Superior camera, chipset, seven years of updates, and advanced Google AI tools outperform the competition
Google’s newest mid-range A-series Pixel phone raises the bar, offering nearly every feature from its flagship phones at a more accessible price, including the latest AI and camera capabilities.
The Pixel 8a starts at £499 (€549/$499/A$849). While it may be £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, which makes it more comfortable to hold without a case. It retains the distinctive Pixel look, featuring a large aluminum camera bar across the back, and is available in attractive bold colors.
The 6.1-inch screen has been upgraded from last year to match the higher-priced Pixel 8, and is noticeably brighter, with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling. It offers a crisp, colorful display at a generous size.
The 8a is powered by Google’s latest top-tier Tensor G3 chip. While not the fastest processor available, it surpasses many lower-tier chips in capability. The phone felt responsive at all times, with Google’s software features running smoothly and games performing well.
Battery life is decent but falls short of the best. The Pixel can last up to approximately 35 hours between charges with the screen actively used for just over five hours. Users who spend all day on 5G with power-intensive tasks like mapping may need to recharge before bedtime.
Specifications
Screen: 6.1-inch 120Hz FHD+ OLED (430ppi)
Processor: Google Tensor G3
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB or 256GB
Operating System: Android 14
Camera: 64MP + 13MP ultrawide, 13MP selfie
Connectivity: 5G, SIM and eSIM, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS
Water Resistance: IP67 (1m for 30 minutes)
Dimensions: 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm
Weight: 188g
Android 14 with all the AI
The Pixel 8a comes with Android 14 and nearly all the top AI features Google has introduced on its high-end phones. This includes the excellent Circle to Search feature launched earlier this year, live translation and transcription, call screening, anti-spam features, and access to Google’s Gemini tools chatbot—although the latter is not yet available in the UK.
One of the most significant upgrades for the Pixels this year is the extended software support for at least seven years from release, which now includes the Pixel 8a. This level of support is highly appreciated and unprecedented in the mid-range market priced under £500.
camera
The Pixel 8a features the same outstanding camera system as last year’s 7a.
Its primary 64-megapixel camera excels at capturing excellent photos in various lighting conditions, while the 13MP ultrawide lens is among the best, especially considering its price. Although it lacks a macro mode or telephoto camera, it delivers decent results at digital zoom levels up to 3-4x. Google’s camera system outperforms competitors in handling challenging scenes, such as high-contrast lighting or fast-moving subjects, making it an exceptional point-and-shoot camera.
Many of Google’s outstanding AI photography tools are also included. These features encompass an astrophotography mode, tools for unblurring images, as well as the magic eraser and magic editor tools. One of the most popular features is the “Best Take” feature from the Pixel 8 Pro, which assists in capturing group photos where everyone looks their best. This feature combines faces from multiple images into one “best” photo, which parents, in particular, will find extremely useful.
Sustainability
Google does not specify the expected lifespan of the battery, but it is designed to last over 500 full charge cycles with at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is repairable by both Google and third-party shops, with genuine replacement parts available directly from iFixit.
The Pixel 8a is constructed using recycled aluminum, plastic, and tin, which make up at least 24% of the phone by weight. The company publishes an environmental impact report for the phone and offers free recycling of 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 version.
By comparison, 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 exceptional features found in Google’s top-tier phones but at a significantly reduced price.
Its quality camera system, high-end chip, impressive screen, and appealing design already position it at the forefront of the mid-range market. However, it’s the seven years of software support and access to Google’s latest and most advanced AI tools that truly set it apart.
To achieve its lower price, some compromises have been made. The back of the phone is made of plastic rather than glass, and the screen features larger bezels. Additionally, the phone’s water resistance, scratch resistance, and battery life are not as impressive as the best in the market. The absence of built-in spatial audio for headphones is also a drawback. Nonetheless, these minor drawbacks are easily overlooked given the cost savings.