Google Pixel 8a
Verdict
This phone offers a mix of key features from pricier models at a more accessible price point.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The Google Pixel 8a turned out to be an incredibly capable compact smartphone - a rare breed. It aced our screen, battery, and speaker tests, it offers an easily likable and unique design, its performance is alright, and its camera is worthy of the Pixel name.”
“The Pixel 8a combines some of the most compelling elements in Google's lineup with few compromises for the price, making it the best Android phone under $500.”
“Forget about being the best midranger out there, the Pixel 8a is now nearly a flagship phone. That 120 Hz display was the last major feature separating it from its bigger siblings, and now, unless you want a bigger screen, there's no real reason to spend more than $500. With almost no other phones in its price range, the Pixel 8a is a tremendous deal.”
“We don't have that much to complain about when it comes to the Pixel 8a—we just hope that price-wise, Google won't slip into the high-end segment with future a-models.”
Testing & benchmarks
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The Pixel 8A design feels premium with rounded edges and a soft, matte finish on the back. This makes the phone comfortable to hold and less prone to fingerprint smudges, a noted improvement over earlier models.
However, reviewers highlighted that the bezels around the screen are significantly larger compared to other modern phones. This may distract users who prefer a more immersive display.
Reviewers also commented positively on the device’s color options, with the Aloe green shade particularly standing out. This gives the phone a bold, fresh look that’s eye-catching.
Display(s)
The 6.1-inch OLED screen on the Pixel 8A offers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, making it ideal for watching videos and browsing photos. Reviewers appreciate its ability to retain clarity even under direct sunlight, stating, ‘The Pixel 8A’s display is very bright.’ This is crucial for outdoor use.
With a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 8A promises fluid scrolling and fast reactions. The display adapts its refresh rate based on your activity to save battery life while maintaining performance.
The bezels around the display may seem large, but they don’t distract from the overall viewing experience, noted as being ‘adequate for most daily use’ by tech experts.
Performance
The Pixel 8A excels in performance thanks to its Tensor G3 processor. This chip allows you to switch between apps effortlessly and enjoy a lag-free experience, whether you’re browsing, streaming, or gaming.
Reviewers from CNET noted that the performance feels smooth, with apps opening quickly and games running without issues. The response to touch and quick app launches make using the Pixel 8A feel satisfying.
For a phone in this price range, the seamless performance ensures you can handle all your tasks efficiently without any frustration.
Software & Storage
The Google Pixel 8A offers a robust software package that includes many of the same features as its pricier counterparts, such as Circle to Search and Hold for Me. This means you can expect an enriched user experience driven by Google’s smart AI tools.
Additionally, Google guarantees seven years of software support, keeping your device secure and up-to-date. Reviewers have praised this move, stating, ‘It’s great to see Google extending this policy to its cheaper phone.’
With regular updates and feature drops, the Pixel 8A’s software will continue to evolve, ensuring future-proof performance.
Cameras
The Pixel 8A has a strong camera setup with a 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens, similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 7A. Google’s software excels in producing high-quality images, capturing detailed and vibrant colors in various lighting conditions.
Despite lacking a telephoto lens and macro mode, it still provides decent digital zoom and good close-up shots, as pointed out by experts. The AI-powered features like Magic Eraser and Best Take enhance user experience by simplifying photo editing tasks without compromising quality.
This makes the Pixel 8A’s camera more than sufficient for most daily photography needs, though it may struggle with images requiring high zoom or macro focus.
Battery
You’ll appreciate the Pixel 8A’s reliable battery that can easily get you through an entire day, even with heavy use. From long office hours to an evening out with friends, you’ll still have battery left to spare.
Experts enjoyed the device’s strong battery results in various tests, from social media scrolling to playing games. You can confidently rely on it for daily tasks without fear of running out of juice.
Reviewers like Lisa Eadicicco from CNET highlighted its performance, stating, “The Pixel 8A still had 66% of its battery left at the end of a busy day.”
Despite these benefits, the charging speed comes as a downside. At 18W for wired charging and 7.5W for wireless, you’ll likely find it painfully slow to recharge. Expect around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge, so planning an overnight charging routine could save you from mid-day battery anxieties. Overall, the battery performance is robust, though the slow charging might require some lifestyle adjustments.
Audio
The Pixel 8A’s stereo speaker setup features an earpiece that doubles as a second speaker along with a bottom-firing loudspeaker. This configuration delivers loud and clear audio, making phone calls easy to hear even in noisy environments.
When watching movies or playing games, reviewers from CNET noted, ‘The audio quality is satisfactory for a mid-range device, offering a balanced sound.’ Nonetheless, some users mentioned that listening at maximum volume can result in some distortion, particularly in high-frequency ranges.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall audio performance is solid. Whether for calls, music, or games, the sound quality on this phone meets the needs of average users, providing a decent and enjoyable experience.
The Bottom Line
This phone brings many useful features at a price that feels fair.
It has a good mix of software features and strong hardware performance.
One key point to note is the consistent seven years of software updates.
On the downside, it has slower charging speeds and a build that’s not as premium as higher-end models.
What people actually want to know
When was the Google Pixel 8a released?
The Google Pixel 8a was released on May 14, 2024.
How long does the battery last on the Google Pixel 8a?
The Google Pixel 8a has a 4,492 mAh battery.
Is the Google Pixel 8a water resistant?
The Google Pixel 8a carries an IP67 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Google Pixel 8a support wireless charging?
Yes, the Google Pixel 8a supports wireless charging. It supports up to 7.5W wireless charging.
Does the Google Pixel 8a have a headphone jack?
No, the Google Pixel 8a does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Google Pixel 8a support 5G?
Yes, the Google Pixel 8a supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Google Pixel 8a have NFC?
Yes, the Google Pixel 8a has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Google Pixel 8a?
Visit Google's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Questions & answers
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