Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 8a
Starting at
£189.00
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Google Pixel 8a and iPhone 16 Plus?
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 8a starts at £189, £399 less than the iPhone 16 Plus.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Google Tensor G3 on the Google Pixel 8a, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 4492 mAh.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch.
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The Pixel 8a offers a smaller 6.1 inch OLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which suits users who value smooth scrolling and a more compact phone. The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with higher resolution, ideal if you want a spacious display for video and reading. Both phones have 8 GB RAM but the iPhone 16 Plus offers more storage options including 256GB and 512GB. The Pixel 8a has a higher resolution main camera and front camera megapixels while the iPhone 16 Plus has a slightly bigger battery and a thinner, taller design. Choose the Pixel 8a if you want a smaller, higher refresh screen and more megapixels in cameras. Choose the iPhone 16 Plus if you prefer a bigger display, more storage choices, and iOS 18.
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus price
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Storage
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating systems. The focus is on battery and OS.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Pixel 8a's 4492 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 Plus may offer longer battery life in daily use, which suits users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
Operating System
The Google Pixel 8a runs Android, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses iOS 18.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance includes chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones offer 8 GB RAM, enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly.
Chipset Differences
The Pixel 8a is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 (3 nm). Both are designed for efficient performance, so either device will handle typical tasks and apps well.
Storage Options
The Pixel 8a comes with 128GB storage, suitable for everyday use. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB choices, fitting users who need more space for apps, photos, and media.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality differs mainly in size, resolution, and refresh rate. Both use OLED technology but with different refinements.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with 1290 x 2796 resolution, providing a larger and sharper display. This suits users who want more room for watching videos or reading. The Pixel 8a has a smaller 6.1 inch OLED screen with 1080 x 2400 resolution, offering a compact design that fits comfortably in one hand.
Refresh Rate
The Pixel 8a supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which delivers smoother scrolling and animations. This is beneficial if you value fluidity in everyday use. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and still provides clear visuals for most tasks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Audiovisual features cover camera megapixels, an important factor for those who take photos or video calls frequently.
Main Camera Megapixels
The Pixel 8a has a 64 megapixel main camera, which captures detailed images. This suits users who prioritise high-resolution photos. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 48 megapixel main camera, which also produces quality photos with Apple's imaging software.
Front Camera Megapixels
The Pixel 8a features a 13 megapixel front camera, slightly higher than the iPhone 16 Plus's 12 megapixels. This can enhance video calls and selfies with more detail.
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover design dimensions, connectivity, and carrier compatibility, all practical factors for daily use.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Plus is larger and heavier, measuring 160.9 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 199 g. It suits users who prefer a bigger phone for media and multitasking. The Pixel 8a is smaller and lighter at 152.1 mm tall, 72.7 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and 188 g, fitting those who want a more pocketable device.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB Type-C connectors.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving flexibility to use with various carriers and benefiting from faster mobile data where available.
SIM Card Options
Both devices support a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering options for dual SIM use or easy switching between plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 8a or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 8a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £189, £399 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (64 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 4492 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Google Pixel 8a appreciate its like-new condition and quality, often mentioning the phone's smooth performance and battery life that holds up well. Many find it easy to set up and use, even those not very tech savvy. Some users highlight the high megapixel cameras and the compact size as positives. A few mention regional model differences affecting certain features, but most praise the device's appearance and reliability.
For the iPhone 16 Plus, customers frequently describe the phone as looking and feeling like new, with excellent condition and battery life. The larger screen and iOS 18 software receive positive comments, though some users note minor glitches or preferences for certain features. Storage options are valued by those needing more space. Many are pleased with the performance and overall quality.
The Pixel 8a suits buyers wanting a smaller, smoother screen and higher megapixel cameras, especially if Android is preferred. The iPhone 16 Plus fits those who want a larger display, more storage flexibility, and the iOS experience. Both have strong appeal depending on what matters most to the user.
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
Google Pixel 8a vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Google Tensor G3 on the Google Pixel 8a, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 4492 mAh.
The Google Pixel 8a is cheaper refurbished, from £189 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 4492 mAh.
The Google Pixel 8a has a higher-resolution main camera: 64 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Google Pixel 8a gets updates until May 2031. The iPhone 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 8a comes in 128GB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.








