Google Pixel 8a Review (2024)

Google is about to launch their new range of Pixel 9 smartphones, however before you jump on the latest tech, the Google Pixel 8a is still a very impressive device particularly for its price. With that said, the Google Pixel 8a is a mid range phone that in Australia currently retails from $649AUD (July 2024) for the 128GB version. The Pixel 8a is also powered by the Google Tensor G3 processor with 8GB of RAM and depending on which model, 128 or 256GB of storage.

Additionally, it boasts a 6.1” 120Hz FHD+ OLED (430ppi) display (with Gorilla Glass) and two rear cameras (64MP + 13MP ultrawide) plus a 13MP front facing “selfie camera”. The battery of the Pixel 8a is rated at 4492mAh which  supports wired charging up to 18W (takes around 60 minutes to fully charge) and Qi wireless charging at 7.5W. The 4492mAh will easily give you a full day usage, even with heavy usage. If you have other Google devices, it easily integrates into this system and if you’re an Apple user looking to change or upgrade on a budget, it’s another great option.

The phone also supports the new Google AI and everyday help features that includes;

• Group pics that the whole group loves
  Did someone blink or look away? With Best Take, you can combine similar photos into one where everyone looks great
• Make distracting sounds disappear
  Audio Magic Eraser can reduce distracting noises in video like cars and wind, so you can hear the sounds you want
• Magic Editor
  Change the background, move an object, remove blurring, reimagine with a tap or make it disappear with Magic Eraser
• Circle to Search
  Just draw a circle around an image or text, even in a video. Google AI finds it fast – directly from the app that you’re in
• Translate on the spot
  Live Translate can interpret signs and menus with your camera, and messages as you type
• Call Screen
  Helps filter spam, so you only get the calls that you want
• Clear Calling
  Hear your caller over crowds, noise and wind
• Hold for Me
  Pixel waits on hold and tells you when you’re up

As you can see, the Google Pixel 8a comes with a wealth of useful features to get the most out of your smartphone.

The Build

The size of the Pixel 8a is slightly on the smaller size and measures at 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm with a weight of just 188grams which makes it very lightweight. It comes in a variety of colours that include bay (blue), porcelain (white that we reviewed) and obsidian (black) and although its curved edges are slightly reminiscent of the iPhone, it definitely stands out from other Android phones. This is due to its metallic edging, plastic back and metallic bar across the camera on the rear that makes it its own entity. The phone also has a water resistance rating of IP67 to give you some additional peace of mind to protect the Pixel and its contents, including 7-years of updates from Google. 

The Unboxing

Google keeps the packaging minimalistic with the contents being the Pixel 8a, a USB-C cable, some printed documents and the SIM-eject tool however there is no mains adapter.

Out of the box, the Pixel 8a feels nice in your hands, including decent grip due to the metallic edges and is a good size without it being overtly too large with well placement of buttons. Once the power button is on, the Pixel 8a will take you through a setup wizard, including transferring information from your existing smartphone. The phone also supports both facial recognition and a fingerprint scanner to unlock the device.

Setup and Operating System (Android 14)

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Once the setup is completed, you’re ready to use the Pixel 8a and I must admit that the 6.1” 120Hz FHD+ OLED is not only clear but quite bright with vibrant colours. Google also ensures you have everything you need to commence your new smartphone journey. So how does the Google Tensor G3 processor compare to the other competitors in the market such as the Snapdragon and MediaTek Dimensity? The Tensor G3 is a nine-core CPU which runs at 2.91Ghz which utilises the Arm Cortex X3 that although not the fastest processor on the market, it is still a workhorse when it comes to performance and even gaming. The Android operating system was quick and responsive as was opening apps, listening to music or streaming videos – the processor and memory cannot be faulted.

Benchmarks

The first test was 3DMark for Android which is a must have app to test your phone or even your PC gaming rig which scores your CPU and GPU. It then allows you to compare it with other devices to see where it ranks. Given that the Google Pixel 8a is a mid range phone, the 3DMark scores were great that does cement it as a powerhouse with its CPU and GPU. The 8GB of RAM also helps in achieving these scores as it adds to its overall performance.

Gaming

And how does it hold up with gaming? The Google Tensor F3 processor provides good, well, great mid range gaming for owners of the Pixel 8a with most titles being able to run on full detail. We tested titles such as Call of Duty Mobile, Diablo Immortal, Genshin Impact, Asphalt 9 Legends and Grid Autosport with all games performing exceptionally well on the Pixel 8a. I thought it may struggle with Diablo Immortal and even with the highest settings (the ones it allowed for), it was a very smooth mobile experience with great framerates. Genshin Impact needed some tweaking but most smartphones do for this game.

Photography

Not surprisingly, the Pixel 8a takes some impressive shots courtesy of its powerful 64MP and 13MP ultrawide camera which both take very fast photos. More importantly, the cameras of the Pixel 8a took some good photos in a different range of lighting. Compared to other phones the Pixel 8a captured more realistic colours and the saturation for the most part was low. Further photos in low light worked well and the super zoom (which is digital zoom) was good for a digital algorithm.

Rear Camera

• 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide)
• 1/1.73″, 0.8µm
• dual pixel PDAF, OIS
• 13 MP
• f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
• 1.12µm
• Auto-HDR

Selfie Camera

• 13 MP
• f/2.2
• 20mm (ultrawide)
• 1.12µm

The AI photography tools that come with the Pixel 8a are great, especially the “best take” feature which basically takes the best headshots from multiple photos and superimposes them in one photo. Gone are the days of someone blinking, smiling at the wrong time or looking the wrong way. Photography purists may scoff but hey, this is an awesome feature to perfectly capture memories on the go, even though it’s AI enhanced. Another clever feature is the magic eraser which allows you to move objects in your photo that again produces clearer images. Want more? You betcha! Add in an astro photography mode which would have been amazing for the recent Aurora Borealis in May 2024 and the Pixel 8a is jam packed with photography features.

Sample Photos

The phone also supports 4K recording with 60 frames per second which is not only super clear but super smooth, including crisp free audio.

Final Thoughts?

The Google Pixel 8a is excellent value for money at just $649AUD. Although there is a new model coming out this year with the Pixel 9’s, those on a budget or looking for the best value their money can buy really makes the Pixel 8a a wise investment. From its overall quality design, speed, high quality screen and lots of Google features, including AI, the Pixel 8a is a truly relevant smartphone of 2024 and comes with seven years of software updates from Google. From gaming to surfing the net and taking some nice photos, the only drawbacks of this phone is the lack of a true optical zoom and the charging of the battery (which could be faster) but apart from that, definitely a great phone!

Google Pixel 8a Technical Specifications

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