Google Pixel 8a review

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Introduction

Google Pixel 8a is now available in many markets, be it via the official Google Store or third-party retailers. It looks a lot like the OG Pixel 8; it offers a streamlined feature set and is priced a bit lower. But is it the one you should get? Let's find out.

The Google Pixel 8a is the next installment in the Pixel 'a' series, which many consider to be standing for 'affordable'. The logic is sound - the design has been simplified, the cameras - less complicated, the connectivity - less premium. And finally - it is cheaper than the Pixel 8 even if not by a large margin.

The Pixel 8a has a similar design, but its front glass is an older Gorilla Glass 3 and the rear part is entirely made of plastic, the camera housing included. It is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, and it is available in familiar colorways - Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe.

The Pixel 8a employs a bit smaller 6.1-inch OLED screen of extended 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It has the same Tensor G3 chip as the Pixel 8 and offers the same memory configuration of 8GB RAM + 128GB UFS storage.

Of course, the camera is what everyone thinks when hearing a Pixel and it will be one of the most discussed aspects about the Pixel 8a. Here we also have a dual-camera setup like on the Pixel 8, but with different sensors - a 64MP OIS primary and a 13MP FF ultrawide. The front camera is also a 13MP, with the same ultrawide lens as on the Pixel 8.

Finally, the Pixel 8a is powered by a 4,492mAh battery capable of up to 30W or so fast wired and up to 7.5W of wireless charging.

Google Pixel 8a specs at a glance:

• Body: 152.1x72.7x8.9mm, 188g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back; IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.10" OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 430ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G3 (4 nm): Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510); Immortalis-G715s MC10.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• OS/Software: Android 14.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm, 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1.12µm.
• Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 4492mAh; 18W wired, PD3.0, 7.5W wireless.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi region; BT 5.3; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers.

Google Pixel 8a seems like a solid little flagship, one of the very few on the market, and also one that doesn't cost a thousand dollars/euros. The slow 18W wired charging is a glaring omission on the spec sheet, though.

Unboxing the Pixel 8a

Google was one of the first makers to limit the retail box contents. The Pixel 8a package includes a USB-C cable and a USB-A-to-C adapter.

And that's it. Still, it's two accessories more than what Sony would give you in the Xperia retail box so we guess we should not complain.