After spending a full week with the Google Pixel 8a, it’s clear that Google has crafted a mid-range smartphone that nearly rivals its flagship siblings. Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Pixel 8a a standout in the budget category.
Design and Look
The Pixel 8a sports a sleek design that aligns well with the aesthetic of Google’s current lineup. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display that boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support, ensuring vivid and smooth visuals. The build quality is robust, complemented by Gorilla Glass 3 for added durability.
The Google Pixel 8a’s plastic casing has a surprisingly appealing, almost stone-like texture. It’s lightweight at 188 grams, easy to grip, and supported by an aluminum frame that adds necessary sturdiness.
The review unit we were sent was white (porcelain), but the phone is available black (obsidian) and blue (bay) options. There’s a super adorable Aloe green color that’s available internationally, but it’s not available here in Singapore (just yet?)
While the Pixel 8a’s IP67 rating for dust and water resistance isn’t quite as robust as the IP68 rating found on the flagship Pixel 8, it still protects the device from water immersion up to 1 meter for as long as 30 minutes, which is quite respectable.
Display
Google has consistently claimed high brightness levels for its smartphone displays, and the Pixel 8a proves to be an improvement over its predecessor. It features a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2400 x 1800 pixels and employs Actua display technology, similar to the Pixel 8. This technology allows the display to achieve a peak brightness of 2000 nits.
Much to the excitement of Pixel lovers, the Pixel 8a has upgraded to a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate from the previous 90Hz seen in the Pixel 7a. This enhancement is especially noticeable in Smooth Display mode, which significantly smoothens the scrolling animations across the interface. When this feature is off, there’s a slight jitter when navigating through web pages or apps.
The OLED panel of the Pixel 8a offers broad viewing angles without any distortion, and its rich, vibrant color palette enhances visual experience.
The phone, however, sports bottom-heavy bezels, but that’s pretty expected of the pixel A range.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Pixel 8a is powered by the Tensor G3 processor, which facilitates a snappy user experience and competent handling of AI-driven tasks. It’s the same Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, enhancing its appeal as a mid-range device closely priced to the Pixel 8.
This is paired with 8GB of RAM and options for 128GB or 256GB of storage. Its performance is fluid for daily tasks and most gaming scenarios, making it a strong contender against more expensive models.
The responsiveness of the phone is notable, both when navigating the interface and multitasking with various apps. This smooth performance is further supported by the 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to the seamless user experience.
AI, AI, AI
The Google Pixel 8a integrates advanced AI features to enhance both functionality and user experience, marking it as a standout device in the mid-range smartphone market.
Key AI features include:
- Circle To Search: The “Circle to Search” feature on the Google Pixel 8a allows users to instantly search for anything displayed on their screen directly within any app, by simply making a gesture over the desired content, streamlining information retrieval without the need to switch apps.
- Magic Eraser, Upgraded: Improved to allow users to effortlessly remove distractions from photos with enhanced precision.
- Best Take: Analyzes multiple shots to create a perfect group photo where everyone looks their best.
- Audio Magic Eraser: Reduces unwanted background noises in videos, focusing on desired sounds.
- Photo Unblur: Sharpens blurry images, improving clarity with machine learning.
- Real Tone and Astrophotography: Offers more accurate skin tone representation and optimized settings for night sky photography.
- Gemini: A redefined digital assistant that uses AI to provide personalized assistance, helping with tasks like email summarization and event planning.
Camera Capabilities
Spec-wise, the Pixel 8a features a dual camera setup that includes a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, along with a 13MP front-facing camera. While the rear cameras remain unchanged from previous models, the front camera now boasts a slightly wider 96.5-degree field of view, compared to the 95-degree field of view on the Pixel 7a. This enhancement makes it easier to include more people in group selfies.
While the hardware might sound standard, the real magic happens with Google’s computational photography, enhancing photos to a level that punches above its weight class. Features like the upgraded Magic Eraser and Live Translate add significant value, drawing on Google’s AI prowess.
Check out some of the photos taken on the Pixel 8a:
Battery and Charging
The Pixel 8a, equipped with the Tensor G3 chip, not only delivers enhanced performance but also offers improved battery life, thanks to its slightly larger 4,492 mAh battery. This is a step up from the Pixel 7a’s 4,386 mAh capacity, providing users with longer usage times between charges.
The phone can charge at up to 18W over USB-C and wirelessly, it support speeds up to 7.5W with a Qi charger. It also supports 27W fast charging, which is a decent upgrade over previous models.
Software and Updates
The Pixel 8a runs on Android 14 and promises extended software support up to seven years. It is the first A-series model to receive seven years of software updates, ensuring it stays relevant and secure well into the future. This long-term update promise, combined with the use of recycled materials in its design, marks a significant step towards sustainability.
Pricing and Availability
With prices starting from SGD $799, the Pixel 8a is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. It offers a compelling package that balances cost and performance effectively, making it an excellent choice for those who need a robust smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
| Colours | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay |
| Colours of Cases | Obsidian, Aloe, Bay, Porcelain, Coral (S$49.99) |
| Retail Price (SGD) | 128GB: S$799 256GB: S$899 |
| Online Availability | Google Store, Amazon SG, Challenger, COURTS, Singtel, Shopee, Lazada and SprintCass (Airport) |
| In-Store Availability | Challenger, COURTS, Singtel, SprintCass |
Verdict
The Google Pixel 8a impresses with its combination of solid performance, excellent cameras, and future-proof software support. It stands as a testament to Google’s ability to deliver quality at a more accessible price point. While it may not feature some of the high-end luxuries, its strengths make it a top choice for anyone looking for great value in a smartphone. For those on a budget or simply looking for a reliable second phone, the Pixel 8a is hard to beat.
