Choosing the right phone is never easy, especially when many brands, such as 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 of affordability and premium features.
While both aim to deliver flagship-level performance at a reduced price, their strengths cater to slightly different user needs. Here’s how they compare.
Design and build quality
The Pixel 8a maintains the familiar Google phone aesthetic, with its iconic camera bar.
This design feels surprisingly premium for a plastic-backed phone. Its compact size, lighter weight at 188g, and IP67 certification make it durable and practical.
However, the thick bezel around the display detracts from its otherwise modern look, giving it a slightly dated appearance.
Chris Martin / Foundry
In contrast, the Xiaomi 14T adopts a more refined design, featuring a frosted glass back and an aluminium-effect plastic frame. Weighing 195g, it is larger but remains slim and comfortable to handle.
Its symmetrical, slim bezels and IP68 rating elevate its premium appeal, making it more stylish and better suited for users seeking durability in tougher environments.
Luke Baker
The Xiaomi 14T edges out the Pixel 8a here with its sleeker build and higher water and dust resistance.
Displays
The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2000 nits.
While the display delivers vibrant colours, excellent contrast, and high brightness, the thick bezel undermines 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 boasts a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 4000 nits.
This makes it ideal for HDR content and gaming, offering 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.
Luke Baker
With a larger, faster and brighter display, the Xiaomi 14T provides a better visual experience.
Cameras
The Pixel 8a’s 64Mp main camera, paired with a 13Mp ultrawide 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 ensures consistently excellent results, particularly in low light.
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 offers a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50Mp main lens, a 50Mp 2x telephoto, and a 12Mp ultrawide. The Leica partnership brings creative filters and colour profiles that enhance the photographic experience.
While daylight shots are vibrant and detailed, the ultrawide camera lacks the sharpness of the main lens, and low-light performance falls short of the Pixel 8a’s capabilities.
For video enthusiasts, the Xiaomi 14T impresses with its manual controls and support for shooting in LOG format, adding a professional edge.
Luke Baker
Despite this, the Pixel 8a’s superior low-light performance and software-driven photography make it the better camera phone overall.
Other differences
When it comes to performance, the Xiaomi 14T’s MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra outpaces the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 in gaming and heavy multitasking, but both phones handle everyday tasks smoothly.
The Xiaomi 14T also has a significant edge in charging, with its 67W fast charging outperforming 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 clean Android 15 experience on the Pixel 8a feels more polished and bloat-free compared to Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2, which, while highly customisable, 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 Google’s official store, as well as the likes of Amazon. To ensure you’re getting it for the lowest price possible, see the best Pixel 8a deals.
However, its price increase over previous A-series models places 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 via a third-party retailer like Amazon.
For those willing to invest a little more, the Xiaomi 14T delivers flagship-level features at an attractive price point.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 8a is the ideal choice for users who prioritise software experience, superior camera performance, and the convenience of wireless charging.
It offers a clean, intuitive Android interface backed by Google’s industry-leading software support, and its AI-powered photography tools make it a standout in its price range.
However, the Xiaomi 14T excels in areas like design, display, and charging speed, making it a better fit for users who value hardware-focused advantages.
While both phones offer great value, the decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritise software and photography (Pixel 8a) or hardware and performance (Xiaomi 14T).
