Google Pixel 8a review

Where to buy

Would we recommend the Google Pixel 8a?

There's no doubt the Pixel 8a is an Android champion. It's packed with enough value to justify the price tag, even if it's a bit more expensive than the Pixel 7a. Would we call it a budget phone? Nope. But it is a solid choice in the mid-range category.

It impresses even when stacked up next to the full-fledged Pixel 8. You can expect a top-tier camera system, quality design and performance plus some great AI tools to give the competition the boot.

My only caveat would be that retailers tend to heavily discount the Pixel 8, making it cheaper than the 8a model and worth snagging instead.

Design - I'm sold

Don't knock it till you try it but Google's done us a solid by using a high-quality textured plastic back with a matte finish that feels really nice and is more smudge-resistant.

Now couple that with the revamped design which features rounded edges and you'll find yourself being not so fussy about holding the phone for extended periods, even without a case.

It's also inherently very Pixel thanks to the unmistakable aluminium camera bar at the back that's luckily still on show (I really like it to this day!).

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Although the bezels are a fair bit chunky, they blend in well enough on the black model (that I've been testing) and feel like an extension of the screen. It's not ideal but I suppose it lends to the handset being a mid-range device.

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Display - Lovely, lovely

The 6.1-inch flat screen is a great size if you prefer compact phones like me.

There's ample real estate to go about everyday tasks plus the increased maximum brightness makes it easier to use the phone in different conditions.

My slight pain point would be that adjusting the brightness levels manually can be a bit fiddly. The mid level seems too dim and then you'll see a steep increase at around 80% to 90%.

Despite the small quirk, the experience of using the phone is genuinely so smooth, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled, which can be done via the settings under "Smooth Display".

Performance - Top-tier unless you're a gamer

The Pixel 8a is powered by the Tensor G3 chipset which may not break any performance records but is pretty great for everyday use and gives you the magic of AI.

This includes Best Take, which combines multiple images into a single shot, and Magic Editor and Circle to Search and Live Translate.

One of the highlights is the flagship-level software experience where you're promised 7 years of software and security updates which is up there with premium flagships.

Battery life - Good, but not fab

There's still much to be desired with the Pixel 8a's battery life but it's not bad for the average user. It's reliable for daily tasks and I still had a bit of juice left before heading to bed.

So while charging the Pixel 8a is a slow burn, it compensates with a battery that can last a full day under normal usage.

Camera - Say cheese! (you won't hate your shots, promise)

The Pixel 8a has a dual camera setup featuring a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens.

The results are genuinely lovely. The pictures are full of detail and the colours look vibrant and true to life, giving them a natural feel with nicely balanced sharpness.

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

The portrait mode is also convincing enough with the slightly blurry background, good exposure and natural skin tone as you can see in the selfie below:

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

The 2x zoom is decent, though as you'll see in just a second, the picture does lose a bit of its sharpness.

Image: Mariam Gabaji/Finder

And lastly, the night mode can produce slightly overexposed images, but they're still pretty decent if you need good low-light shots.

The improvements over the Pixel 7a are only minor so there's still room for Google to make a comeback with more noticeable upgrades next year.

All opinions expressed in this review are based on the author's own experience with the phone. Use this review for informational purposes only.

Google Pixel 8a specs

Now that we've covered the main ticket items, here's a quick rundown of the Pixel 8a's specs for a full overview.

How to buy the Pixel 8a on a plan

Only Optus and Telstra are offering the Pixel 8a on a 12-, 24- or 36-month plan. You can compare these in the table.

How to buy the Pixel 8a outright

Price

RRP: $849.00

Where to buy

Check availability at eBay

Check availability at Amazon