Honor Magic4 Pro vs Google Pixel 8a - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 9, 2022 May 14, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 111.21 cm³ 98.41 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.26 "/g 3.24 "/g
Weight 209 g 188 g
Height 163.6 mm 152.1 mm
Width 74.7 mm 72.7 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Gold
  • Black
  • White
  • Cyan
  • Orange
  • Obsidian
  • Porcelain
  • Bay
  • Aloe

Display

Screen Size 6.81 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1312 x 2848 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 93 % 81.2 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 430 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1000 nits 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 99.19 mAh/in² 120.72 mAh/in²
Battery Density 41.36 mAh/cm³ 45.64 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4600 mAh 4492 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 730 Immortalis-G715s MC10

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 14
Maximum OS Version 21

Comparison Summary

Honor Magic4 Pro vs. Google Pixel 8a: A Deep Dive

Let's dissect the Honor Magic4 Pro and the Google Pixel 8a, going beyond the spec sheet to understand what these phones offer in the real world.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureHonor Magic4 ProGoogle Pixel 8aReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions163.6 x 74.7 x 9.1 mm152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mmMagic4 Pro is larger; Pixel 8a is more pocketable.
Weight209g188gPixel 8a is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
BuildGlassGlassBoth offer a premium feel, but durability depends on specific glass type (unspecified for Magic4 Pro).
Display
Size6.81"6.1"Magic4 Pro provides a more immersive media experience; Pixel 8a offers better one-handed usability.
Resolution1312x28481080x2400Magic4 Pro boasts sharper visuals and text; Pixel 8a is still crisp but less detailed.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth deliver smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness1000 nitsUnknownMagic4 Pro ensures excellent outdoor visibility; Pixel 8a's brightness is a critical missing detail.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 1Google Tensor G3Both are powerful chips, but Tensor G3 prioritizes AI and machine learning capabilities.
RAM8/12GB8GBMagic4 Pro's 12GB option provides headroom for demanding multitasking; 8GB is sufficient for most users.
Storage256/512GB128/256GBMagic4 Pro offers more storage for media hoarders.
Camera
Main Sensor50MP, f/1.964MP, f/1.89Pixel's computational photography prowess likely outshines Magic4 Pro's hardware advantage.
DXO Mark Mobile126136Pixel 8a scores higher overall, particularly in photo and video quality, reflecting Google's camera expertise.
Battery Life
Capacity4600mAh4500mAhSimilar capacities suggest comparable battery life, real-world usage will vary.
Charging100W Wired, 100W Wireless18W WiredMagic4 Pro charges dramatically faster, both wired and wirelessly; a significant advantage.

2. Key Insights

  • Display: The Magic4 Pro offers a larger, sharper display ideal for media consumption. The Pixel 8a's smaller size benefits one-handed use. The missing brightness spec for the Pixel 8a is concerning.
  • Performance: While benchmarks favor the Magic4 Pro slightly, the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a excels in AI tasks, impacting areas like voice assistance and photography.
  • Camera: Despite the Magic4 Pro's impressive hardware, Google's computational photography gives the Pixel 8a a likely edge in image quality, as evidenced by the DXO Mark scores.
  • Battery: The Magic4 Pro's significantly faster charging is a major differentiator. Imagine topping up your phone in minutes, not hours.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Honor Magic4 Pro: Power users who prioritize a stunning display, fast charging, and ample storage. Ideal for media consumption, gaming, and demanding multitasking.
  • Google Pixel 8a: Users who value a compact phone with excellent camera capabilities and a clean Android experience. Best for everyday use, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking seamless Google integration.

4. Buying Decision Framework

  1. What screen size do you prefer? Large and immersive (Magic4 Pro) or compact and one-handed friendly (Pixel 8a)?
  2. How important is camera quality? While the Magic4 Pro is no slouch, the Pixel 8a likely offers a superior camera experience overall.
  3. Is charging speed a priority? The Magic4 Pro's blazing-fast charging is a game-changer for busy lifestyles.

My Choice: Google Pixel 8a

While the Honor Magic4 Pro boasts impressive specs, the Google Pixel 8a aligns better with my priorities. The likely superior camera, driven by Google's computational photography mastery, is crucial for me. The more pocketable form factor and clean Android experience are also strong selling points. While the slower charging speed is a drawback, the overall package of the Pixel 8a, combined with its likely lower price point, makes it the more compelling choice for me. I value the seamless software experience and consistently excellent camera performance that Pixel phones are known for.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.