The Google Pixel 8a excels with its top-tier camera, powerful chip, seven years of updates, and advanced Google AI tools, outperforming the competition
Google’s newest addition to its mid-range A-series Pixel phones raises the bar, offering nearly every feature from its premium phones at a more accessible price, including cutting-edge AI and camera capabilities.
The Pixel 8a starts at £499 (€549/$499/A$849). While it’s £50 more than last year’s 7a, the new model enhances almost every aspect and is £200 cheaper than the Pixel 8.
Google has redesigned the phone, giving it a more rounded shape, especially at the corners, making it more comfortable to hold without a case. It retains the distinctive Pixel look, featuring a prominent aluminum camera bar on the back, and is available in bold colors.
The 6.1-inch screen has been improved from last year to match the higher-end Pixel 8, offering significantly higher brightness and up to 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling. It provides a sharp, colorful display at a comfortable size.
The Pixel 8a is powered by Google’s latest high-end Tensor G3 chip. While it may not be the fastest processor available, it outperforms many mid-range chips, providing a snappy experience throughout. Google’s software features run smoothly, and games perform well.
Battery life is decent but falls short of the best. The Pixel can last approximately 35 hours on a single charge with the screen actively used for just over five hours. Users who heavily rely on 5G for mapping or other power-intensive tasks might need to recharge before the end of the day.
Specifications
Screen: The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch 120Hz FHD+ OLED display, offering a pixel density of 430ppi.
Processor: Powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip.
RAM: Available with 8GB of RAM.
Storage: Options include 128GB or 256GB of storage.
Operating system: Runs on Android 14.
Camera: Equipped with a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 13MP selfie camera.
Connectivity: Supports 5G, both Sim and eSim, wifi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS.
Water resistance: Rated IP67, allowing it to withstand immersion in water up to 1m for 30 minutes.
Dimensions: Measures 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm.
Weight: Weighs 188g.
Android 14, complete with advanced AI features
The Pixel 8a comes with Android 14 and nearly all the advanced AI features Google has introduced in its flagship phones. This includes the impressive Circle to Search feature, live translation and transcription, call screening, anti-spam features, and access to Google’s Gemini tools chatbot—though Gemini tools are not yet available in the UK.
One of the most significant upgrades for the Pixel lineup this year is the extended software support, now spanning at least seven years from release, which also applies to the Pixel 8a. This extended support duration is highly appreciated and uncommon in the sub-£500 mid-range market.
Camera
The Pixel 8a retains the outstanding camera setup found in last year’s 7a.
The standout feature is the main 64-megapixel camera, which consistently captures superb photos in various lighting environments. Additionally, the 13MP ultrawide camera is among the best in its class, especially considering the device’s price point. While lacking a dedicated macro mode or telephoto lens, the Pixel 8a delivers satisfactory results with digital zoom up to 3-4x. Google’s camera system outperforms competitors in challenging scenarios, such as high-contrast lighting or capturing fast-moving subjects, making it an exceptional point-and-shoot camera.
Google’s array of exceptional AI photography tools is also present on the Pixel 8a. These include an astrophotography mode, tools for unblurring images, and the magic eraser and magic editor tools. One standout feature is the “Best Take” function from the Pixel 8 Pro, which assists in capturing group photos where everyone looks their best. This feature merges faces from multiple shots to create the “best” photo, making it particularly beneficial for parents.
Sustainability
Google does not specify the expected lifespan of the Pixel 8a’s battery, but it is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. Repair services are available through Google and third-party shops, with genuine replacement parts accessible directly from iFixit.
Constructed with recycled aluminium, plastic, and tin, the Pixel 8a incorporates at least 24% recycled materials by weight. Google provides an environmental impact report for the phone and offers free recycling services for old devices.
Price
The Pixel 8a is priced at £499 (€549/$499/A$849) for the 128GB storage variant and £559 (€609/$559/A$949) for the 256GB model.
Comparatively, the Pixel 8 is priced at £699, the Pixel 8 Pro at £999, the Fairphone 5 at £649, the Nothing Phone 2 at £499, and the iPhone SE at £429.
Verdict
The Pixel 8a offers nearly all the high-end features found in Google’s flagship phones but at a more affordable price point.
With its top-notch camera system, powerful chip, impressive screen, and appealing design, the Pixel 8a stands out as a leader in the mid-range segment. However, what truly sets it apart is the promise of seven years of software updates and access to Google’s latest and most advanced AI features.
To achieve its lower price, some compromises were made. The phone’s back is made of plastic rather than glass, and the screen features larger bezels. Additionally, the phone’s water and scratch resistance, as well as its battery life, are not as robust as some competitors. The absence of built-in spatial audio for headphones is also a drawback. Despite these drawbacks, the Pixel 8a’s cost savings make these compromises easier to overlook.
Overall, the Pixel 8a stands out as the top mid-range phone available, surpassing its competitors by a significant margin. For a better Android handset, you would have to spend nearly double the price.
