Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Pixel 7a: 2023 Best Value Winner vs Runner-Up
MKBHD's 2023 Best Value winner (Samsung Galaxy A54) vs runner-up (Pixel 7a). Both now widely available under $300 in 2026 — the two best sub-$300 picks for buyers who want a reliable phone with a long update window.
Updated · Verdict based on MKBHD Smartphone Awards results and spec analysis.
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung · 2023 · From $449
.svg){kind=tracking}
Google Pixel 7a
Google · 2023 · From $499
Round wins
Samsung Galaxy A54: 4 · Google Pixel 7a: 2 ·Ties: 1
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz |
| Processor | Exynos 1380 | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Camera | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro | 64MP main + 13MP ultrawide |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,385 mAh |
| OS | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) | Android 13 |
| Starting price | $449 | $499 |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
Round-by-round breakdown
Camera
Winner: Google Pixel 7aPixel 7a has Google's computational photography pipeline — best stills under $300. Samsung A54 is competent but trails meaningfully.
Display
TieBoth 6.1–6.4 inch AMOLED at 120Hz. Roughly equivalent.
Performance
Winner: Google Pixel 7aPixel 7a's Tensor G2 is faster than Samsung A54's Exynos 1380. Both are mid-range; gap is real but not decisive.
Battery
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A54Galaxy A54: 5,000 mAh, 7+ hours screen-on. Pixel 7a: 4,385 mAh, 4–5 hours screen-on. Samsung wins decisively.
Water resistance
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A54Galaxy A54: IP67. Pixel 7a: IP67 (matches). Both rated for 1m of water for 30 minutes. Tie on paper but Samsung's design (less protrusive camera bar) is more durable in real-world drops.
Software updates
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A54Galaxy A54: updates through 2027 (4-major-version commitment). Pixel 7a: updates through ~2028 (5-year commitment). Pixel wins by a year.
Price
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A54Galaxy A54: now $249–$299. Pixel 7a: now $200–$280 used. Both are tight on price; A54 wins narrowly on availability.
Final verdict
Buy the Galaxy A54 if water resistance matters or you want the longest update window. Buy the Pixel 7a if camera matters most. Both are excellent sub-$300 options and both have meaningful update support remaining (Samsung through 2027, Pixel through 2028).
Frequently Asked Questions
Galaxy A54 vs Pixel 7a: which to buy under $300?
Pixel 7a (runner-up at MKBHD's 2023 Best Value) for camera; Galaxy A54 (2023 Best Value winner) for battery and water resistance. Both are excellent at this price.
Is the Galaxy A54 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — at $249–$299 it has 1+ years of update support remaining, IP67 water resistance, and a bright AMOLED display. Best Samsung deal under $300.
Is the Pixel 7a a good first phone in 2026?
Yes — at $200–$280 used, it's the cheapest credible camera phone with multi-year update support. Good first-phone or replacement-phone pick.