Google’s latest mid-range A-series Pixel handset steps it up a notch, bringing almost every feature from its high-end phones down to a more affordable price, including the latest AI and camera tricks.
The Pixel 8a starts at £499 (€549/$499/A$849). That may be £50 more than last year’s 7a, but the new model improves just about everything, and undercuts the Pixel 8 by £200.
Google has revamped the design of the phone, giving it a more rounded shape, particularly at the corners, which makes it nicer to hold without a case. It is still unmistakably a Pixel, with a big aluminium camera bar across the back, and looks great in one of its more bold colours.
The 6.1in screen has been upgraded from last year to match the more expensive Pixel 8, and is significantly brighter, running at up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling. It is a crisp and colourful display at a good size.
The 8a has Google’s latest top-tier Tensor G3 chip. It isn’t the fastest processor on the block, but it is significantly more capable than many lower-tier chips. The phone felt snappy at all times. Google’s various software features fly and games work well.
Battery life is OK but some way behind the best. The Pixel would last up to about 35 hours between charges with the screen actively used for just over five hours. Those who spend all day on 5G using mapping or similar power-hungry tools might need to top up before bed.
Specifications
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Screen: 6.1in 120Hz FHD+ OLED (430ppi)
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Processor: Google Tensor G3
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RAM: 8GB
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Storage: 128 or 256GB
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Operating system: Android 14
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Camera: 64MP + 13MP ultrawide, 13MP selfie
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Connectivity: 5G, Sim and eSim, wifi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3 and GNSS
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Water resistance: IP67 (1m for 30 minutes)
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Dimensions: 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm
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Weight: 188g
Android 14 with all the AI
The Pixel 8a ships with Android 14 and almost all the top AI features Google has added to its high-end phones. That includes the excellent Circle to Search feature that debuted at the start of the year, live translation and transcription, call screening and anti-spam features, plus access to Google’s Gemini tools chatbot – though the latter has not arrived in the UK yet.
One of the biggest upgrades for the Pixels this year is extended software support for at least seven years from release, which now includes the Pixel 8a. That length of support is very welcome and unheard-of in the mid-range market under £500.
Camera
The Pixel 8a has essentially the same class-leading camera system from last year’s 7a.
The main 64-megapixel camera is the star of the show, capturing excellent photos across a range of lighting conditions, while the 13MP ultrawide is one of the best, particularly at this price. It has no macro mode or telephoto camera, but gets decent results up to a 3-4x digital zoom. Google’s camera system handles difficult scenes better than rivals, such as high-contrast lighting or fast-moving objects, making it an excellent point-and-shoot camera.
Most of Google’s excellent AI photography tools are also available. These include an astrophotography mode, unblurring tools, the magic eraser and magic editor tools. The most popular is the “Best Take” feature from the Pixel 8 Pro, which helps you shoot a groups of people where everyone is looking their best, combining faces from multiple images into one “best” photo. Parents in particular will find it very useful.
Sustainability
Google does not provide an expected lifespan for the battery, but it should last in excess of 500 full charge cycles with at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is repairable by Google and third-party shops with genuine replacement parts available direct from iFixit.
The Pixel 8a is made with recycled aluminium, plastic and tin, accounting for at least 24% of the phone by weight. The company publishes an environmental impact report for the phone and will recycle old devices free of charge.
Price
The Pixel 8a costs £499 (€549/$499/A$849) with 128GB of storage or £559 (€609/$559/A$949) with 256GB.
For comparison, the Pixel 8 costs £699, the Pixel 8 Pro costs £999, the Fairphone 5 costs £649, the Nothing Phone 2 costs £499 and the iPhone SE costs £429.
Verdict
The Pixel 8a offers almost everything great from Google’s top-tier phones but at a knockdown price.
The quality camera system, high-end chip, great screen and attractive design already place it at the top of the pile in the mid-range. But it is the seven years of software support and access to Google’s very latest and most advanced AI tools that put it in a class of its own.
There have been some corners cut to reach the cheaper price. The back of the phone is plastic, not glass, and the screen has larger bezels. The phone’s water resistance, scratch resistance and battery life fall short of the best. A lack of built-in spatial audio for headphones is a bit mean, too. But these slight knocks are easy to overlook for the cost savings.
The Pixel 8a is the best mid-range phone available by a wide margin. You would have to spend almost double to get a better Android handset than this.
Pros: seven years of software updates, class-leading camera, great screen, top-tier chip, solid battery life, recycled materials, impressive generative AI features, undercuts high-end phones on price.
Cons: no extended optical zoom for camera, raw performance and battery short of best, only IP67 water resistance, plastic back, no built-in spatial audio, older Gorilla Glass 3.
