Today’s best cheap phones prove that they still have premium features that only the best phones offer. That’s why there’s so much interest in comparing the Google Pixel 8a and Apple iPhone SE 4, as the balance between affordability and features can define the entire midrange category.
Given the success and appeal of their respective predecessors, there’s no doubt that there will be a lot of interest in these two as we approach the year’s midway point. There are no definitive details regarding a potential release yet, but upcoming events such as Google I/O 2024 in May and WWDC 2024 in June could be prime candidates for an announcement.
These two phones are probably the most notable products in the mid-range space, so we wanted to share what we know about them and give you an idea of which one should hold up longer. Masu.
Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4: Rumored specs
| google pixel 8a | iPhoneSE4 | |
| possible price | $499 | $449 |
| Screen size | 6.1 inch OLED | 6.17 inch OLED |
| refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| OS | android 14 | iOS17 |
| processor | tensor G3 | A16 Bionic |
| rear camera | 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide | 48MP main |
Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4: release date and price
Considering that Google has been revealing its A-series Pixel smartphones at its annual developer conference, there’s a good chance that the Pixel 8a will arrive first. Moreover, the series is consistently updated every year, with announcements and releases occurring sooner or later.with Pixel 6a will be removed from Google Storepaving the way for an imminent release.
Apple’s fourth-generation iPhone SE is quite different, mainly because it’s not released every year like other phones. In fact, the current 3rd generation iPhone SE was released in his 2022 year. The latest rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will be released in 2025, and recently leaked images of a dummy unit purported to be the iPhone SE 4 have been released. Given that Apple has put the brakes on the rollout of a foldable iPhone, potentially pushing it back to late 2026, the company could be under pressure to release the iPhone SE 4 sooner.
Pricing is certainly something to consider here, as both series are known for their affordable prices. However, few details are known about its cost. The Pixel 7a launched for $499, so considering the Pixel 7a was $50 more expensive than the Pixel 6a, we expect Google to stick to that price.
iPhone SE (2022) continues to sell for the same $449. But given that there are few upgrades, even the cheapest iPhone could be in for a price hike.
Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4: Design and display
According to leaks of both models, the iPhone SE 4 appears to have a more dramatic design change. Most notably, it looks similar to the iPhone 14, which means it ditches Touch ID in favor of a larger screen with less “chin” and Face ID. .there is Leaked image of a dummy unit showing this It’s been given a deserved makeover, especially since the design has changed.
Leaked rendered images of Google Pixel 8a You can see that it mostly follows the design language of the series that we know and love, such as the horizontal bar on the back of the phone that houses the camera. It’s almost similar to his current Pixel 7a design with a contoured design.
One of the most appealing features of the Pixel 7a is that it has a 90Hz display refresh rate. You can go up to an even better 120Hz Equipped with the Pixel 8a’s 6.1-inch OLED display. Throw in a peak brightness of 1,400 nits, which is the same reach as the standard Pixel 8, and the Pixel 8a may have an edge in this area.
That’s because Apple maintains a 60Hz refresh rate on the SE series of iPhones. We’re outraged that Apple would improve on this with the iPhone SE 4. The main reason is that at the moment he 60Hz is obsolete. One exciting change, however, is the rumors surrounding the Giants. Upgrade to 6.1 inch OLED display, smaller than the current model’s 4.7-inch one. Part of the reason for the significant size increase is because Apple ditched Touch ID and replaced it with Face ID.
Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4: Camera
Just as past Pixel A-series smartphones have had an edge over the iPhone SE series, a comparison between the Pixel 8a and iPhone SE will likely yield the same results. According to leaked CAD renders of the iPhone SE 4 seen so far, Apple appears to be sticking with a single rear camera configuration. But there’s no need to worry just yet, as it may feature a larger 48MP camera sensor and potentially be able to achieve optical-quality zoom through pixel binning technology.
We’re raving about the Pixel 7a’s amazing camera, making it the only model under $500 to make our list of the best camera phones. The Pixel 8a has the advantage of having dual cameras (a combination of a 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera), which should make a strong argument as a replacement. It’s no different than the current Pixel 7a, but it should benefit from more advanced image processing.
There is also the issue of photo editing using generative AI. There’s no clear indication that either phone will have these features, but we think it’s more likely the Pixel 8a. The main reason is that Google has already introduced Google AI assistance features on the Pixel 8. Apple is reportedly offering generative AI features in iOS 18, so we wouldn’t be surprised if they make it to the iPhone SE 4.
Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4: Performance
While expected to offer a similar design to the iPhone 14, it has been suggested that the iPhone SE 4 will be powered by the same A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. The Pixel 8a is reportedly running Tensor G3 based on leaked benchmarks.
In our Pixel 8 review, we found that the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip still provided better performance in various synthetic benchmark tests than the Tensor G3-powered Pixel 8. Knowing this bodes well, especially when the iPhone SE 4 arrives. In our testing, the A16 Bionic churns out slightly better frame rates than the Tensor G3, making it a great choice for gaming.
Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4: Software
Google may first show off Android 15 at its developer conference this May, but it looks like the Pixel 8a will launch with Android 14 first. The upgrade will come later in the fall, when Android 15 is expected to be fully rolled out. What’s even more interesting is what features he expects the Pixel 8a to have in relation to artificial intelligence. Google has seen that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro bring significant benefits to AI features such as Call Screen, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser, but Google has moved them to its cheaper Pixel 8a. No one knows if there are plans to roll it out.
Similarly, if the iPhone SE 4 is released this year, it will likely come equipped with iOS 17 out of the box. It will be updated to iOS 18 when released with iPhone 16 this fall. iOS 17 certainly has its own perks. Even the current iPhone SE (2022) can enter standby mode. Apple’s WWDC 2024 conference should give us more peeks at iOS 18. iOS 18 will reportedly add home screen customization, RCS messaging support, and a revamped Siri.
Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4: Outlook
There’s no denying that the Pixel 8a and iPhone SE 4 are two of the most exciting smartphones in the midrange space. Based on what we know so far, Apple stands to lose the most if the iPhone SE 4 isn’t released this year. Especially if the Pixel 8a is scheduled to be released soon.
But it’s also putting additional pressure on Google, as its current flagship phones are underperforming its main rivals in areas such as display, battery life and processing performance. We’re not even halfway through the year yet, and there are already some great smartphones under $500, like the Nothing Phone 2a and the OnePlus 12R, so if you want a phone that still offers practical value, look no further than the Pixel. 8a needs to be over-performing.
