Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Smartphone
We compare the Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Smartphone head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone
Scored 9.4/10 in our testing
Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone
Best budget Android phone overall — 7 years of updates with Google's best AI camera under $500
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Smartphone
Best Samsung budget phone — premium build with 120Hz AMOLED and 4 years of updates
Score Breakdown
| Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone | Category | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| 9.3/10 ✓ | Performance | 9/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Features | 9.3/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Ease of Use | 9/10 |
| 9.3/10 | Value | 9.3/10 |
| 9.4/10 ✓ | Overall | 9.2/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone | Spec | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 security | Chip | Exynos 1380 octa-core |
| 64MP main + 13MP ultrawide | Camera | 50MP main with OIS + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP macro |
| 4492mAh with 18W wired and wireless charging | Battery | 5000mAh with 25W charging |
| 6.1-inch Actua OLED, 120Hz | Display | 6.6-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED |
| 7 years OS and security updates (until 2031) | Updates | 4 years OS, 5 years security updates |
Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone
Pros
- + 7 years of OS and security updates — longest in the segment
- + Google computational photography exceeds hardware spec
- + Wireless charging rare at this price point
- + Tensor G3 AI features (Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Call Screen)
Cons
- − Smallest battery in this guide — 4492mAh
- − 18W wired charging slower than competitors (OnePlus charges at 67W)
- − Tensor G3 runs warm under sustained gaming load
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Smartphone
Pros
- + Premium build — aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass
- + 6.6-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED — best display in its class
- + 50MP with OIS — better video stability than most budget competitors
- + Samsung One UI — polished, feature-rich software
Cons
- − Exynos 1380 slightly less efficient than Snapdragon alternatives
- − 25W charging slower than OnePlus 12R
- − Samsung adds more bloatware than Google or Motorola
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone comes out on top with an overall score of 9.4/10. The Google Pixel 8a is the smartest long-term investment in the budget Android segment. Seven years of guaranteed OS and security updates (through 2031) is unmatched at this price — most Android phones receive 2-4 years. The Tensor G3 chip powers AI features unavailable elsewhere: Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Best Take, and Call Screen. The camera system consistently ranks above phones with larger sensors through Google's computational photography advantage. Wireless charging (rare at this price), IP67 water resistance, and an OLED display with 120Hz complete a feature set that rivals phones costing $200 more.
Buy the Google Pixel 8a 5G Smartphone on AmazonRead the full Best Budget Android Phones 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 9 products.
Related Guides
Best Smartphones 2026
10 products compared
Best iPhones of 2026: Tested and Ranked
7 products compared
Best Budget Smartphones 2026
12 products compared
Best Samsung Galaxy Phones 2026
13 products compared
Best Rugged Smartphones IP68 2026
9 products compared
Best Phone Screen Protectors 2026
9 products compared