Best Midrange Android Phone Comparison: Pixel 8A vs. Samsung Galaxy A55 vs. Nothing Phone 2A vs. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, midrange devices have carved out a significant niche, offering high-end features without the flagship price tags. Today, we dive into a detailed comparison of four contenders vying for the title of the best midrange Android phone: Google Pixel 8A, Samsung Galaxy A55, Nothing Phone 2A, and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. Each of these phones has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making them appealing to different types of users. After a thorough examination, it’s evident that the Google Pixel 8A emerges as the best mobile to buy for its all-round performance and exceptional camera capabilities.
Camera Performance
Overview
The camera capabilities of a smartphone are often a deciding factor for many users. Here, we compare the camera specifications and real-world performance of our four contenders.
Standard Photos
- Pixel 8A: Produces the most natural-looking shots with excellent color accuracy.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Slightly more exposure and warmer skin tones but follows closely behind the Pixel.
- Galaxy A55: Nice results, though a bit oversaturated and unrealistic.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Overexposed and oversaturated colors, not ideal for bright color shooting.
Low-Light Performance
- Pixel 8A: Best low-light performance with good dynamic range and natural results.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Decent but with more saturated colors and deep contrast.
- Galaxy A55: Overexposed highlights and inaccurate skin tones.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Underexposed with significant noise.
Ultra-Wide Photos
- Pixel 8A: Great color accuracy but could use higher contrast.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Low contrast and slightly inaccurate colors.
- Galaxy A55: High contrast but overexposed and exaggerated colors.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Similar issues to the Galaxy with overexposure.
Portrait Mode
- Pixel 8A: Best edge detection and natural results.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Good edge detection and color accuracy, but minimal background blur.
- Galaxy A55: Poor performance with underexposure and harsh shadows.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Better background blur but struggles with edge detection.
Conclusion on Camera Performance
- Winner: Google Pixel 8A for its natural colors, excellent edge detection, and strong low-light performance.
- Runner-Up: Nothing Phone 2A for good overall performance and strong low-light portrait results.
- Third Place: Galaxy A55 with decent photos but issues with color saturation and exposure.
- Fourth Place: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, which struggles with color accuracy and exposure.
Video Quality
Standard Wide Video
- Pixel 8A: Smooth stabilization, balanced exposure, and clear details.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Good exposure but loses some sky details.
- Galaxy A55: Overly warm white balance affecting color tones.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Underexposed and struggles with stabilization.
Ultra-Wide Video
- Pixel 8A: Shows some noise but maintains good exposure.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Decent exposure but color accuracy issues.
- Galaxy A55: Higher shadows showing more cloud details but warmer tones.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Dark and underexposed, struggles with focus.
Low-Light Video
- Pixel 8A: Best exposure but dims when subject is close to the camera.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Well-exposed but with a pinkish hue.
- Galaxy A55: Higher contrast but good exposure when subject is close.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Underexposed throughout with noise.
Stabilization
- Pixel 8A: Smoothest results with minimal jittering.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Some issues with exposure in the sky.
- Galaxy A55: Slight jittering but decent stabilization.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Poor stabilization, Horizon Lock feature is unique but needs improvement.
Conclusion on Video Quality
- Winner: Google Pixel 8A for superior stabilization and balanced video quality across different conditions.
- Runner-Up: Nothing Phone 2A for decent overall video performance.
- Third Place: Galaxy A55 with acceptable results but warmer tones.
- Fourth Place: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, hindered by poor stabilization and exposure issues.
Performance and Battery Life
Benchmark Scores
| Device | Geekbench Single Core | Geekbench Multi-Core | 3D Mark | Antutu |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 8A | 1520 | 4110 | 2407 | 8 million+ |
| Nothing Phone 2A | 1230 | 2437 | 1500 | 6 million |
| Galaxy A55 | 1400 | 3800 | 2200 | 7 million |
| Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | 1017 | 2437 | 799 | 6 million- |
Battery Capacity and Charging
| Device | Battery Capacity | Fast Charging | Wireless Charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 8A | 4500 mAh | 30W | Yes |
| Nothing Phone 2A | 5000 mAh | 45W | No |
| Galaxy A55 | 5000 mAh | 25W | No |
| Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | 5000 mAh | 68W | No |
Real-World Performance
- Pixel 8A: Smooth and responsive with the Google Tensor G3 chip. Best performance in benchmarks and real-world use.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Decent performance with a unique design and good battery life.
- Galaxy A55: Strong performance but slightly behind the Pixel.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Lowest benchmark scores but offers fast charging.
Conclusion on Performance and Battery Life
- Winner: Google Pixel 8A for leading benchmarks, smooth performance, and wireless charging.
- Runner-Up: Nothing Phone 2A for balanced performance and fast charging.
- Third Place: Galaxy A55 with solid performance but slower charging.
- Fourth Place: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, let down by lower performance benchmarks.
Display and Build Quality
Display Specifications
| Device | Display Size | Resolution | PPI Density | Refresh Rate | Glass Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 8A | 6.1 in | 1080 x 2400 | 429 | 120 Hz | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Nothing Phone 2A | 6.55 in | 1080 x 2400 | 402 | 120 Hz | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Galaxy A55 | 6.6 in | 1080 x 2340 | 389 | 120 Hz | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus |
| Motorola Edge 50 Fusion | 6.7 in | 1080 x 2400 | 393 | 144 Hz | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
Build Quality and Design
- Pixel 8A: Matte back with aluminum frame. Available in black, beige, dark blue, and green.
- Nothing Phone 2A: Transparent back showcasing internal components. Unique and stylish design.
- Galaxy A55: Polished aluminum frame, available in various colors including ice blue, lilac, black, lemon, and navy.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Sleek with rounded corners and minimal side bezels. Available in stylish colors.
Conclusion on Display and Build Quality
- Winner: Pixel 8A for high PPI density and solid build quality.
- Runner-Up: Nothing Phone 2A for unique design and durability.
- Third Place: Galaxy A55 with attractive design but lower PPI density.
- Fourth Place: Motorola Edge 50 Fusion with higher refresh rate but average build quality.
Overall Recommendation
Google Pixel 8A
The Google Pixel 8A stands out as the best midrange Android phone overall. Its superior camera performance, exceptional video quality, top-notch performance, and robust build quality make it a well-rounded device. The addition of wireless charging and high PPI density in its display further cements its position as the leader.
Nothing Phone 2A
For those who value a unique design and balanced performance, the Nothing Phone 2A is a great choice. While it doesn’t lead in every category, its overall performance and stylish design make it a strong contender.
Samsung Galaxy A55
The Galaxy A55 offers a polished design and decent overall performance, but it falls slightly behind in camera performance and benchmark scores. It is a solid choice for Samsung enthusiasts looking for a reliable midrange device.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion brings some interesting features to the table, such as a high refresh rate display and fast charging. However, it struggles in camera performance and benchmarks, making it the least compelling option among the four.
Conclusion
Choosing the best midrange Android phone depends on your specific needs and preferences. If camera quality and performance are your top priorities, the Google Pixel 8A is the clear winner. For those who appreciate unique design and balanced features, the Nothing Phone 2A is an excellent choice. Samsung fans will find the Galaxy A55 a reliable option, while the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion caters to those who prioritize a high refresh rate display and fast charging.
Ultimately, each of these devices offers something unique, and your choice should reflect what matters most to you in a smartphone. Whether it’s camera prowess, design, performance, or display quality, there’s a midrange Android phone in this lineup that will meet your needs.