In Review: Budget Smartphones Under €500 – A Comparison of Samsung Galaxy A55, Nothing Phone 2a, and Google Pixel 8a

We compared three smartphones priced around 500 euros or less: the Pixel 8a (review), Samsung’s mid-range Galaxy A55, and Nothing’s first budget model, the Phone 2a (review). The price gap between these devices spans approximately 200 euros, with the Google smartphone being the most expensive. Is it worth opting for the pricier option?

Comparing Mid-Range Options: Plastic vs. Glass

The Pixel 8a is the smallest in this comparison. (Photo: WebSearchNews)

Among the three mid-range models, the Galaxy A55 and Phone 2a come in at a size of 6.6 and 6.7 inches, making them less portable compared to Google’s Pixel 8a, which features a 6.1-inch display and is considered more compact.

Furthermore, the Samsung and Nothing models have a boxier design, whereas Google’s more budget-friendly option has rounded corners, making it feel more comfortable in hand. Its smaller size also allows for easier one-handed use; however, the other two offer more screen real estate.

Materials and Build Quality: Premium Feel vs. Practicality

In terms of materials, Samsung’s Galaxy A55 utilizes a Gorilla Glass Victus Plus back, considered durable. In contrast, the other two smartphones feature plastic backs, giving them a less premium feel. However, they are less prone to breaking when dropped compared to Samsung’s model.

The Pixel 8a in matte finish alongside the glossy Phone 2a and Galaxy A55. (Photo: WebSearchNews)

The black variant of Nothing’s Phone 2a is particularly susceptible to fingerprints, closely followed by the Galaxy A55. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 8a, featuring a matte mint finish (called “Aloe” by Google), does not show fingerprints on its back.

What sets the Phone 2a apart is its distinctive rear Glyph Interface: integrated LEDs in the top third of the back provide silent notifications for new messages, calls, and even serve as a timer.

Display Quality: Brightness and Clarity Across the Board

All three smartphones excel in display quality. The OLED screens share many similarities, differing mainly in size.

All three mid-range models feature excellent displays. (Photo: WebSearchNews)

Each display is bright, with the Pixel 8a reaching a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, while the others max out at 1,000 nits. They also reproduce natural colors and support refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, resulting in smooth interactions.

Performance: Speed and Capability

While smartphones in the 500-euro range cannot match high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, they possess enough capability to handle everyday tasks and gaming.

The most powerful among the trio is Google’s Pixel 8a, equipped with the Tensor G3 chip found in the flagship Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, outperforming the Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A55 and the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro in the Phone 2a.

Utilizing Google’s Tensor chip allows the Pixel 8a to execute various AI tasks directly on the device, a feature absent in the other two models.

Ultimately, the Pixel 8a stands out not only for its performance and camera abilities but also for its longevity and array of smart features that the competition lacks.

For anyone seeking compactness without sacrificing capability, the Pixel 8a emerges as the prime choice. However, both the Galaxy A55 and Phone 2a provide commendable alternatives, balancing price and performance effectively.