Ever since Google introduced the first Pixel A-series model in 2019, the line has emerged as the top choice for those seeking a budget-friendly phone packed with Google’s full suite of software features. The series continues to enjoy remarkable success, a trend that extends to the recently unveiled Pixel 8a. Released on May 7th in a surprisingly early move by Google, this phone is set to give midrange competitors a serious challenge.
The Pixel 8a boasts an impressive array of features, from its 120Hz screen and the latest Tensor G3 chipset to Google’s powerful Gemini AI accessible at the touch of a button. Some argue that Google may have outdone itself with the Pixel 8a, potentially making the standard Pixel 8 a tough sell. The time has come to explore this further!
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Design and Display of Google Pixel 8a
Not bezel-less, no sir
The Bay color variant of the Pixel 8a evokes the essence of a cloudless summer sky. However, the phone’s prominent bezels harken back to an older era, which stands out as its initial downside. Despite this, the Bay color palette exudes a vibrant and refreshing aura, making it a welcome addition to the tech scene. The phone boasts a sleek, rounded design with a gently curved back glass, offering a comfortable grip. While the transition between the frame and back glass is noticeable, the matte finish of the glass feels smooth and resists smudges effectively.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pixel 8a adopts the Camera Bar design approach, featuring an aluminum bar housing the dual-camera setup and LED flash. The subtle ‘G’ logo on the back, along with the minimalistic power button and volume rocker on the frame’s right side, contribute to its uncluttered appearance. Available in Bay (light blue), Aloe (light green), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (beige), the color options add a trendy touch to the Pixel 8a lineup, with the vibrant green variant particularly standing out as a crowd-pleaser.
The retail box is a standard affair, at least there’s a cable
Many smartphone companies are embracing eco-friendliness by stripping down their retail packaging. Sony goes minimal, providing only the device in a cardboard box, no extras. In contrast, Google is more generous with the Pixel 8a box, offering a USB-C cable and an OTG adapter – quite handy!
The bezel around the screen is almost as big as the front camera cutout
Time to take a look at the display with chunky bezels (a 3.5mm bezel and a half-centimeter chin). Surprisingly, despite the bezel situation, the display is impressive. It boasts a 6.1-inch OLED screen with FHD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), offering around 431 PPI – quite decent for a midrange device.
This panel comes with a 120Hz refresh rate that can automatically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz. Notably, you can’t lock the Pixel 8a at 120Hz constantly; you have a Smooth Display feature that lets the phone decide when to boost the refresh rate to 120Hz and when to stick to 60Hz.
In display evaluations, the Pixel 8a outperforms its rivals, even the standard Pixel 8. The screen is remarkably bright, hitting nearly 1,500 nits, with excellent color accuracy and minimal brightness levels. Despite the oversized bezels, the Pixel 8a offers a premium screen experience at a midrange price point.
Shifting focus to biometrics, the under-display fingerprint sensor is swift and precise. Google has resolved previous Pixel phone issues, ensuring reliable performance. Additionally, the facial recognition feature operates swiftly and consistently.
Google Pixel 8a Camera
It’s all in the algorithms
The hardware is the same as last year, but the algorithms are different!
Our comprehensive camera evaluation considers essential features of the Pixel 8a camera, including exposure, focus, color accuracy, zoom capabilities, and more. Examining the rating provided, it’s evident that the Pixel 8a excels in its primary and ultrawide camera functions; however, its performance is hindered by the absence of a dedicated zoom lens.
The Pixel 8a retains the camera setup of its predecessor, boasting a 64 MP main camera with OIS and f/1.89 aperture, alongside a 13 MP ultrawide lens. While this may not meet everyone’s expectations, it’s important to remember Google’s strength and expertise in developing cutting-edge image processing algorithms.
The selfie camera, a carryover from the previous model, remains at 13 MP with an f/2.2 aperture and an ultrawide 20mm equivalent lens. On the software front, the Pixel 8a introduces new features such as Top Shot, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser, alongside established tools like Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and Photo Unblur. While lacking a telephoto lens, the Pixel 8a compensates with Super Res zoom, offering up to 8x magnification through smart software optimization.
The main camera shots appear quite satisfactory. I compared them side-by-side with samples from the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8. The Pixel 8a clearly captures superior images compared to its predecessor. In optimal lighting, the samples are on par with those taken with the standard Pixel 8.
The general quality remains consistently high in various settings. Portrait shots exude realism, while ultrawide shots, although satisfactory, lack the level of detail seen in the main camera samples.
Video Quality
When comparing the Pixel 7a to its successor, the Pixel 8a excels in video quality. It offers sharper details, enhanced colors, and improved exposure. Notably, image stabilization on the Pixel 8a is significantly superior, particularly at high zoom levels.
Google Pixel 8a: Unveiling Performance and Benchmarks
Third generation Tensor
Pixel 8-like performance for much less money
Google equips the Pixel A-series with its latest in-house chipsets, like the third-generation Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8a. While 8GB of RAM may seem modest by 2024 standards, the Pixel 8a delivers a seamless user experience, comparable to the flagship Pixel 8.
There’s a slight delay when launching an app, a common trait observed even on the Pixel 8. Despite this, the Tensor G3 chip still lags behind the top silicon from Qualcomm and Apple. However, in everyday use, you’re unlikely to notice a significant difference in performance.
Performance Benchmarks:
Synthetic benchmarks validate the statement. While the Tensor G3 flagship chipset may initially seem lackluster, its true potential emerges when integrated into a midrange phone, outshining rival chips. The Pixel 8a excels in performance within its price range, closely mirroring the capabilities of its pricier counterpart.
Google Pixel 8a Software
Gemini-infused Google Assistant
The smartphone realm is currently abuzz with AI integration, particularly notable in the case of Google’s Gemini. When activating Gemini by long-pressing the power button on the Pixel 8a, users can engage with the Large Language Model through text input, voice commands, or image uploads. Notably, Gemini responds to “Hey, Google” or “Ok, Google,” seamlessly transitioning tasks to Google Assistant if needed. While the functionalities of Gemini and Google Assistant may seem interchangeable, Gemini leans towards handling user queries specifically, while Google Assistant takes charge of tasks like setting alarms or making calls.
Gemini currently does not have direct control over apps or real-time transcription and translation features; for these functions, Google Translate is the way to go. While Gemini is not yet fully integrated with Google’s app ecosystem, this integration is expected in upcoming Feature Drops. I envision Gemini handling tasks like composing emails, sending texts, transcribing meetings, managing smart home devices, and more.
The Pixel 8a guarantees seven years of significant OS updates, Feature Drops, and security patches, ensuring support until 2031. This extended support, especially when compared to high-end phones at triple the price offering only three to four years of software updates, is quite remarkable.
Google Pixel 8a Battery
A full-day phone
The Pixel 8a boasts a 4,492 mAh battery, a significant improvement over its predecessor. Interestingly, in our battery assessments, the Pixel 7a outperformed in web browsing and video streaming, while the Pixel 8a excelled in gaming, surpassing even the Pixel 8.
It’s likely the screen, along with the Tensor G3, that influences the battery performance, though pinpointing the exact reason proves elusive. Despite this, the overall performance holds its own in this price segment, with the phone easily lasting a full day in typical daily usage without any hitches.
PhoneArena Battery Test Results:
Charging poses a challenge here. The Pixel 8a sticks with its predecessor’s 18W wired charging, which in 2024 seems somewhat sluggish. I had anticipated faster Pixel 8 charging rates, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. It takes the phone nearly two hours to go from 0% to fully charged.
Audio Quality and Haptics of the Google Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a features the typical stereo speaker setup, with the earpiece serving as a secondary speaker alongside a larger bottom-firing loudspeaker. While the device offers impressive volume levels, at maximum volume, the sound quality can become harsh, exhibiting noticeable distortion in the high frequency range.
Regarding haptics, they are satisfactory but unremarkable. The Pixel 8 outshines the 8a in delivering precise and distinct vibrations. The haptic feedback experience closely resembles that of the Pixel 7a. Notably, the absence of a 3.5 mm audio jack necessitates reliance on wireless connections or the use of an adapter for wired headphones.
Should you buy it?
We present you the Pixel 8 killer!
The perennial dilemma! Google sticks to a routine of releasing a midrange A-series phone in the spring and a flagship duo in the fall. I’m unsure if either the Pixel 8a or the Pixel 8 still serve a distinct purpose. The $499 Pixel 8a seems to overshadow the $699 flagship, particularly for those in the market for a Pixel device.
However, looking beyond this specific comparison, the Pixel 8a stands out as a stellar midrange option offering excellent value. If you seek long-term software support alongside premium specs, the choice is clear. Priced at $499, it’s a solid pick, especially considering Pixel phones improve with each Feature drop, with many more on the horizon.
On the flip side, there are certain aspects to consider before committing to this phone. The noticeable bezels may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and slow charging necessitates adjusting your charging routine to overnight.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 8a delivers a reliable and future-ready software experience, promising more AI features, a quality display, and a commendable primary camera – all at a competitive price point.