Google Pixel 8a review: An AI smartphone for everyone?

With the Pixel 8a, Google has introduced its cheapest smartphone from the Pixel 8 series. We have tested the device extensively in everyday use.

The Google Pixel 8a comes with a relatively spartan scope of delivery. In addition to a USB-C to USB-C cable, the device also comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable for data transfer. A charging adapter must be purchased separately, as well as a protective case. We can recommend the one from Google. But there are also cheaper options for protecting the device.

Google Pixel 8a: Design and workmanship

The Pixel 8a fits well into the Pixel 8 series. The screen is rounded at the corners and has an oval strip for the cameras on the back. The edge of the screen is significantly larger than that of the Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro. In terms of dimensions, the device is almost the same size as the Pixel 8. So anyone who was hoping for a much smaller smartphone will probably be disappointed by the Pixel 8a. The screen measures 6.1 inches – just 0.1 inches less than that of the Pixel 8.

The build quality is more than decent and the smartphone feels good in the hand. Unlike the other Pixel 8 models, the back and frame are made of plastic instead of glass, although this is of high quality and makes no noticeable difference in everyday life, especially when using a protective case.

The cameras protrude one centimeter from the housing, with the strip positioned so that the device does not wobble on a table. The device is protected against dust and water according to IP67 standard, and at 188 grams it is lighter than its predecessor.

The screen

The biggest innovation Google made this year was the screen. Like the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it can now display content with a 120 Hertz refresh rate. At 6.1 inches, it is the smallest in the series. However, the difference to the Pixel 8 is hardly noticeable in terms of size and quality.

Only the glass is more resistant on the Pixel 8 (Gorilla Glass Victus on the 8, Gorilla Glass 3 on the 8a). The slightly thicker edges on the Pixel 8a are noticeable, which make the device look less high-quality. At 2000 nits, the screen is very bright and easy to read in everyday life. The colors are very bright and high-contrast, typical of Google. The screen has a high resolution and can keep up with other devices in the price range.

The Pixel 8a screen can now display 120 Hertz. (Image: BASIC thinking)

Die Hardware des Google Pixel 8a

Inside the Pixel 8a is the Tensor G3, which is also installed in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The device is only available in two versions, each with 8 gigabytes of RAM and 128 or 256 gigabytes of internal memory. This means that the device achieves almost the same results in the “Geekbench” test as the Pixel 8, which reflects our experience in everyday life.

The device can start any app quickly and most games run smoothly on the screen. However, over longer periods of time the Pixel 8a gets noticeably warm. If you really want to do a lot of gaming, you should look for a different device.

In addition to Nano-SIM, ESIM with 5G is also supported. Both Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E ensure reliable connectivity. The device no longer has a jack connection. The fingerprint sensor unlocks reliably. The Pixel 8a also has secure face unlocking, but not at the level of an iPhone.

We would particularly like to highlight the vibration motor, which supports precise and powerful inputs with haptic feedback. The Google Pixel 8a also has stereo speakers that provide average sound. It lacks bass and dynamics. However, the speakers are more than fine for YouTube videos or phone calls.

The cameras

The Google Pixel 8a has two cameras on the back, a 64-megapixel lens and a 13-megapixel camera for ultra-wide-angle photos. Both sensors are identical to those in the Google Pixel 7a, so on paper nothing has changed in terms of the cameras.

The Google Pixel 8a has the same sensors as the Pixel 7a. (Image: BASIC thinking)

The new processor means that the photos can be processed better, and this is noticeable in the photos, which still look sharp and detailed. The camera reaches its limits when it comes to zoom, which can zoom in on photos up to eight times. An optical zoom is only available in the Pro model. The photos look significantly “warmer” than with the predecessor, but this is the case across the entire Pixel 8 series.

We have taken some test photos with the Pixel 8a for you, which you can view in this gallery.

The ultra-wide-angle lens has a resolution of 13 megapixels and delivers good results. Although there is some distortion around the edges as is usual with low-resolution lenses, the image is sharp in all areas.

However, the wide-angle lens does not have autofocus, which is why usable macro shots are not possible with the Pixel 8a. The front camera with 13 megapixels also takes good photos and is one of the best in the price range.

The Google Pixel 8a software in the test

Android 14 is preinstalled on the Google Pixel 8a. An update to Android 15 will probably be released next month. The software runs very smoothly, has many extras and can also run an AI model directly on the device with the Gemini Nano model.

For example, people can be removed from photos, audio can be transcribed into text, or replies can be suggested in the SMS app – all without the internet.

With “Gemini”, an AI assistant is also built into the software that can answer questions or generate texts. In the future, this should also be able to recognize contexts on the screen. Currently, “Circle to Search” is a way to recognize objects on the screen using a Google search.

In addition, the Google Pixel 8a also has all the AI ​​features from the Pixel 8 series, which we have already explained in detail in our review of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Google promises seven years of software updates. This puts the company in the lead with Samsung, which ensures that the device does not have to be left in the drawer after just a few years.

The battery

The Pixel 8a's battery measures 4492 milliamperes, which is a slight increase compared to its predecessor (4385 mAh), but so far does not come close to the Pixel 8 (4575 mAh). Unfortunately, the Pixel 8a only charges with a maximum of 18 watts via USB-C, which is very slow for a smartphone in 2024. The Pixel 8, meanwhile, charges with 27 watts.

The Pixel 8a's battery recharges very slowly. (Image: BASIC thinking)

The battery itself is significantly better than the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, because the device is optimized to save energy. We got through a whole day without any problems. With the energy saving mode activated, the device can also easily get through a second night.

Conclusion and experience: Google Pixel 8a in the test

The Google Pixel 8a is an impressive smartphone for its price and offers many features that can also be found in the more expensive models of the Pixel 8 series. Particularly noteworthy are the brilliant screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, the good build quality and the strong performance thanks to the Tensor G3 processor.

We have to criticize the speakers and the slow charging of the battery. The competition in this price range has been offering more than 18 watts for years.

With a recommended retail price of 549 euros, the device is more expensive than its predecessor. Given the current prices, it might even be worth it for many people to go for the less expensive Pixel 8 if they want better cameras and faster charging. So Google is competing with itself. Alternatives could be the Nothing Phone 2 or the iPhone 12.

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