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Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy A55
Last updated: 15 Mar 2026 · Australian pricing and availability
My Verdict
The Google Pixel 8a is the better phone thanks to its incredible camera. The Samsung Galaxy A55 is more polished but costs more. Pixel 8a is the smarter buy.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Detail | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Quality | Pixel 8a computational photography is exceptional. Galaxy A55 camera is good but less impressive. | Google Pixel 8a |
| Display Brightness | Galaxy A55 is noticeably brighter. Pixel 8a is dimmer in sunlight. | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
| Display Refresh | Galaxy A55 has 120Hz. Pixel 8a has 90Hz. Both fine but Galaxy is smoother. | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
| Battery Life | Pixel 8a gets more out of the battery. Galaxy A55 is okay but uses more power. | Google Pixel 8a |
| Design | Galaxy A55 feels more premium. Pixel 8a is plastic-y. | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
| Software | Pixel software is cleaner. Galaxy A55 has One UI but feels bloated. | Google Pixel 8a |
Detailed Comparison
This is a genuinely tough one because both phones are actually good. The Google Pixel 8a is the one I'd grab though. The camera is magic, and I mean that literally. Google's computational photography makes your photos look incredible even in terrible light. The Pixel 8a has a single camera but the processing is so good that it competes with phones costing twice as much. The battery lasts all day easily, the Tensor chip is plenty fast for everything, and the software is clean and quick. The Samsung Galaxy A55 has a more premium design, the display is brighter, and it's a bit faster with the Exynos chip. But the camera isn't as good. You can see the difference immediately in indoor shots. The A55 feels more like a proper phone though, and it's got better haptics and speakers. Both have 5G, both do wireless charging, both feel good to hold. The Pixel's screen is dimmer, which is annoying in bright sunlight. The Galaxy A55's 120Hz display is nicer than the Pixel's 90Hz. But for the money, the Pixel 8a takes better photos and that's what you're using the camera for most. If photography matters, Pixel. If you want all-round polish and brightness, Galaxy.Buying in Australia
| Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
|---|
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 8a if:
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55 if:
See all my ranked picks in Best Budget Smartphones in Australia.
Need help deciding? Read my Budget Smartphones buyer's guide.