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Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: The Budget Phone Winner Revealed

2024-12-05

When it comes to finding a low-cost midrange phone, the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A35 often find themselves in a heated battle. Both Google and Samsung are renowned Android device makers, and their midrange models offer a great balance between affordability and key features. Let's dive deep into the details and find out which phone comes out on top.

Uncover the Truth - Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Specs

The Pixel 8a starts at $499/£499/AU$849 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the Galaxy A35 begins at $399/£399/AU$549 and comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. Its display is a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. In terms of processors, the Pixel 8a uses the Tensor G3, while the Galaxy A35 has the Exynos 1380. The Pixel 8a also has a 4,492 mAh battery with 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging, while the Galaxy A35 boasts a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W wired charging. In terms of size, the Pixel 8a is 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches (152.4 x 73.7 x 10.1mm) and weighs 6.8 ounces (192 grams). The Galaxy A35 is 6.4 x 3.1 x 0.32 inches (161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm) and weighs 7.4 ounces (209 grams). It comes in colors like Navy, Lilac, Iceblue Lemon for the Galaxy A35 and Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe for the Pixel 8a.

When it comes to specs, both phones have their own strengths. The Pixel 8a's use of the same silicon as last year's flagships gives it some advantages in terms of AI features and photo processing. However, the Galaxy A35's larger battery and slightly larger display make it a tempting option for those who value those aspects.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Price

As mentioned earlier, the Pixel 8a starts at $499 with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Upgrading to 256GB of storage raises the price to $559 for the Obsidian model. The Galaxy A35 costs $399 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There is no 256GB version available in the US. Cell phone deals can sometimes bring down the prices of both phones, but generally, the Galaxy A35 is cheaper.

Price is a significant factor for many consumers, and the Galaxy A35 definitely has an edge in this regard. However, it's important to consider the overall value and features offered by each phone.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Design

Although they are midrange phones, both the Galaxy A35 and Pixel 8a take design cues from their flagship counterparts. The Galaxy A35 has a descending row of rear camera lenses, while the Pixel 8a features a horizontal camera bar. In terms of aesthetics, it's a matter of personal preference. I personally prefer the look of the Pixel 8a, but the raised edge on the side of the Galaxy A35 that houses the power button and volume toggles is a nice touch. The glossy back of the Galaxy A35 is more prone to fingerprints and smudges compared to the matte back of the Pixel 8a. Both phones have an IP67 water and dust resistance rating and do not have a headphone jack. The Galaxy A35 is taller and wider due to its larger screen, which may not be preferred by those who like more compact phones. The Pixel 8a's more compact size gives it an edge in this regard.

Design is an important aspect of a phone, and both the Galaxy A35 and Pixel 8a have their own unique designs. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Display

The Galaxy A35 offers a larger 6.6-inch AMOLED panel compared to the Pixel 8a's 6.1-inch OLED screen. This extra screen space is handy for streaming videos and playing games. Both phones have a 120Hz refresh rate for more immersive scrolling. In terms of brightness, the Pixel 8a can get slightly brighter at 1,329 nits compared to the Galaxy A35's 1,317 nits. However, in outdoor sunlight, both screens are easily visible. In terms of color accuracy, the Galaxy A35 offers more colorful screens in both the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spectrums in its default settings. While the colors are equally accurate in the Natural setting, the Galaxy A35 still offers slightly more accurate colors.

The display is an important aspect of a phone, and both the Galaxy A35 and Pixel 8a have their own strengths. The larger screen of the Galaxy A35 is great for certain activities, while the Pixel 8a's slightly better brightness and color accuracy in some settings make it a worthy contender.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Cameras

Both phones have similar camera setups with a main and ultrawide lens on the back. The Pixel 8a has a 64MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide camera, while the Galaxy A35 has a 50MP main lens and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 8a also has a 13MP selfie camera, while the Galaxy A35 has a 13MP selfie camera as well. In a 200-photo face-off, the Pixel 8a came out on top. It handles dynamic range better and performs well in low light. The Galaxy A35 favors brighter colors but can sometimes be over-saturated. For example, in a shot of a Blue Hawaii cocktail, the Galaxy A35 showed off a glint of citrus juice better, but in other shots, the Pixel 8a's color balance was more consistent. In night shots, the Pixel 8a clearly outperformed the Galaxy A35, with more details emerging from the darkness. However, the Galaxy A35 has a better time with skin tones and presents a more true-to-life portrait.

The cameras on both phones have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Pixel 8a's overall performance in various lighting conditions is better, but the Galaxy A35 has its moments with certain types of shots.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Performance

In benchmark tests, the Pixel 8a with its Tensor G3 chip performed better than the Galaxy A35 with the Exynos 1380 chip. In Geekbench 6, the Pixel 8a scored 1,581 in single-core and 4,093 in multicore tests, which was 55% and 39% faster than the Galaxy A35 respectively. In 3DMark's Wild Life Unlimited graphics test, the Pixel 8a posted a 53.8 fps result compared to the Galaxy A35's 16.8 fps. When it comes to app switching and gaming, the Galaxy A35 performed seamlessly enough, but the Pixel 8a was undeniably faster. For example, when transcoding a video using Adobe Premiere Rush, the Pixel 8a needed 56 seconds while the Galaxy A35 took 1 minute and 9 seconds.

Performance is an important factor, and the Pixel 8a's Tensor-powered chip gives it an edge in this regard. However, the Galaxy A35 is still a capable phone and performs well in most situations.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Battery life and charging

The Galaxy A35 has a larger 5,000 mAh battery compared to the Pixel 8a's 4,492 mAh battery. However, in our battery test, the Pixel 8a lasted 11 hours and 22 minutes, which is a little bit longer than the Galaxy A35's 11 hours and 9 minutes. In terms of charging speed, the Galaxy A35 has a 25W wired charging speed compared to the Pixel 8a's 18W. Although there is not a huge difference, the Galaxy A35 does charge faster. One area where the Pixel 8a has an advantage is wireless charging. The Galaxy A35 does not support wireless charging, while the Pixel 8a does.

Battery life and charging are important considerations, and both phones have their own pros and cons. The Pixel 8a's slightly longer battery life and wireless charging capability give it an edge.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Software

The Galaxy A35 offers a few AI-powered features like Circle to Search, which allows you to circle or tap on a picture in any app and launch an online search. However, it doesn't compare to the depth of AI capabilities on the Pixel 8a. Due to the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a can do almost anything the previous year's Pixel 8 flagship could, including photo retouching features like Magic Editor and Best Take. It also supports productivity-boosting features like Live Translate and Call Assist. The Pixel 8a gets Android updates right away and can already run Android 15, while the Galaxy A35 is awaiting the One Ui 7 release. Google promises seven years of software and security updates to Pixel 8a owners, while Galaxy A35 owners get four years of software updates and an additional year of security support.

Software is an important aspect of a phone, and the Pixel 8a's extensive AI capabilities and timely software updates give it a significant advantage.

Google Pixel 8a vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Verdict

Despite its higher price tag, the Pixel 8a clearly offers more value than the Galaxy A35. In most categories, the Pixel 8a is better - it captures better photos, offers more AI features, and promises more extensive software support. The Galaxy A35 may have a better screen, but it's not enough to overcome the Pixel 8a's other advantages. For those especially sensitive to price, the Galaxy A35 still delivers a lot for a smaller outlay. It has a bright, colorful screen, a durable design, better than average battery life, and more AI-powered features than expected. However, if you can afford the extra $100, the Pixel 8a more than justifies its higher price tag with its excellent camera performance and Tensor-powered features.

In a remarkable turn of events for the cryptocurrency realm, Bitcoin has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the $100,000 threshold. This extraordinary occurrence has sparked widespread interest and is widely regarded as a result of the former President Donald Trump's advocacy for digital currencies.

Trump's Crypto Stance Shapes Market and Business Strategies

Bitcoin's Historic Ascent

Bitcoin's journey to reach this unprecedented level has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once regarded with skepticism and suspicion, it has gradually emerged as a legitimate financial asset. Through thick and thin, including market downturns and regulatory challenges, Bitcoin has shown remarkable resilience. The recent surge past the $100,000 mark can be attributed to a combination of factors, with Trump's changing stance playing a crucial role.During his presidency, Trump initially cast Bitcoin as a "scam." However, after his election victory in November 2024, his perspective underwent a significant transformation. He became a vocal supporter of the cryptocurrency sector, vowing to make the US the "crypto capital of the planet." His administration's plans, such as establishing a national Bitcoin reserve and appointing regulators with a favorable stance towards digital currencies, have sent a clear message to the market. This pro-crypto stance was further reinforced when he nominated Paul Atkins, a renowned advocate for cryptocurrency, to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Market Impact

The impact of Trump's advocacy on the cryptocurrency market has been profound. Since his election, Bitcoin's price has witnessed a substantial increase. In the four weeks following his victory, it saw a remarkable 45% rise. This upward trend is not merely a result of speculative trading; it reflects a broader acceptance and integration of Bitcoin into the financial ecosystem.Small and medium enterprises, in particular, have started to allocate a portion of their treasury reserves to Bitcoin. They view it as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Companies like Enlivex Therapeutics, Acurx Pharmaceuticals, and Hoth Therapeutics have publicly announced their intentions to convert a part of their cash reserves into Bitcoin, indicating a significant shift in corporate finance management.

Reasons for the Shift

Firstly, the potential for astronomical returns has been a major driving force. Despite its volatility, Bitcoin's track record shows that it can deliver lucrative returns, often outperforming traditional assets over specific periods. This has encouraged even conservative businesses to reevaluate their treasury management strategies.Secondly, the increasing institutional adoption of Bitcoin has enhanced its credibility. The approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the US has opened up new avenues for institutional investment, making it more accessible and seemingly safer for businesses. The involvement of major financial players has demystified Bitcoin and made it a more viable option for corporate treasuries.Thirdly, the narrative of Bitcoin as "digital gold" has gained significant traction, especially in times of geopolitical instability and concerns over monetary policy. Trump's administration's focus on deregulation and skepticism towards centralized financial systems has aligned with the essence of Bitcoin, portraying it as an asset that can thrive outside traditional financial frameworks.

Risks and Challenges

While this transition towards digital assets is promising, it is not without its risks. Bitcoin's volatility remains a significant concern. Its price can fluctuate dramatically within short periods, posing risks to businesses' financial stability. Additionally, there is the aspect of regulatory uncertainty, despite Trump's pro-crypto stance. Globally, the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is diverse, and even in the US, the future regulatory environment could change in ways that may not always be favorable to Bitcoin.Moreover, the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining has become a contentious issue. The energy-intensive nature of mining raises questions about sustainability, especially as businesses face increasing pressure to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Strategic Implications

From a strategic perspective, Bitcoin's milestone could lead to a reevaluation of how businesses approach liquidity, investment, and risk management. Traditional treasury strategies that focused solely on safety, liquidity, and return may now need to incorporate digital assets while carefully managing the associated risks.The implications extend beyond just financial strategies. This shift has the potential to foster innovation in various aspects of business operations. Companies may explore blockchain technology not only for currency transactions but also for managing data and engaging with customers. From supply chain management to smart contracts, businesses may leverage blockchain to revolutionize their operational models.Donald Trump's advocacy for cryptocurrencies has undoubtedly had a significant impact on market trends, resulting in Bitcoin's historic breakthrough to $100,000. This event is not only a testament to Bitcoin's growing acceptance but also a sign that businesses are evolving their financial strategies. As we move forward, the integration of digital assets into mainstream business practices will continue to expand, challenging traditional financial wisdom and opening up new avenues for growth, innovation, and risk in the corporate world.

Bitcoin reached a remarkable milestone on Wednesday evening as it surpassed the $100,000 mark, celebrating its sweet 16 in the cryptocurrency world. After weeks of teetering on the verge, the flagship cryptocurrency's exchange rate with the dollar finally crossed the six-figure line, driven by expectations of more crypto-friendly policies from the Trump administration and the booming stock market.

One Year Ago and the Steady Ascent

Exactly one year ago, Bitcoin, created in 2009, was valued at around $44,000, witnessing an astonishing 127% increase in value. Since the beginning of the year, when the Securities and Exchange Commission approved exchange-traded funds tracking the cryptocurrency's price, Bitcoin's worth has been on a steady rise. These funds have established a crucial bridge from traditional finance to the crypto realm, lending it legitimacy. 1: The approval of these exchange-traded funds opened up new avenues for investors, allowing them to participate in the crypto market with more ease. It brought Bitcoin into the mainstream and attracted a wider range of investors who were previously hesitant to enter the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. 2: This regulatory move also signaled a growing acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by traditional financial institutions. It paved the way for more institutional investors to enter the market, further fueling Bitcoin's rise.

The Rally Begins

The steep rally in Bitcoin's value began last month after Donald Trump won the presidential election. Voters elected what Brian Armstrong, CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, called “America’s most pro-crypto Congress ever,” with the support of industry super PACs and billionaires. 1: Political tides played a significant role in driving Bitcoin's value up. Investors were looking for ways to diversify their assets away from the roaring stock market, and Bitcoin seemed to offer an attractive alternative. The pro-crypto sentiment in Washington also provided a boost to the cryptocurrency. 2: Additionally, the growing network of pro-crypto advocates in the capital was lobbying Trump to choose crypto-friendly financial regulators and pushing Congress to give the industry a regulatory roadmap. This support from the government added to the confidence of investors and contributed to Bitcoin's continued rise.

Bitcoin's Dominance and Volatility

Bitcoin is the original decentralized cryptocurrency created by Satoshi Nakamoto. With its recent rise in value, it now accounts for 52% of the $3.7 trillion cryptocurrency market. $100,000 is an arbitrary number, but for “Bitcoin maximalists,” it's a significant milestone towards Bitcoin's dominance over other cryptocurrencies. 1: However, the rally's sustainability is uncertain. Since there is no central bank overseeing Bitcoin, it is highly prone to significant volatility. Looking at the history of Bitcoin over the past three or five years, there have been big peaks and troughs, highlighting its unpredictable nature. 2: While Bitcoin has shown remarkable growth, it still faces challenges in gaining widespread acceptance and stability. The industry needs regulatory guardrails to protect consumers and investors from potential disasters like the FTX collapse in 2022, which kicked off a “crypto winter.”

The Future of Crypto

Konstantin Richter, CEO of Blockdaemon, a blockchain infrastructure company, believes that what the industry needs is regulatory clarity. Bitcoin's 16th birthday is a significant milestone, but it also makes Bitcoin a teenager in the market. 1: Richter's company is seeing growing demand for its crypto infrastructure, indicating the potential for the industry's growth. However, he also points out that many companies have moved offshore due to the Biden administration's hostility towards crypto, which has been a setback for the industry. 2: Richter hopes that regulation will allow mature crypto companies to go public and encourage more founders to build their companies in the US. With the right regulatory environment, the future of crypto certainly looks bright. It holds the promise of revolutionizing the financial world and providing new opportunities for investors and businesses alike.