The Google Pixel 8a stands out as one of the top choices among midrange smartphones available today.
Priced from $849 ($949 if you want 256GB storage), it brings together key features from its pricier counterparts, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, including powerful AI tools, Google’s G3 processor, excellent cameras, and an impressive seven years of software support. While it lacks faster charging and newer protective glass, these shortcomings don’t overshadow its overall value proposition.
Design:
The Pixel 8a maintains the sleek aesthetic of its predecessors, featuring rounded corners and a camera bar. Available in three colours, its matte finish resists fingerprints, and its 6.1-inch OLED display offers vibrant visuals despite a slightly thicker bezel compared to other models.
Performance:
Powered by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (expandable to 256GB), the Pixel 8a handles everyday tasks with ease, matching the performance of its higher-priced counterparts. Benchmarks demonstrate its competitive performance, delivering smooth multitasking and gaming experiences.
With a 4,492mAh battery, the Pixel 8a offers respectable endurance, lasting 12 hours and 15 minutes in streaming tests. While its wired charging is slower than other models at 18W, it supports Qi wireless charging at 7.5W.
Cameras:
You can’t talk about any smartphone without considering it’s photo and video capability. The Pixel 8a boasts an impressive camera setup, including a 64MP main camera with optical image stabilization and a 13MP ultra-wide camera. Images are rich in colour and detail, rivalling those from higher-end models. Video capture at 4K60 is smooth, with the rear camera offering optical image stabilization for gimbal-like footage.
AI Features:
Many common features on the device have AI working in the background
Best Take (for photos)
Audio Magic Eraser (removing noise from your videos)
Circle To Search (best way to “Google”)
Call Screen (I love this for sorting out scammers)
Live Translate (for translating text when travelling)
Night Sight (it makes low-light photography easy)
Plus ensure the device supports the Gemini App which offers even more features.
Software:
Shipping with Android 14, the Pixel 8a benefits from Google’s commitment to providing seven years of OS updates and security fixes. This extensive support ensures longevity and keeps the device up to date with the latest features and improvements.
Full technical specifications for the Pixel 8a can be found at – Pixel phone hardware tech specs – Pixel Phone Help (google.com)
