Google Pixel 8a: A Mid-Range Gem with a Budget-Friendly Price
The Google Pixel 8a launched on May 14, 2024, amidst a crowded release season, but its competitive price as a more affordable alternative to the Pixel 8 makes it worth a closer look.
Price and Features
Starting at $499 (₦746,603), the Pixel 8a comes equipped with the same powerful Tensor G3 chip, AI capabilities, and a smooth 120Hz display as the Pixel 8. These features make it a tempting mid-range option. However, with the Pixel 8 occasionally dropping to around $600, it’s worth asking if the Pixel 8a is truly the budget champion.
This review will break down the Pixel 8a’s strengths, such as its impressive camera system (although slightly less capable than the Pixel 8), its unexpectedly long battery life, and its bright display. We’ll also look at compromises like the plastic back and occasional performance dips under heavy usage.
By the end, we’ll help you decide whether to save money with the Pixel 8a, consider spending a bit more for the Pixel 8 (which might go on sale), or explore flagship competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Key Specifications
Here’s a quick overview of the Pixel 8a’s key features:
- Price: Expected to start around ₦746,603 in Nigeria
- Processor: Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 4492 mAh
- Camera: 64MP main + 13MP ultrawide (rear), 13MP selfie camera
- Colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB (no expandable storage)
- RAM: 8GB
- Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
- Weight: 188g
Familiar Design with Cost-Cutting Adjustments
The Pixel 8a closely resembles its more expensive sibling, the Pixel 8, sharing the same design language with an aluminium frame, distinctive camera visor, and softer corners than previous models. However, to keep the price lower, Google replaced the Pixel 8’s glass back with plastic on the Pixel 8a, which also results in a slightly lower water resistance rating of IP67.
Despite these budget-friendly changes, the Pixel 8a is available in stylish colors—Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain—and maintains a sleek size, measuring 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm and weighing 188g.
Display and Performance
The Pixel 8a features a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED display with a crisp 1080 x 2400 resolution. The punch-hole camera and 120Hz refresh rate (upgraded from the Pixel 7a’s 90Hz) deliver smooth, immersive visuals. Impressively, the display offers up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, surpassing even the Pixel 8 in this regard.
While the screen size is nearly identical to the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8a has slightly larger bezels. In daily use, this may not be a major concern for most users, especially since phone cases are commonly used for protection.
Performance Tweaks for Better User Experience
One of the more intriguing aspects of the Pixel 8a is its display adjustments, including a lower clock speed for the processor. This contributes to certain advantages like better contrast and richer photos, thanks to the use of a Sony sensor, compared to the Samsung sensor found in the Pixel 8.
In summary, the Google Pixel 8a is an excellent mid-range option, offering a solid balance between performance, design, and price. Whether you opt for the Pixel 8a or the pricier Pixel 8 may come down to personal preferences and your budget.
Pixel 8a AI-Powered Smart Cameras
The Pixel 8a carries forward the same dual-camera system from the Pixel 7a, with a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. Although it differs from the more advanced sensor setup in the higher-end Pixel 8, Google’s exceptional software remains the star feature.
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What sets the Pixel 8a apart is its inclusion of the full suite of AI-driven features found in the Pixel 8. These include Magic Editor for creative photo editing, Best Take for capturing flawless group shots, and Magic Eraser for easily removing unwanted objects from your images.
In short, while the Pixel 8a might not have cutting-edge camera hardware, its powerful AI processing and editing capabilities still deliver an impressive photography experience.
Google Pixel 8a Performance
The Google Pixel 8a combines the powerful Tensor G3 chip with 8GB of RAM to deliver solid performance for everyday tasks. However, some strategic adjustments were made to maintain the phone’s competitive price.
One key difference is the Pixel 8a’s lower clock speed compared to the Pixel 8. This results in two main advantages: enhanced efficiency and longer battery life. While this improves the phone’s performance for daily use, it may affect performance in graphically demanding games.
Running on Android 14, the Pixel 8a comes with a suite of AI features, like Call Assist and Circle to Search, that enhance user experience without putting too much strain on battery life. These AI optimizations work in harmony with the Tensor G3 chip to ensure smooth operation.
In terms of battery, the Pixel 8a is equipped with a 4,492mAh battery, offering an upgrade from the Pixel 7a. Google claims the phone can last over 24 hours on a single charge, and with Extreme Battery Saver mode, it can stretch even further.
For typical users, this battery life is more than adequate, but heavy users who enable the 120Hz refresh rate and frequently use AI features might need to recharge by day’s end. The 18W wired charging is decent but not the fastest.
Though it may not rival flagship phones in terms of battery life and processing power, the Pixel 8a strikes a balance between value and performance, making it a solid choice for casual users. Gamers will find it handles most games, but those seeking more power for intensive gaming might prefer the Pixel 8 or other high-end competitors.
Pixel 8a Software
The Pixel 8a continues the legacy of its predecessors by running on the latest Android 14 operating system, offering users a smooth and intuitive experience with all the features and AI functionalities found in the Pixel 8.
In contrast to many competitors that limit features on mid-range devices, Google provides the full suite of AI tools on the Pixel 8a, including Gemini Nano—a feature that was previously exclusive to the company’s flagship models.
Google’s commitment to software support is evident in its generous update policy, which promises seven years of updates for both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. This means users can enjoy their phones well into the next decade, with support extending until at least 2031.
The longevity of the Pixel 8a is further enhanced by Google’s support for custom ROMs. For those willing to tinker and root their devices, it’s possible to extend the phone’s software lifespan even further by installing a custom ROM when it becomes available, facilitated by Google’s straightforward bootloader unlocking process.
While storage limitations may be a concern for some users, the extended software support is a significant advantage. It allows users to maximize the Pixel 8a’s capabilities for a longer period without worrying about missing updates or security patches.
Why We Like the Google Pixel 8a
- Impressive camera performance
- Strong battery life
- Seven years of software support
- Clean and smooth Android experience enriched with AI features
- IP67 dust and water resistance
Why We Don’t Like the Google Pixel 8a
- Slower charging speeds
- No SD card slot for expandable storage
- Noticeable bezels around the screen
- Gorilla Glass 3 on a premium device
- Not designed for high-end gaming
Should You Buy the New Pixel 8a?
The Pixel 8a is a great option if you value a clean Android experience, long-term software updates (seven years), and good value for money. It delivers excellent software performance, a capable camera, and future-proofing—all at a lower price than the Pixel 8.
However, you might want to hold off on the Pixel 8a if:
- You Desire the Latest Hardware: If cutting-edge specifications are important to you, the Pixel 8 may justify the higher price.
- You’re a Bargain Hunter: Pixel phone prices typically decrease in the months following a launch, so waiting could save you money.
- You Want to Explore Other Features: We’ll be discussing competitor flagships in upcoming reviews, providing insights for comparison.
Pricing and Availability
Surprisingly, Google chose to unveil the Pixel 8a ahead of the I/O 2024 event, announcing it on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
The base model of the Pixel 8a, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, is priced at $499. For those needing more storage, the 256GB version is available for $559. Based on current exchange rates, these prices would translate to approximately ₦746,603 and ₦837,872 in Nigeria, respectively.
Customers can purchase the Pixel 8a directly from the Google Store or through Jumia, both official retailers for Pixel smartphones.
While the Pixel 8a is not yet widely available in Nigeria, Google has introduced a financing option, allowing users to pay $20.79 per month over 24 months.
Please note that availability and pricing may vary, so it’s advisable to check the latest information from the official Google Store or local retailers.
