Smartphones Under €500 Reviewed: How Do the Galaxy A55, Nothing Phone 2a, and Pixel 8a Compare?

We compared three smartphones priced around €500 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 is approximately €200, with Google’s smartphone being the most expensive. Is it worth opting for the pricier model?

Design Comparisons: Plastic versus Glass

Among the three mid-range devices, the Galaxy A55 and Phone 2a share similar dimensions, with displays measuring 6.6 and 6.7 inches respectively, making them less manageable than Google’s Pixel 8a, which sports a more compact 6.1-inch display. The A55 and Phone 2a have more angular designs, while Google’s offering features rounded corners, making it feel more comfortable and less cumbersome in hand. Furthermore, its smaller size allows for easier one-handed usage, though the other two provide more screen real estate.

Regarding materials, Samsung’s Galaxy A55 boasts a back made from Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, which is known for its strength. In contrast, the other two models utilize plastic backs that feel less premium in direct comparison but are less likely to shatter upon a fall than Samsung’s model. The black variant of the Nothing Phone 2a is particularly prone to fingerprints, followed by the shiny surface of the Galaxy A55, while Google’s Pixel 8a, presented in a matte mint hue (referred to as “Aloe”), resists fingerprints effectively.

Display Quality: An Impressive Showdown

When it comes to display performance, Samsung, Google, and Nothing do not skimp: the OLED screens on all three models are quite similar in many aspects apart from size. All displays are bright, with the Pixel 8a shining at a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, whereas the others max out at 1,000 nits. Additionally, they deliver vibrant colors and support refresh rates of up to 120Hz, facilitating smooth interactions.

The optical fingerprint scanners integrated into the displays respond quickly and efficiently across all models. However, I encountered some initial struggles with the Galaxy A55’s sensor, which failed to recognize my thumb until I applied a bit more pressure.

Performance Insights: Pixel 8a Outpaces Competitors

While smartphones in the €500 range do not match the performance of high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (review) or Honor’s Magic 6 Pro, they possess ample power to handle everyday tasks and even run games smoothly. The Pixel 8a, powered by the Tensor G3 chip, outperforms the A55 and Phone 2a, which are equipped with Exynos 1480 and MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chips, respectively.

The use of the Tensor chip allows the Pixel 8a to perform various AI tasks directly on the device, a feature the other two cannot replicate. Here’s a quick look at the performance benchmarks:

• Google Pixel 8a: Geekbench 6 – 1,717 (Single), 4,419 (Multi)
• Nothing Phone 2a: Geekbench 6 – 1,116 (Single), 2,542 (Multi)
• Samsung Galaxy A55: Geekbench 6 – 1,140 (Single), 3,370 (Multi)

Camera Capabilities: Pixel 8a Dominates

On paper, the Galaxy A55 appears to have the upper hand with three rear cameras compared to the two of its competitors. However, the third lens is primarily for macro shots, which are not frequently used. Historically, I found the macro lens on previous models to be somewhat of a gimmick, as it often resulted in mediocre close-up shots.

In daylight conditions, all three devices perform admirably, but when it comes to low-light photography, the Pixel 8a showcases Google’s renowned camera prowess, significantly outshining its rivals. While the Phone 2a and Galaxy A55 offer decent photo quality for their price range, the Pixel 8a takes excellent images in various conditions.

Software and Updates: Google’s Lead in Longevity

Software offerings cannot be overlooked in this mid-range smartphone comparison. Google excels with its AI capabilities and user-friendly interface on the Pixel 8a, while Samsung’s version contains a lot of pre-installed bloatware. Google’s Pixel 8a includes robust AI features that work directly on the device, enhancing user experience.

In terms of update commitments, the Pixel 8a stands out with seven years of Android updates and security patches, significantly outlasting Samsung’s A55, which offers four years of Android updates and five years of security patches. Nothing, on the other hand, provides three major Android versions and four years of security patches, trailing behind both competitors.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Device for You

In conclusion, the Pixel 8a offers superior performance, camera quality, and longevity, justifying its higher price tag compared to the Galaxy A55 and Phone 2a. For users who value compact design and advanced features, the Pixel 8a is the best choice. However, the Galaxy A55 is advantageous for those seeking a more budget-friendly option with a familiar ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Phone 2a is an excellent entry-level device that provides solid performance and a unique design at a competitive price point.