iPhone SE vs Pixel 8A: Best Budget Smartphones Compared

The Budget Smartphone Landscape in 2025

The budget smartphone market has evolved significantly over the years. Consumers no longer have to compromise on quality or features when opting for a more affordable device. Apple’s iPhone SE has long been a favorite for those seeking an entry point into the iOS ecosystem, while Google’s Pixel series has gained traction among Android enthusiasts for its clean software experience and innovative features.

With the release of the Google Pixel 8A in late 2024, the competition between these two devices has become fiercer than ever. Let’s dive into the specifics of each phone to see how they stack up against each other.

Design and Build Quality

The design philosophy of these two devices is strikingly different, reflecting their respective brand identities.

• iPhone SE: The iPhone SE sticks to Apple’s classic design language with a compact 4.7-inch LCD display surrounded by thick bezels. It features a lightweight aluminum body that weighs just 141 grams, making it one of the most portable smartphones on the market. Available in colors like black, white, and red, its minimalist aesthetic appeals to traditionalists.
• Pixel 8A: In contrast, the Pixel 8A adopts a modern approach with a larger 6.1-inch OLED display. Its slim bezels and vibrant color options—such as Aloe (green) and Bay (blue)—make it more visually appealing to younger audiences. The device is slightly heavier at 192 grams but feels premium thanks to its durable polycarbonate back and aluminum frame.

Both phones are IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in everyday use.

Display Comparison

The display is one of the most noticeable differences between these two smartphones:

• iPhone SE: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels at 326 PPI. While it delivers accurate colors and decent brightness levels (625 nits), its 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated compared to modern standards.
• Pixel 8A: Boasts a superior 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels at 430 PPI. The screen supports a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and scrolling through content.

If display quality is a priority for you, the Pixel 8A clearly takes the lead with its vibrant colors, higher resolution, and fluid refresh rate.

Performance: A Battle of Chipsets

The performance of these devices is driven by their respective chipsets:

• iPhone SE: Powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, which remains one of the fastest processors in its class despite being released earlier. Paired with 4GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and gaming effortlessly while benefiting from Apple’s optimized iOS ecosystem.
• Pixel 8A: Runs on Google’s Tensor G3 chipset with 8GB of RAM. While it doesn’t match the raw power of Apple’s A15 Bionic in benchmarks, it excels in AI-driven tasks such as real-time translation and photo editing.

The iPhone SE edges out in raw performance metrics, but the Pixel 8A offers more RAM and advanced AI features that enhance everyday usability.

Camera Capabilities

The camera systems on these devices cater to different photography needs:

• iPhone SE: Equipped with a single 12MP rear camera featuring an f/1.8 aperture. It delivers sharp images with natural colors but lacks versatility due to its absence of additional lenses.
• Pixel 8A: Features a dual-camera setup comprising a 64MP wide lens (f/1.89) and a 13MP ultra-wide lens (120-degree field of view). Google’s computational photography tools like Real Tone and Magic Eraser give it an edge in low-light conditions and creative shots.

The Pixel 8A is undoubtedly the better choice for photography enthusiasts thanks to its versatile camera setup and advanced software enhancements.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is another area where these devices differ significantly:

• iPhone SE: Houses a modest 2018mAh battery that supports up to seven hours of screen-on time. It offers fast charging at up to 20W but lacks wireless charging capabilities at this price point.
• Pixel 8A: Packs a larger 4492mAh battery that easily lasts over a day on moderate use. It supports both wired (18W) and wireless (7.5W) charging options.

The Pixel 8A wins in terms of battery capacity and flexibility in charging methods.

Software Experience

The software ecosystems are perhaps the most polarizing factor between these two phones:

• iPhone SE: Runs on iOS, offering seamless integration with other Apple products like MacBooks and AirPods. Regular updates ensure long-term support and security.
• Pixel 8A: Ships with Android 14 featuring Google’s Pixel UI. It promises seven years of software updates—a major selling point for Android users looking for longevity.

Your choice here depends largely on whether you prefer Apple’s closed ecosystem or Google’s open-source flexibility.

Price Comparison

The pricing structure reflects their target audiences:

• iPhone SE: Starts at $429 for the base model with 64GB storage.
• Pixel 8A: Priced at $499 for the base model with double the storage (128GB).

The Pixel offers better value for money when considering its superior specifications across multiple categories.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Your decision between the iPhone SE and Pixel 8A boils down to your priorities:

• If you value compact size, raw processing power, or are already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, go for the iPhone SE.
• If you prefer a larger display, better cameras, longer battery life, or Android’s flexibility, choose the Pixel 8A.

Both phones are excellent choices within their price range but cater to different user preferences.