If you’re shopping for a reliable phone under ₹35,000, the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G are two solid choices worth your attention.
Should you go with the Pixel 8a’s clean Android experience and smart AI tools? Or should you choose the Galaxy S24 FE with its larger screen, better battery, and zoom camera?
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you pick the one that fits your needs.
Design and Display Quality
Right off the bat, the Pixel 8a is smaller with a 6.1-inch display. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 FE is bigger and heavier with a 6.7-inch screen.
The Pixel has a plastic back, while the Galaxy sports a more premium glass panel. Surprisingly, the Pixel’s plastic still feels solid and well-built.
Button quality also differs. The Pixel’s power and volume buttons feel clicky and responsive. On the Galaxy, they feel softer and less tactile.
Both phones have good water and dust protection. The Pixel has IP67, and the Galaxy goes a step higher with IP68. This means the Galaxy can survive deeper water exposure.
Each phone features an in-display fingerprint scanner. The Pixel’s scanner feels slightly faster and more consistent than the Galaxy’s.
When it comes to display quality, the Galaxy’s bigger screen feels more immersive. However, both use OLED panels with bright and vivid colors.
Interestingly, the Pixel 8a gets a bit brighter, which helps in sunlight. Both also feature a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Brightness levels at night aren’t the lowest, but they’re acceptable for most users.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy S24 FE runs on the Exynos 2400e, a powerful chip close to flagship level. It’s great for gaming and heavy tasks.
The Pixel 8a is powered by Google’s Tensor G3, which is slightly less powerful in comparison. But both phones come with 8GB of RAM, which is standard and sufficient for daily use.
In terms of software, the Pixel offers a clean and smooth Android experience. It already runs Android 15. Samsung uses its One UI skin. While feature-rich, it usually gets Android updates later than Pixel devices.
However, Samsung offers some extras. The standout is Samsung DeX, which turns your phone into a desktop-like interface when connected to a monitor. The Pixel doesn’t offer that.
AI tools are present on both phones, so you won’t miss out on those features either way. Both phones promise 7 years of software support, which is great for long-term use.
Camera and Imaging
The big camera difference is that the Galaxy S24 FE has a third lens: a telephoto camera. The Pixel 8a only has two rear cameras. This gives the Galaxy better zoom photos with higher detail, especially at long distances.
On the other hand, the Pixel’s 64MP main sensor and 13MP ultra-wide camera produce better dynamic range and more natural colors.
Photos from the Samsung phone sometimes look a bit too saturated. It also struggles with very bright highlights. In low light, the Pixel performs better. It captures more detail and better exposure at night.
When recording video, the Pixel again offers better dynamic range and steadier footage. Still, the Galaxy’s zoom camera gives it an edge in capturing fine details when zooming in.
Overall, both phones offer good camera quality, but with different strengths.
Battery and Charging
The Galaxy S24 FE has a 4,700mAh battery, while the Pixel 8a has a slightly smaller 4,500mAh battery. Despite being the smaller phone, the Pixel holds up well in real-world use.
The Galaxy’s larger size allows it to last a bit longer, especially if you’re watching videos or gaming. Both phones offer decent battery life that can last you a full day on regular use.
Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 5G
Pick the Pixel 8a if you want a smaller phone with a clean Android experience. It’s also the better choice for low-light photography and faster software updates.
Choose the Galaxy S24 FE if you prefer a big screen, better gaming performance, a dedicated zoom camera, and features like DeX mode.
Both are good phones, but your final pick depends on what matters more to you: compact and smooth or big and powerful.
If you’re looking at these smartphones during any sale season, you can even get them below 30,000 Rupees. So, wait for some great deals if you don’t need to buy a new phone right now.
