The Google Pixel 8a review has arrived, promising a blend of powerful AI features, impressive camera capabilities, and long-term software support. But is it genuinely the best mid-range smartphone available, or is it just another overhyped release? With standout features like Google’s advanced photography tools and seven years of software updates, the Pixel 8a is certainly compelling. However, concerns about thermal performance and slower charging speeds raise some questions. In this blog, we’ll uncover the Pixel 8a’s strengths and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s worth your investment. Stay tuned!
Google Pixel 8a Design Review: Sleek, Compact, and Stylish
The Google Pixel 8a offers a simple yet sturdy design that feels solid in the hand. It features Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front, adding some durability against scratches and minor drops. Weighing around 188g, the phone strikes a good balance between being lightweight and having a premium feel.
The Pixel 8a’s metal frame adds to its durability while giving it a sleek look. For ports and buttons, you’ll find a USB Type-C port and a speaker grille at the bottom. On the left side, there’s a SIM card tray, while the top houses a noise cancellation microphone. Over on the right side, you’ll find the power button and volume rocker, both positioned for easy access.
In addition to its solid build, the Pixel 8a is expected to come with an IP67 rating, making it resistant to dust and water splashes — a handy feature for everyday protection. The phone’s compact size also makes it comfortable to use with one hand, which is ideal for those who prefer smaller phones.
Overall, the Pixel 8a’s design is practical, durable, and easy to handle, making it a great choice for users who value simplicity with a touch of premium quality.
Is the Google Pixel 8a’s Display Worth It? A Deep Dive
The Google Pixel 8a’s display has its pros and cons. On the bright side, its 6.1-inch OLED screen shows rich colors and sharp details. With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, it’s easy to see even in sunlight. But there are a few downsides too — the thick bezels make it look a bit old-fashioned, and the screen can feel dimmer indoors when watching non-HDR content. Overall, it’s great for outdoor use, but not perfect if you’re picky about display details.
Google Pixel 8a Performance Review: What You Need to Know
The Pixel 8a is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, delivering smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, multitasking between apps, or streaming videos, the experience remains fluid and responsive. Google’s emphasis on software optimization ensures that Android 14 runs seamlessly, providing a user-friendly interface without lag.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 8a is its exceptional software support. Google guarantees seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates for this device, ensuring longevity and access to the latest features and protections well into the future.
Equipped with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and offering storage options of 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1, the Pixel 8a facilitates fast app launches and efficient multitasking. This hardware setup ensures that users have ample space and speed for their applications and media.
For gaming enthusiasts, the Pixel 8a handles casual games like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, and Clash Royale effortlessly. It also manages midrange titles such as PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact competently, though pushing these games to their highest settings may result in occasional frame drops. Extended gaming sessions can cause the device to warm up slightly, but it remains comfortable to hold and use.
In terms of connectivity, the Pixel 8a is well-equipped with support for 18 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. These features ensure fast and reliable connections, catering to a variety of wireless needs.
Google Pixel 8a Camera Review: Performance Explained
The Google Pixel 8a comes with a 64MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 13MP ultra-wide camera, and a 13MP front camera. While it may not have the highest megapixel count, Google’s AI-powered image processing makes photos look sharp, vibrant, and well-balanced.
In good lighting, the Pixel 8a captures bright and colorful photos with great detail. Even in low light, the Night Sight mode does a fantastic job, producing clear and bright images without needing a flash. However, you’ll need a steady hand for the best results.
The Portrait mode creates a beautiful background blur, making subjects stand out. While the phone doesn’t have a telephoto lens, Super Res Zoom helps capture decent zoomed-in shots up to 2x. Going beyond that (up to 8x) can reduce quality, but Google’s Unblur tool can improve them slightly.
The Pixel 8a can record 4K videos at 60 fps, giving smooth and detailed footage. However, recording for a long time might make the phone warm up, sometimes leading to the screen dimming slightly.
Google adds smart tools like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and Photo Unblur to help improve photos easily. You can remove unwanted objects, fix blurry shots, and even adjust faces in group photos for the best look.
The Pixel 8a’s cameras are among the best in its price range. It delivers excellent photos and videos, especially with its AI editing features. If you love taking pictures with minimal effort, the Pixel 8a is a great choice!
Google Pixel 8a Battery: Fast or Slow Charging?
The 4,492 mAh battery is solid and lasts a full day with moderate use. If you’re not gaming or recording long videos, you can expect around 6 hours of screen-on time.
The downside? Charging speeds aren’t great. With 18W wired charging, a full charge takes about two hours, which is quite slow compared to some competitors. And yes, there’s no charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pixel 8a is a solid choice for users who value a clean Android experience, long-term software support, and AI-powered features. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The Tensor G3 processor performs well for everyday tasks but tends to overheat under heavy use. The thick bezels give the phone a dated feel, and 18W wired charging is slower than what you get with other devices, even in the budget range. While it has its merits, other options offer better value for money. If you’re looking for a more well-rounded experience, it’s worth exploring alternatives that pack in more performance and faster charging at a similar or lower price.
