Compare / Pixel 8a vs Phone (2a)
Google Pixel 8a vs Nothing Phone (2a) (2026): Which Should You Buy?
By Alex Turner • Lead Hardware Reviewer • Updated August 17, 2026
Two of the best-value Android phones you can buy: the Google Pixel 8a (£499 RRP, often £419) and the Nothing Phone (2a) at £319. One bets everything on camera and software; the other on screen, battery and design.
Pixel 8a vs Phone (2a): Full Specifications
| Google Pixel 8a | Nothing Phone (2a) | |
| Price (RRP) | £499 | £319 |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Gorilla Glass 3 | 6.7-inch Flexible AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) with Titan M2 | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) |
| Camera | 64MP Main (OIS) + 13MP Ultrawide | 50MP Main (OIS) + 50MP Ultrawide |
| Battery & Charging | 4492 mAh (18W Wired, 7.5W Wireless) | 5000 mAh (45W Wired Charging) |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
| Software & Updates | Android 14, 7 Years OS Updates | Android 14 (Nothing OS 2.5), 3 Years OS Updates |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 188g | 190g |
| Our Rating | 8.6 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
Display & Design
The Phone (2a)’s 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED gives you noticeably more screen than the Pixel’s 6.1-inch panel, with both at 120Hz. The Pixel is the more compact, pocketable phone; the Nothing is the one people will ask about. Build quality is good on both, with Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the Pixel.
Performance & Cameras
Google’s Tensor G3 leads the Dimensity 7200 Pro, especially for AI features and image processing — and that processing is the point: the Pixel 8a’s 64MP camera is the best stills camera under £500, full stop. The (2a)’s dual 50MP system is strong and its ultrawide (50MP vs the Pixel’s 13MP) is actually the more capable wide shooter on paper.
Battery, Value & Verdict
Nothing wins the battery column: 5000mAh vs 4492mAh and 45W wired charging against a sluggish 18W. The Pixel answers with wireless charging and a much longer software runway — Android updates until the 2030s versus three years for the (2a). Buy the Pixel to keep for years; buy the Nothing to enjoy now and upgrade sooner.
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if photography and long-term software support matter most to you.
Check Pixel 8a price on Amazon →Choose the Nothing Phone (2a) if you want more screen and battery for less money, and much faster charging.
Check Phone (2a) price on Amazon →We may earn a commission from links on this page. Prices correct at time of writing.
Read our full reviews: Google Pixel 8a review · Nothing Phone (2a) review
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