The Google Pixel 8a is the latest offering from Google’s mid-range smartphone series, promising to deliver a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and software excellence at an affordable price. With its sleek design, robust hardware, and the latest Android features, the Pixel 8a aims to attract a wide audience. Here’s a comprehensive review of the Google Pixel 8a, covering design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software.
While the cost for Google Pixel 8 is around £700, the Pixel 8a is worth buying to get nearly the same features with less money. The Google Pixel 8a continues Google’s tradition of minimalist design with a focus on functionality and comfort. The phone features a polycarbonate back with a matte finish, which not only feels good in hand but also reduces fingerprint smudges and provides a firm grip. The construction is solid, and the phone feels durable despite its lightweight nature.
The screen is upgraded to 6.1in to match with Pixel 8. With a 120hz refresh rate, the Google Pixel 8a is capable of providing smooth scrolling alongside colorful and crispy pictures and videos.
Unlike other brands, Pixel 8a has a powerful processing unit Tensor G3 chipset. It is capable of doing what it is supposed to deliver a better user experience compared to other lower-tier processors. It can run more programs simultaneously while phone features and games work well.
The battery works well with a full charge it can last about 35 hours. You might need to charge more frequently if using more power-hungry apps or maps.
Display
Google Pixel 8a, 8, and 8Pro have similar types of displays with rounded boundary edges. It gives a more premium feeling and a hassle-free fingerprint scanner. You have a few color options like Green, light blue, black and white. Pixel 8a’s is slightly bigger than other 8 series though it is not that noticeable unless you compare both phones side by side. Its high-quality 6.1-inch display with a 120hz refresh rate is capable of a top-notch experience for 4k video and much brighter pictures.
Pixel 8a and AI Features
Google has added features of AI in its Pixel 8a. Some of the worth-mentioned AI features in Pixel 8a has Gemini Chatbot, live Translation with transcripts, anti-spam, and call screening features. Some of the features are not available in certain countries. 8A also has some AI-powered photo and video editing features from its Pixel 8 such as Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. Brands like Samsung still have not added AI features in their Galaxy A35 but they might release a software update with some AI features soon!
Camera
Pixel 8a inherits its top quality class-leading camera from Pixel 7a. Main camera with 64MP capable of capturing high quality pictures in different lighting condition in indoor and outdoor. It does not have micro mode or telephoto camera but provide 3-4x zoom. Pixel 8a’s camera comes with smaller pixel width which ensure the overall quality of the image as the larger pixel width absorb more light.
Battery
With one full charge, Pixel 8a will run a full day, but as always, the battery life depends on the way you are using the device. Regarding the performance of the battery, Google Pixel 8a is better than 7a. Google does not specify the lifespan for the battery but it should be capable of at least 500 full charge cycle with at least 80% of its original capacity. Recycled Aluminium, Tin and Plastic is used to make Pixel 8a. More details are in the Google Environmental Impact report for this phone.
Performance and Software
As Tensor G3 is one of the best processor in the mobile computing, in Pixel 8a the performance seems very smooth smooth. Resoruce-hungry apps open and run quickly, the camera launches in a flash while games run without issues. Performance-wise, Goole pixel out-perform Pixel 7a but still behind the Galaxy S24.
Price
Google Pixel 8a is more affordable compare to the same mid-range phone. The cost of the Google Pixel 8a around £500 with storage size 128GB and £560 for 256GB storage.
For the sake of comparison, the Nothing Phone 2 costs £500, iPhone SE costs £429, the Fiarphone 5 Costs £650, Pixel 8 Costs £700, the Pixel 8 Pro Cost £1000
Verdict
The Google Pixel 8a is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that excels in key areas such as camera performance, software experience, and display quality. It offers a smooth and intuitive user interface, robust performance, and solid build quality, making it a great choice for a wide range of users. Clean and up-to-date Android experience with regular updates and exclusive features alongside Solid performance with the Google Tensor G3 processor. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a tech-savvy user, or someone who values a clean and efficient software experience, the Pixel 8A is a strong contender in the mid-range market.
Positive:
High-quality Display and Camera
Powerful Processor with Enhance Power
Environment Friendly
AI features with Apps
High-end phone with cut-price
Software support and updates for 7 years
Wireless Charging
Negative:
Lack of zoom in the camera
No Auto Focus
Only IP76 resistance
Plastic Back
Specifications
Processor: Google Tensor G3
Ram: 8GB
Screen Size: 6.1in
Refresh Rate: 120Hz FHD+ OLED (430ppi)
Storage: 256/128GB
OS: Android 14
Camera: 64MP + 14MP Ultrawide, 13MP Front Camera
Water Resistance: 1m for 30 minutes for IP67
Battery: 4492mAH Fast Charging 18W Wireless Charging 7.5W
Video Capture: 4K at 30/60 fps
Connectivity: Sim, eSim, 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC and GNSS
Dimension:152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm
Weight: 188g
