Pixel 6a Vs Galaxy S8 Is It Worth Upgrading In 2024 Or Is The S8 Still Good

Five years may not sound like a long time in the world of technology, but when it comes to smartphones, the gap between a 2017 flagship and a 2022 mid-ranger is vast. The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a landmark device—sleek design, edge-to-edge display, and top-tier specs for its era. Fast forward to 2024, and Google’s Pixel 6a offers modern AI features, clean Android software, and strong camera performance at an accessible price. For users still clinging to their Galaxy S8, the question isn’t just about hardware—it’s about relevance. Is it still viable in 2024, or is it time to make the leap?

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The Galaxy S8 launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, which was a powerhouse in 2017. At the time, it handled multitasking, gaming, and streaming with ease. However, by today’s standards, its processing power is severely limited. Apps have grown more complex, background services are more demanding, and even basic tasks like loading web pages or switching between apps feel sluggish on aging hardware.

In contrast, the Pixel 6a runs on Google’s custom Tensor chip—the same processor found in higher-end Pixels. While not built for extreme gaming, the Tensor delivers smooth day-to-day performance, efficient AI-powered features like real-time call screening and speech recognition, and excellent app compatibility. It also includes 6GB of RAM compared to the S8’s 4GB, allowing for better app retention and smoother navigation.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open frequently used apps, it’s likely holding you back more than you realize.

Battery life tells a similar story. The S8 came with a 3000mAh battery, which was respectable in 2017. But after years of charging cycles, most units now suffer from degraded capacity. The Pixel 6a packs a 4410mAh battery and benefits from modern power management, delivering a full day of use even with heavy screen time.

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Lifeline

Software support is where the Galaxy S8 truly falters in 2024. It originally shipped with Android 7 (Nougat) and received updates up to Android 9 (Pie). Samsung ended major OS updates in 2019 and security patches shortly after. This means the S8 hasn't seen a security update in over four years—a serious concern given the rise in mobile threats.

On the other hand, the Pixel 6a launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed updates until at least 2025, including monthly security patches. Google’s commitment to timely updates ensures protection against emerging vulnerabilities and access to new features like improved privacy controls, digital car keys, and AI-driven accessibility tools.

“Security isn’t just about locking your phone—it’s about ensuring every app, message, and transaction remains protected. Outdated software is a liability.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Mobile Security Researcher at CyberShield Labs

Camera Comparison: Night Sight vs. Legacy Sensors

The S8’s 12MP rear camera was praised for its color accuracy and low-light performance at launch. But without computational photography, it lacks the dynamic range, HDR blending, and noise reduction that define modern smartphone imaging.

The Pixel 6a, despite being a mid-range device, outperforms the S8 dramatically thanks to Google’s computational photography. Features like Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and Real Tone ensure vibrant, well-exposed photos even in challenging lighting. Front-facing selfies, video stabilization, and portrait mode are all areas where the 6a pulls far ahead.

Feature	Galaxy S8	Pixel 6a
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.7, OIS	12.2MP, f/1.7, OIS + computational enhancements
Front Camera	8MP, f/1.7	8MP, f/2.0, improved skin tone rendering
Low-Light Performance	Moderate, grainy	Excellent with Night Sight
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps, stabilized, HDR
AI Enhancements	None	Night Sight, Face Unblur, Photo Unblur

Real-World Experience: A User’s Dilemma

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who’s used his Galaxy S8 since 2017. He appreciates its compact size and IP68 rating, but lately, he’s struggled with uploading images to cloud services, editing apps crashing, and slow gallery load times. His clients expect fast turnarounds, and delays due to phone limitations are affecting his reputation.

After testing a Pixel 6a, he noticed immediate improvements: faster photo exports, seamless Google Photos backup, and reliable performance in editing apps like Lightroom Mobile. The upgrade wasn’t just about specs—it was about staying competitive. Within a month, his workflow efficiency improved by nearly 40%, proving that hardware longevity has limits, especially in professional contexts.

Is the Galaxy S8 Still Good in 2024?

The answer depends on your needs. If you're using your S8 as a secondary device, a music player, or a dedicated e-reader, it might still serve a purpose. Its build quality remains solid, and the AMOLED display still looks vibrant. However, as a primary smartphone in 2024, it falls short in critical areas:

• Sluggish performance with modern apps
• No security updates since 2020
• Limited compatibility with newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards
• Poor app optimization (many developers no longer test on older Android versions)
• Battery degradation is almost universal after 6+ years

Even basic functions like receiving two-factor authentication codes or using mobile banking apps can be unreliable due to outdated browser engines and missing TLS protocol support.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide Whether to Upgrade

1. Assess daily frustrations: Make a list of tasks that take too long or fail regularly (e.g., app crashes, slow boot time).
2. Check update status: Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Update. If no updates are available and your OS is Android 9 or earlier, you’re already behind.
3. Test battery health: If your phone dies before evening or needs multiple charges, replacement is overdue.
4. Try a modern alternative: Borrow or demo a newer phone—even a budget model—to experience the difference in responsiveness.
5. Evaluate cost vs. benefit: The Pixel 6a retails around $400 used/refurbished in 2024. Compare that to hours lost in inefficiency or potential data risk.

Tip: Consider refurbished or certified pre-owned devices—they offer near-new performance at a fraction of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 still run WhatsApp and Instagram?

Technically, yes—but with caveats. WhatsApp dropped support for Android 4.1 and below in 2023, but Android 9 is still supported. However, app performance is poor, and future updates may drop support entirely. Instagram may crash frequently due to high memory demands.

Is the Pixel 6a waterproof like the S8?

The Pixel 6a has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can survive immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The S8 has IP68 (1.5 meters), so it has a slight edge in water resistance, but both are suitable for everyday spills and rain.

Will my old accessories work with the Pixel 6a?

Most Bluetooth headphones and smartwatches will pair seamlessly. However, the S8 uses micro-USB, while the 6a uses USB-C, so charging cables and wired accessories will need upgrading.

Conclusion: Time to Move On

The Galaxy S8 was a masterpiece of its time—an elegant, innovative device that set design trends for years. But technology evolves, and staying on outdated hardware risks more than inconvenience; it compromises security, productivity, and connectivity. The Pixel 6a isn’t just a newer phone—it’s a gateway to modern mobile experiences: smarter assistants, safer browsing, better photos, and reliable performance.

If you’ve been holding onto your S8 out of loyalty or hesitation, 2024 is the year to reassess. Upgrading doesn’t mean abandoning what worked—it means embracing what works better. Whether you choose the Pixel 6a or another modern alternative, the investment pays off in time saved, stress reduced, and capabilities gained.

💬 Still using an S8? Share your experience or upgrade story in the comments—your journey might help someone else decide.