Google Pixel 8a benchmarks are out — and it’s not good news

Best Google Pixel 7a cases
(Image credit: Google)

The upcoming Google Pixel 8a may disappoint compared to past models in the company's a-series, according to a recent benchmark leak we've just seen. 

A newly-published Geekbench result suggests the Pixel 8a will have an underclocked version of the Tensor G3 chip expected in the standard Pixel 8. This breaks the theme of a-series Pixel devices using the same processors as the flagship models, just at a lower price point.

The Pixel 8a in the benchmark achieved underwhelming scores of 1,218 single-core and 3,175 multi-core, compared to 1,404 and 3,363 for the Pixel 7 Pro with last year's chip. This implies significantly lower performance than we would expect for a phone with the latest Tensor processor.

Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7

(Image credit: Toms Guide)

On the bright side, the benchmark does confirm the Pixel 8a appears to be in development after some rumors suggested it might not launch. But with an underpowered chip, the 8a could struggle to continue the a-series’ reputation for flagship specs at a mid-range price.

With benchmarks seemingly on the decline, the key question will be pricing. If Google prices the 8a aggressively, the performance compromise may be justified versus paying hundreds more for the Pixel 8. 

Based on specs so far, the standard Pixel 8 or existing Pixel 7 phones seem likely to deliver better performance per dollar. That said the Pixel 8a will almost certainly be one of the best cheap phones of 2023 and 2024.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Elliot Mulley-Goodbarne
Phones Writer

Elliot MulleyGoodbarne is a Staff Writer at Tom’s Guide covering news, reviews, buying guides with wit and charm. He has had a keen interest in mobile, tablets, laptops, and everything in between since his first phone, the Samsung U600. Starting at Mobile News, Elliot has been writing about mobile and the business of technology since 2016, and has edited four trade magazines in that time, attending award shows for three of them. He has attended a range of industry events including 5G launches, device announcements, and trade events, where he developed a nose for picking up on trends, interviewing executives, and networking with the tech community. In his spare time, Elliot can usually be found watching, playing, or attending sporting events. With season tickets to West Ham United and Surrey County Cricket Club he often spends weekends in winter in a foul mood and evenings in the summer with a smile on his face. Outside of sport Elliot enjoys cooking, pubs next to rivers, and chilling out with a G&T, Whiskey, or Port after a solid week of excellence.

Read more
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a benchmarks leaked — and the scores are underwhelming
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
Leaked render of the Google Pixel 9a
Pixel 9a leak reveals Google's budget phone keeps this disappointing design feature
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a specs just fully leaked ahead of iPhone 16E launch
google pixel 9a in iris vis pixel 8a in green side by side
Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: All the biggest changes
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a will have to fix one crucial thing to hold off its low-cost rivals
Latest in Google Phones
back of Iris Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is lacking one of the Pixel 9’s best safety features — here’s what we know
Google Pixel 9a with thumbs up and thumbs down icons
Google Pixel 9a — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Google Pixel 9 Pro deal
Forget Pixel 9a — get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $250 off at Best Buy right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 25 (#653)
A first look at Amazon's Fallout TV series coming to Prime Video
‘Fallout’ season 3 plans are reportedly being made — while season 2 is still filming
Surface Laptop 7 from the front
Amazon just gave Surface Laptop 7 a 'frequently returned' label — here's what's going on
New emojis with iOS 18.4 beta release.
iOS 18.4 beta brings 8 new emoji to your iPhone — here's all the new options
23andME box
23andMe has declared bankruptcy — here's how to delete your data now
half-life alyx
Latest Half-Life 3 rumors point to a 2025 release — and maybe pigs will fly
  • Nolatechy
    I have to question the validity of these benchmarks. Given that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will have a 4nm chipset vs the 5nm on the Pixel 7/7 Pro, I fail to see how it's possible to have a lower score on a faster SOC. Everyone knows that a 4nm SOC is faster and more efficient than a 5nm SOC, so how could it have a lower benchmark score?
    Reply