Google Pixel 8a : When it comes to Android smartphones, the Pixel line stands at a special kind of pedestal: clean software, a great camera, and AI smarts folded in.
The new Google Pixel 8a is hoping to take all that sweetness and package it into a more affordable box. But does it hit the sweet spot between price and capability? Let’s break it down.
Design: Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the Pixel 8a is not too far from the tree. It adopts the same design language as its older siblings — the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro — with the iconic camera bar running across the back. It is simple, modern and instantly recognizable.
It feels nice to hold in the hand — it’s small and light, one of the only Android phones I can actually use comfortably with one hand.
The matte finish is lovely, the recycled aluminum frame gives it an air of class, and it’s rated IP67, so it can deal with splashes and dust with aplomb.
Display: Punchy and Smooth
The Pixel 8a comes with a 6.1-inch OLED FHD+ display and introduces for the first time in the ‘a’ series a 120Hz refresh rate.
That alone is a game changer — it makes everything from scrolling through Twitter to switching between apps buttery smooth.
Colour accuracy is bang on, blacks are inky, and visibility in outdoor settings is more than good enough. It’s not a flagship display, but it’s as good what you can get at this price.
Performance: Tensor G3 Inside
Google loaded the same Tensor G3 chip from the 8 and 8 Pro into the 8a – so you are getting flagship-level performance, even if this isn’t technically a flagship.
The addition of 8GB of RAM and storage options that include 128GB or 256GB make multitasking, opening apps and gaming all feel snappy and fluid.
Here’s the catch though, Tensor chips aren’t necessarily the most powerful when it comes to raw performance vs other Snapdragon chips. They center around amplified AI processing and camera improvements.
So you can game on the Pixel 5a, but it’s not a device designed for hardcore mobile gamers. What it does very well, however, is easily stand up to real-world use.
Camera: As Pixel as It Gets
Now for the main event, the camera. The Pixel 8a features a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens and is supported by Google’s world-beating image processing.
The photos are almost always clean, sharp and true to color. Portraits have strong edge detection, dynamic range is great and night performance is incredible courtesy Night Sight.
Even the 13MP selfie camera takes high-quality photos.
Factor in the wizardry of Google’s AI tricks — Best Take, Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur — and you have one of the best camera phones in its class.
Software:
Pure Pixel Experience Software is mostly an afterthought in these parts.
This is where the Pixel 8a really stands out. It runs Android 14, and it has the smoothest and cleanest software experience you’ll find on an Android phone.
No bloatware, no ads no unnecessary preloads, just old-fashioned Google finesse.
And then there is the cherry on top: 7 years worth of software updates. Such long-term backing is a rarity, and not only in a phone so much cheaper.
Battery: Solid, Though Not Award-Winning
The phone’s nonremovable battery has a capacity of 4492mAh, which should get you through a normal day on moderate to power usage. It is compatible with 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging.
The speeds are not the best, but for those who are minimal users, it should be sufficient.
Pros
Tensor G3 at flagship level performance
Cameras are great, nice AI features.
Smooth 120Hz OLED display
Compact, IP67-rated design
7 years of Android updates
Cons
Fast charging isn’t very fast by today’s standards
No telephoto lens
Tensor G3 heats up under load
Not ideal for heavy gaming
A tad more expensive than your average “budget” phone
Google Pixel 8a : Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 8a isn’t just looking to be a lower-cost Pixel, it actually feels like a full phone in its own right.
It punches well above its weight, with better performance, camera quality and software experience than you might expect.
If you’re the type of person who prioritizes photography, clean Android and long-term updates over specs or showroom appeal, the Pixel 8a could be the smartest thing you buy this year.
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