Share This Article
Learn more
As a semi-affordable variant of the Pixel phone released the year before, Google’s newest phone, the Google Pixel 8a, is a continuation of their A-series. In the past few years, Google has released the new A-series phone at a suitable mid-year interval to maintain the Pixel phones’ popularity and provide a slight boost to hardware sales until they show their next high-end models. I must admit that this year is different from previous ones because Google’s phone lineup is expected to be drastically altered by the Pixel 9.
I’ve been experimenting with the Pixel 8a on sporadic basis for a few weeks now, attempting to get it to function as my daily device. Because it does a lot of things well and with no fuss, the phone itself is fairly easy to use, but every time I use it, I can’t help but think about the impending release of the Pixel 9.
Key Takeaways
- Elegant design with a 6.2-inch OLED display.
- Powered by the Google Tensor G3 chipset.
- Dual back cameras with superior AI capabilities.
- Fast charging increases battery life.
- Runs on the latest Android 14 OS.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A OVERVIEW
The most recent Tensor G3 chip from Google is included in the Pixel 8a. Although it’s not the quickest processor around, it has a lot more power than a lot of other chips. At all times, the phone felt snappy. Games function smoothly and Google’s software features are fluid.
The battery life is not the finest, but it’s still decent. With the screen turned on for little more than five hours, the Pixel could last up to 35 hours without needing to be charged. If you use mapping or other power-hungry tools on 5G all day, you might need to recharge before going to bed.
Description
An economical variant of the high-end Pixel 8 and 8 Pro is Google's most recent model, Pixel 8a. Top-notch camera gear is featured, despite its smaller display and reduced battery capacity.Positives
- Great camera
- 7 years of software updates
- Many of the same features as the Pixel 8
- Good battery life
Negatives
- 256GB storage not available on all models
- Zoomed and low light shots aren't as clear as the Pixel 8's
How come? because there are strong rumors that the Pixel 9 will come with a three-tiered phone line. This implies a more affordable Pixel 9 as well as two Pixel 9 Pro models (small and large). All of these are anticipated to undergo a striking makeover that would instantly age the Pixel 8a and make us wonder where it belongs in the hierarchy.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A SPECS
| Screen | 6.1in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (430ppi) |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128 or 256GB |
| Operating system | Android 14 |
| Camera | 64MP + 13MP ultrawide, 13MP selfie |
| Connectivity | 5G, Sim and eSim, wifi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3 and GNSS |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 minutes) |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm |
| Weight | 188g |
Thus, despite being merely a phone, there are many things to consider with the Pixel 8a. Let’s discuss it and then revisit the question of whether or not this phone is worthwhile buying.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A SIZE
Related Posts
For a phone, the Pixel 8a is the perfect size. It has a smoother edge profile without a case, which I prefer, and it pretty much resembles the Pixel 8 without the huge camera hump. This phone is incredibly small, so you can hold it in your hand for extended periods of time, interact with the majority of the screen without squishing it around, and it fits into pockets of all sizes.
Upon grasping the Pixel 8a, it seems like a phone designed with the human hand in mind. It wants you to be mobile with it, to take it on adventures, and to not worry about whether or not this thing can travel where you want to go. It has little curves here and there, and the matte texture on the back has a softness to it. Though it may sound absurd to discuss a phone, the reason I frequently give up on phones like the Pixel 8 Pro is that, due to their size, they feel like work, and carrying work with you isn’t enjoyable.
- Meet Google Pixel 8a, the Google AI phone; with the incredible Pixel Camera and top-rated...
- Unlocked Android 5G smartphone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own...
- The Pixel Camera gives you amazing photo and video quality; Google AI helps you create perfect...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A DISPLAY
Although Google did not include the best or even a top-tier display in the Pixel 8a, that does not imply that it is not a nice display. This 6.1-inch OLED screen has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and displays 1080p. It supports HDR, features Gorilla Glass 3 for protection, and has a maximum brightness of 2000 nits.
You will generally find this display to be clear, vibrant, and responsive when swiping about. As a lover of vibrant colors in user interfaces, I don’t mind that the colors used here are generally somewhat contrasty. Moving around the Pixel experience is enjoyable because to this device’s incredibly smooth and responsive design, especially with the added haptics that respond to a variety of touches. There’s not much to be unhappy about. This exhibit is excellent.
If you’re looking for complaints, I would draw attention to the more pronounced off-angle color shifts compared to superior monitors. Although these movements don’t make you want to stop using the phone entirely, they are indicative of a subpar display. Additionally, the brightness levels are rather low bordering on poor. To get it bright enough on standard settings, you have to significantly turn up the brightness. Though you may use it outdoors thanks to its high peak brightness levels, the everyday inside brightness is just not up to par.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A PERFORMANCE
The Pixel 8a is a quick little phone thanks to its Tensor G3 processor, 8GB LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage. Naturally, the fluidity of activities is enhanced by the 120Hz display and Google’s Android optimization on Pixel phones.
Using the Pixel 8a, I was able to run my typical software workload (Chrome, Instagram, Threads, Telegram, Gmail, Photos, YouTube, Pokemon GO, etc.) without any overheating, unpleasant slowdowns, or frequent reboots. During my busiest days of usage, I subjected the phone to hours of stress testing in 80 degree weather while playing Pokemon GO, and the 8a performed surprisingly well. What I said earlier regarding performance is still relevant:
The Pixel 8a has performed well thus far. We won’t pretend that it can compete with the Snapdragon chips found in the greatest smartphones made by Samsung because this is still Google’s peculiar Tensor chip. This frequently had the feel of an upper mid-range phone, which is presumably Google’s target market. During those Pokemon GO sessions, I most definitely saw performance and frame reductions, but not in anything else. Running my usual app suite (Chrome, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, Google News, etc.) while on the go while using a cellular connection didn’t frustrate me at all or completely overheat the device. The keyboard is exactly as clicky as I wanted it to be, and the camera opens and takes initial pictures quickly enough. All things considered, the Pixel 8a is a reliable performer.
I include a note regarding keyboard performance there, and I just want to let everyone know that Google’s Pixel keyboards are the greatest in the business. Nothing is as precise, quick, and clicky as a Pixel keyboard. This Google Pixel 8a is far superior to both the most costly iPhones and Samsung’s top devices.
Because Google’s Tensor isn’t a top-tier processor, performance is generally good, and I’d place it in the upper mid-tier bracket.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A SOFTWARE & SUPPORT
I believe Google’s level of support is the most significant aspect of the Pixel 8a software story. Google is providing the same seven years of OS and security upgrades for this phone as it does with the Pixel 8 Pro. This includes quarterly Pixel Feature Drops that provide new features, monthly updates, upgrades to Android 15 before any Samsung phone sees it, and future updates to Android 16 and 17 and 18 and so on. You can get more software for your money by purchasing a Pixel 8a instead of many other phones in the market, many of which would cost you hundreds more.
Regarding the phone’s software, this is much the same experience as with any previous Pixel phone, including the Google Pixel 8. This is intentional, as Google has leveraged the A-series over time to provide a phone experience that is nearly identical to the Pro phones, albeit at a significantly lower cost.
With Android 15 in the horizon, you are currently using Android 14. With Google’s idea for how Android should function and appear, you also have the Pixel experience, which is, in my opinion, the greatest. The best notification experience is provided by Pixel phones; the settings are sensible and won’t overwhelm you; the app drawer allows for quick searching and scrolls vertically (hey, Samsung!); the always-on display displays a respectable amount of information at all times; and you can still go in and further customize elements like the home and lock screens to truly personalize your Android experience.
- Meet Google Pixel 8a, the Google AI phone; with the incredible Pixel Camera and top-rated...
- Unlocked Android 5G smartphone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own...
- The Pixel Camera gives you amazing photo and video quality; Google AI helps you create perfect...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Google is also offering you some AI capabilities, including Circle to Search, Call Screen, and Smart Replies, as this is a newer Pixel phone. Other features include a built-in VPN, amazing photo editing, crystal-clear phone calls, etc. Things have changed since the days when Google phones offered only the most basic functionality. These days, the main reason you purchase a Pixel phone is the software, as Google genuinely aims to develop useful add-ons that facilitate your daily tasks.
Because it’s quick, responsive, provides feedback, and effectively manages crucial features like alerts, this is my preferred phone software. The AI components and the rest of Google’s services are extras that I can utilize as needed. But the fundamentals are what Google excels at. An additional superb illustration of Android done well is the Pixel 8a.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A BATTERY LIFE
You should not have any problems with the Pixel 8a as it will last you the entire day most of the time. In my testing, I found that the gadget, which has a 1080p screen and a 4500mAh battery, would sometimes drain to about 30% on days when I managed to get 3–4 hours of screen time. Even for heavy users, I still believe you can make it through the evening.
While the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging isn’t the fastest available, it should be sufficient to replenish your battery throughout the day that is, if you don’t use the device until it reaches the danger zone. However, you will primarily use wireless charging at your desk when working or to top off batteries at night.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A CAMERA
It’s difficult to avoid assuming that there would be something lacking from the camera experience when reviewing a phone like the Pixel 8a. Since the Pixel 8a still uses the same camera system as the Pixel 7a from the previous year, it is important to remember that we place a lot of emphasis on higher-end smartphones with the greatest camera hardware available. But what’s the deal? The differences between the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro are really slight when you compare multiple back-to-back photos. Although the Pixel 8 Pro offers far greater adaptability, the 8a is still quite good for regular photos.
The 64MP primary and 13MP ultra-wide cameras are the same as those found in the Pixel 7a, and the primary lens features both optical and electronic image stabilization. Super Res Zoom support up to 8x is also available, along with a camera that loads, focuses, and takes excellent pictures. You have access to the necessary additional capabilities thanks to the Night Sight, Portrait, and Long Exposure modes.
Ultimately, what you want from a camera that fits in your pocket is dependability and quickness, along with a few extra capabilities, and the Pixel 8a delivers all of that. Even though it has the barest specifications and functions, this can nevertheless produce high-quality photos if all you need to do is point and shoot, snap nighttime photos, and occasionally run a portrait.
GOOGLE PIXEL 8A BOTTOM LINE
Because Google’s newest Pixel phones are frequently less expensive than competitors and offer amazing camera and software experiences that we typically prefer, recommending them is almost always simple. This is also true of the Google Pixel 8a, which is why we would advise you to include it to your list of phones. Overall, its features are decent for the pricing range, the software is top-notch, and the camera likely performs better than expected.
We would simply advise you to wait because you are aware that the discounts are imminent. Although this isn’t a horrible pricing for the phone, Google is compelled to offer monthly promotions for its goods. It’s often advisable to avoid purchasing Google products at full price, and the Pixel 8a is likely no exception.
Right now, the Pixel 9 is the other thing that you should be considering. The Pixel 9 series isn’t that far away, and it should provide an improved experience over the Pixel 8a without much of a price difference. As I noted in the start, it’s always difficult to encourage you to wait for whatever’s next (since there is always something next). There will also be an updated, incredibly attractive design. Purchasing the Pixel 8a is essentially the same as purchasing a car from last year, even though you know the update with a complete redesign is coming soon. When the new comes, would you regret not waiting for it? Perhaps.
- Meet Google Pixel 8a, the Google AI phone; with the incredible Pixel Camera and top-rated...
- Unlocked Android 5G smartphone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own...
- The Pixel Camera gives you amazing photo and video quality; Google AI helps you create perfect...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Why Trust Factic
Berry Alex has been evaluating, testing, and reviewing tech, Household and travel items for several decades. He compiled all of the testers’ input, conducted extra research to assess each phone mount’s essential features and overall functioning, and reviewed professional profiles and verified customer reviews for each product.
