Since Google introduced the first model of the Pixel A series in 2019, it has become a popular option for people looking for a budget phone with all the features of Google’s software. The series has been a huge success to date, and the new Pixel 8a is no exception. The phone was launched on May 7.
The Pixel 8a has a lot of features, from the 120Hz display and the last-generation Tensor G3 chipset to Google’s powerful Gemini AI that’s available with just one click. With these specs, we think that Google has probably hit sales of the regular Pixel 8 version with the introduction of the Pixel 8a.
| Ram Memory Installed Size 8 GB | Operating System Android 14 |
| Cellular Technology 5G | Weight 6.7 ounces |
| Camera 64MP-13MP | Memory Storage Capacity 128 GB |
| Performance Google Tensor G3 8 GB RAM | Display 6.1″ Super Actua display |
| Special features Dual SIM | Battery Average Life 24 hours -4492 mah |
Google Pixel 8a Camera
In its Pixel 8a camera audit, Digiato pays consideration to different viewpoints of the Pixel 8a’s camera’s execution, such as presentation, center, color propagation, zoom quality, and more. We were able to see a great execution within the pictures we recorded in completely different modes with this phone. The Pixel 8a features a great fundamental and ultrawide camera, but the need for a committed zoom focal point may be a downside.
The Pixel 8a employs the same camera framework as its forerunner:
a 64MP primary camera with OIS and an f/1.89 gap, beside a 13MP ultra-wide camera. This may be baffling for a few individuals, but do not disregard that Google is exceptionally solid and progressed when it comes to picture-handling calculations.
The selfie camera is also inherited from the previous model. A 13MP camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and a 20mm wide angle is also seen in this phone. Software-wise, some of the new features that are now available on Pixel 8a include Top Shot, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. The camera comes with popular tools like Magic Eraser, Night Sight, and Photo Unblur, but the Pixel 8a lacks a telephoto camera, though thanks to the smart software, the Super Res zoom offers up to 8x magnification.
The overall quality of the images is very good in different scenarios. Acceptable portraits and ultra-wide shots are also suitable, though the details are not as detailed as those of the main camera. In general, the selfie camera sometimes does not work correctly in recognizing the background, but the overall result of the images is acceptable.
image:digiato
Sample images of the main camera at night
Performance: Google Pixel 8a
Google has included its newly developed chipsets in the Pixel A series, so the Pixel 8a also comes with the third-generation Tensor G3 chipset. In 2024, 8GB of RAM may not seem like much, but the Pixel 8a offers a smooth experience, and we don’t see much difference from the flagship Pixel 8 model.
There’s a slight lag when opening an app for the first time, but the same is seen on the Pixel 8 as well. The Tensor G3 chip is still a bit weaker than the top-of-the-line Qualcomm and Apple chipsets, but in normal use, you probably won’t feel much of a difference.
As a flagship chipset, the Tensor G3 is a bit of a disappointment, but when it fits into a mid-range phone, this chipset starts to shine compared to the competition. The Pixel 8a earns some of the best scores in this price category and offers similar performance to its more expensive model.
Google Pixel 8a design
The first downside of this phone is the large bezels around the screen, which brings a sense of nostalgia alive when turned on. Of course, that doesn’t mean the Pixel 8a looks bad, but this phone, like many mid-ranges on the market, has a lot of bezels.
Overall, the phone feels good in the hand. The back case of the Pixel 8a has a matte cover that feels like paper when touched.
In terms of design, the Pixel 8a follows the same band-style camera as Google’s phones. The camera strip is made of aluminum and houses dual camera system and LED flash. On the back of the phone is a small G logo and two buttons on the right side of the case: the power button and the volume adjustment. Note that the back case of this phone is made of plastic.
Ultrawide camera image at night digiato
In terms of color, the Pixel 8A comes in four colors: Bay (light blue), Aloe (light green), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (white), and all the colors are very modern and attractive, especially the green version that makes the Pixel 8a stand out from the crowd.
The ancient Pixel 8a show is as it were 6.1 inches and has FHD+ determination (2400 x 1080 pixels). This implies the screen measure is smaller than numerous mid-range phones. Of course, this has made this phone exceptionally comfortable and simple to utilize with one hand. In show tests, the Pixel 8a tops all competitors, counting the normal Pixel 8. The screen of this phone is exceptionally shining and around 1500 nits were measured for the show of the Pixel 8a. The color precision is amazing and the least brightness is additionally exceptionally great.
All in all, with the Pixel 8a you get a flagship-level show in a mid-range phone, but for the huge bezels. Not at all like the past adaptation, which as it were had a revive rate of 90 Hz, this phone presently encompasses a 120 Hz revive rate. Of course, all mid-range phones in this cost extent must bolster a 120 Hz screen. Since this esteem has presently ended up a standard. So it was not a bizarre thing and we anticipated it.
Software Pixel 8a
By holding down the power button, the Pixel 8a invokes Gemini’s AI. You can type in this tool, speak with your voice in a large language model, or upload a photo and show it to Gemini. What’s interesting is that Gemini also wakes up saying “Hey, Google” or “Ok, Google” and, as mentioned, automatically delegates it to Google Assistant if it can’t complete a task.
In all respects, the two are very similar to each other. If you ask your phone to set an alarm or call someone, it uses Google Assistant. But if you only ask one question, the phone will use Gemini.
Gemini still can’t directly control apps and can’t translate and transcribe at the same time, so you’ll need to use Google Translate. Currently, Gemini isn’t fully integrated with Google’s app ecosystem, but it will soon have more features in a new update or two. Gemini AI performs tasks such as writing and sending emails, sending texts, writing meeting transcripts, and controlling smart home devices. However, these are currently available for the English language.
The Pixel 8a comes with seven years of major OS updates, feature updates, and security patches, so the phone will be supported until 2031. Which is really fantastic, especially if you compare it to flagship phones that cost three times more and only offer three to four years of software support.
Sound Quality
There are stereo speakers on the Pixel 8a, where the phone acts as a second speaker, and a larger speaker at the bottom of the phone has the primary function of playing audio. Pixel 8a is loud, but at maximum volume, noticeably sharp sound can be heard at high frequencies.
Pros
- Unique and high-quality design
- Seven years of Android update
- Flawless software experience
- More efficient camera than competitors
- High-quality speakers
Cons
- Not a very reasonable price
- Poorer performance than competitors
- Wide bezels
- Heat up in heavy use
- Competitors with higher-quality displays
But if we get out of this particular platform, the Pixel 8a is a great mid-range phone and a lot of value. If you’re looking for longevity and software support with great flagship-level specs, this phone is the perfect choice. At $499, you can’t go wrong, and as we know, Pixel phones get better with each feature update, and many more updates are coming.