s smaller bezels also contribute to a more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8a’s camera system is a major differentiator. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G3’s image signal processor, delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 8a’s image processing excels in dynamic range and detail preservation. The nubia Focus Pro’s camera capabilities are less defined; without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess its performance, but it likely won’t match the Pixel 8a’s sophistication. We can assume the Pixel 8a will have superior video recording capabilities as well.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the ZTE nubia Focus Pro utilizes the Unisoc T760 (6nm), while the Pixel 8a is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4nm). The Tensor G3’s 4nm process offers superior power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the T760’s 6nm node, translating to less throttling during sustained workloads. The Tensor G3’s nona-core architecture, featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core, provides a substantial performance advantage over the T760’s octa-core configuration, particularly in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The Pixel 8a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Google Pixel 8a demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving 40:06 hours of total usage and 11:25 hours of active use. The 83-hour endurance rating (older data) suggests consistent performance. While the nubia Focus Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, its 33W wired charging is faster than the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging. However, the Pixel 8a’s Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0) support and bypass charging feature offer convenience and potentially extend battery lifespan. The Pixel 8a’s 1000-cycle battery longevity is a significant advantage, indicating long-term reliability.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Focus Pro if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks, prioritize affordability above all else, and are comfortable with a less refined software experience. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prefer a superior camera system, benefit from Google’s AI features, value a smooth and regularly updated software experience, and are willing to pay a premium for these advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Unisoc T760 in the nubia Focus Pro struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Unisoc T760 is a capable processor for everyday tasks, but it will likely struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. Expect lower frame rates and potentially noticeable lag, even on medium settings. The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the Pixel 8a’s AI features improve the camera experience beyond just image quality?
The Pixel 8a leverages Google’s AI for features like Magic Eraser, which removes unwanted objects from photos, and Photo Unblur, which sharpens blurry images. It also enhances portrait mode with more accurate subject separation and realistic bokeh. These AI-powered tools significantly expand the Pixel 8a’s photographic capabilities.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 8a a significant drawback compared to the nubia Focus Pro’s 33W charging?
While 33W is faster, the Pixel 8a’s optimized power management and PD3.0 support mitigate the slower charging speed. A full charge will still take a reasonable amount of time, and the bypass charging feature helps prolong battery health, offsetting the charging speed difference in the long run.