Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: Which should you buy?

The Pixel 8a is available for pre-order from May 7, 2024, and will go on general sale a week after, on May 14, 2024. The affordable A-series device starts at $499, the same price as its predecessor. However, for the first time, Google is adding a 256GB storage variant, which will set you back an additional $60. As far as colorways go, the unique Bay and Aloe options join the standard Porcelain and Obsidian. However, the 256GB version will only be available in Obsidian at launch.

In previous years, the Galaxy A5x smartphone has been the more direct competition to the Pixel A-series. Samsung’s decision to not release the Galaxy A55 in the US means it falls on the Galaxy A35 to bring the fight to Google’s latest smartphone. And the cheaper Galaxy smartphone holds its ground surprisingly well.

Both phones have Full HD+ resolutions and 120Hz refresh rates, and those who prefer more screen real estate will appreciate the Galaxy A35’s 6.6-inch display. The Pixel 8a might have a smaller screen, but it gets much brighter with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, double that of its Samsung rival. Regarding build quality, the Pixel 8a has the edge with its metal frame. However, the Galaxy A35 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for scratch protection, while the Pixel relies on the seven-year-old Gorilla Glass 3.

The Pixel 8a has a better processing package, more RAM, and a new storage variant that doubles the storage of the base variant. It’s a much-needed increase, and 256GB will likely be the preferred option for most buyers. While the Galaxy A35 only has 128GB storage, it more than makes up for it with microSD card support, even if it comes in lieu of dual-SIM capabilities. The Samsung phone also has a larger battery and faster wired charging, while the Pixel 8a comes with wireless charging.

The camera department is where the Pixel 8a solidifies its lead. Samsung’s mid-range phones don’t have bad cameras, of course. But the Pixel 8a’s cameras are more capable, and helped along by Google’s stack of AI-powered camera features, like Magic Editor. Despite falling in the affordable category, the Pixel A-series has given even flagships a run for their money, and the 8a is no different. The Galaxy A35’s triple-camera setup, headlined by a 50MP shooter, is also solid.

Speaking of flagship features, Google also brings most software features from the Pixel 8 series to the Pixel 8a. From Circle to Search and Gemini Nano to Live Translate and Pixel Call Assist, AI takes the Pixel 8a to the next level. The Galaxy A35’s One UI 6.1 is no slouch but won’t offer nearly the same experience as the Pixel. That extends to software support as well. The A35 will come with four major OS upgrades and another year of security updates, which is quite impressive for a Samsung mid-ranger. However, the Pixel 8a breaks the mold with seven years of major OS updates!

Unless you’re tied to a particular ecosystem — Samsung and Pixel phones will understandably play best with their own sets of accessories — the Pixel 8a is the better buy, albeit at a $100 surcharge, and even more if you want extra storage.