Choosing the right phone is never easy, especially when many brands, like Google and Xiaomi, offer competitive models with different strengths in different areas.
The Google Pixel 8a and Xiaomi 14T stand out as two compelling mid-range phones, offering a balance between affordability and premium features.
Although both aim to deliver flagship performance at a discounted price, their strengths serve slightly different user needs. Here's how they compare.
Design and build quality
The Pixel 8a retains the familiar aesthetic of the Google phone, with its iconic camera bar.
This design looks surprisingly premium for a plastic-backed phone. Its compact size, lighter weight (188g) and IP67 certification make it durable and practical.
However, the thick bezel around the screen detracts from its otherwise modern look, making it look slightly dated.
Chris Martin / Foundry
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14T adopts a more refined design, with a frosted glass back and an aluminum-effect plastic frame. Weighing 195g, it is larger but remains thin and pleasant to handle.
Its symmetrical, slim bezels and IP68 rating enhance its premium appeal, making it sleeker and better suited to users seeking durability in harsher environments.
Luc Boulanger
The Xiaomi 14T edges out the Pixel 8a here with its sleeker build and higher resistance to water and dust.
Displays
The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits peak brightness.
While the screen offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and high brightness, the thick bezel compromises the immersive viewing experience.
Its stereo speakers produce decent audio quality, rounding out a solid multimedia offering for a mid-range phone.
Chris Martin / Foundry
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14T features a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 4,000 nits.
This makes it ideal for HDR content and gaming, providing smoother visuals and better outdoor visibility.
The phone's stereo speakers also provide good clarity, although the bass lacks depth compared to higher-end models.
Luc Boulanger
With a bigger, faster and brighter screen, the Xiaomi 14T offers a better visual experience.
Cameras
The Pixel 8a's 64MP main camera, paired with a 13MP ultra-wide and 13MP selfie shooter, excels in a variety of lighting conditions.
Features like Night Sight and Magic Eraser provide powerful tools for creative photography, and the phone's software always ensures excellent results, especially in low-light conditions.
The lack of a pro mode may disappoint some users, but the Pixel 8a is undeniably one of the best point-and-shoot options in its class.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 14T features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP primary lens, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide. The Leica partnership brings creative filters and color profiles that enhance the photographic experience.
Although photos taken in daylight are vibrant and detailed, the ultra-wide camera lacks the sharpness of the main lens, and low-light performance isn't up to par with the Pixel 8a's capabilities.
For video enthusiasts, the Xiaomi 14T impresses with its manual controls and support for LOG format shooting, adding a professional edge.
Luc Boulanger
Despite this, the Pixel 8a's superior low-light performance and software-driven photography make it the best camera phone overall.
Other differences
In terms of performance, the Xiaomi 14T's MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra outperforms the Pixel 8a's Tensor G3 in gaming and heavy multitasking, but both phones handle everyday tasks without issue.
The Xiaomi 14T also has a significant advantage in charging, with its 67W fast charging besting the Pixel 8a's 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging.
However, the inclusion of wireless charging on the Pixel 8a is a feature that the Xiaomi 14T lacks.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In terms of software, Google's own Android 15 experience on the Pixel 8a feels more refined and bloat-free compared to Xiaomi's HyperOS 2, which, while highly customizable, comes preloaded with unnecessary apps.
Price
The Google Pixel 8a starts at £499/$499 for the 128GB model, with the 256GB option available for £559.
You can buy it from the official Google store, as well as from Amazon. To make sure you get it at the lowest possible price, check out the best Pixel 8a deals.
However, its price increase over previous A-series models brings it closer to the flagship Pixel 8, making it a tough sell for some.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 14T starts at £549 for the 256GB model, offering more storage and better hardware at a slightly higher price.
You can buy the phone directly from Xiaomi or through a third-party retailer like Amazon.
For those willing to invest a little more, the Xiaomi 14T offers flagship features at an attractive price.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 8a is the ideal choice for users who prioritize software experience, superior camera performance, and wireless charging convenience.
It offers a clean, intuitive Android interface backed by Google's industry-leading software support, and its AI-powered photography tools set it apart in its price range.
However, the Xiaomi 14T excels in areas like design, display, and charging speed, making it a better choice for users who value hardware-focused benefits.
While both phones offer excellent value for money, the decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritize software and photography (Pixel 8a) or hardware and performance (Xiaomi 14T).
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