The same Google Tensor G3 processor that powers the top Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is one of the intriguing features of the Pixel 8a. The G3 is a crucial component of Google’s AI vision and strong enough to handle all the daily chores we’ve thrown at Google’s most recent flagships, even though it’s not quite as snappy as the most powerful CPUs available.
Despite employing the identical processor, the A series hasn’t typically outperformed the flagship series. Similarly, the somewhat less expensive Pixel 8 appears to function marginally worse than the flagship Pixel 8 Pro. It doesn’t seem like there is much of a difference between the two at hand, at least not from what benchmarks show.
Looking first at CPU performance and common workloads, the Pixel 8a performs comparably to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, though not nearly as well. The multi-core scores on GeekBench 6 are roughly 5% slower than those of the ordinary 8 and 9% slower than those of the 8 Pro. The single-core score on GeekBench 6 is similar to that of the Pixel 8 but not nearly matches the 8 Pro. With a 19% quicker multi-core workload, the Pixel 8a offers a significant improvement over the Tensor G2 processor found in the Pixel 7a in both cases.
Although not significantly worse than the other Pixels we tested, our PCMark result is a little lower. The Pixel 8a definitely performs somewhat worse than the 8 Pro, falling short of the 7a by single digit percentage points. Nonetheless, the outcome is essentially consistent with the standard Pixel 8, meaning it should continue to offer sufficient performance for a variety of applications. Given that Google switched to the G3, PCMark’s workloads may have different battery or performance optimisations, which could account for the lower result when compared to the 7a. More time with the device will be needed to determine whether this holds true for daily tasks.
In terms of graphics, the Tensor G3 found in the Pixel 8a is comparable to that of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro—at least during brief usage. When under extended stress, the Pixel 8a can’t match the speed of the Pixel 8 Pro, but it does follow a similar throttling trajectory and performs noticeably better at the end of the 20-run test.
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Once more, the G3’s more modern GPU performs better than the G2’s. The Pixel 8a is now 28% faster than the Pixel 7a, making it a much more capable mid-range smartphone for serious and casual gamers. Even if Tensor G3 is still well off the pace, this is still a respectable demonstration of the phone’s graphics capabilities overall.
With improvements in CPU speed of 10–20% and graphics and gaming performance of about 30%, the Pixel 8a is somewhat more performant than its predecessor. While the Pixel 8a offers significantly more power for a relatively affordable $500, the Pixel 7a was still a respectable mid-range performer. especially when taking into account regular performance indicators in addition to the AI functions on the phone.Nearly identical in performance to the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8a is a close contender for the Pixel 8 Pro.
The Tensor G3 implementation in the Pixel 8a, however, contrasts favourably with the more costly Pixel 8 series entries—possibly the finest feature of all. While performance is equivalent to the normal Pixel 8, which is a dependable performer for daily workloads and more, it does not quite match that of the twice-as-expensive Pixel 8 Pro. In summary, the Tensor G3 of the Pixel 8a ensures optimal performance, so you don’t have to worry about it.
