Professionals
- Nice digital camera
- 7 years of instrument updates
- Lots of the identical options because the Pixel 8
- Excellent battery existence
Cons
- 256GB garage no longer to be had on all fashions
- Zoomed and occasional gentle photographs don’t seem to be as transparent because the Pixel 8’s
After the usage of Google’s new $500 (£499, AU$849) Pixel 8A, I’ve one large query: Why would someone pay $200 extra for the $700 Pixel 8? Whilst there are a few notable variations between the 2, the Pixel 8A hits the entire necessary notes, which makes Google’s pricier telephone really feel misplaced within the Pixel lineup.
At a time when tech giants are stuffing their merchandise with flashy new AI options, the Pixel 8A feels delightfully easy. It inherits a few of Pixel 8’s AI gear and tips, like Circle to Seek and Absolute best Take, however does not deliver the rest new to the desk.
Learn extra: Best Phone to Buy in 2024
And that is the reason no longer a nasty factor. The Pixel 8A shines as it nails the fundamentals at a value that feels quite inexpensive and obtainable. Given Google’s observe document of updating Pixel telephones with new options over the years, we will be able to be expecting it to achieve much more smarts, too. It is exhausting to pinpoint what I loved maximum about the usage of the Pixel 8A as a result of it isn’t about one specific growth, however moderately how the entirety comes in combination.
After all, there may be one large caveat that may make the Pixel 8 price purchasing as an alternative: gross sales and reductions. Carriers and shops on occasion discount the Pixel 8, bringing it all the way down to round the similar value because the Pixel 8A. Some wi-fi carrier suppliers additionally be offering promotions that make the Pixel 8 necessarily unfastened.
Alternatively, the ones offers usually require you to fulfill particular cases, akin to opening a brand new line on a selected plan or buying and selling in an eligible software. And offers expire, which means you would possibly not at all times have the ability to get the Pixel 8 for a cheaper price. Google normally discounts its A-series phones too, which means we might see the Pixel 8A at a cheaper price sooner or later as neatly.
Except you’ll be able to get the Pixel 8 for $500 or much less at a cut price, the Pixel 8A is almost definitely your best option for Android enthusiasts that need to keep neatly under the $1,000 mark.
Learn extra: Google Pixel 8A vs. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Watch this: Google’s Pixel 8A Is Right here: What is New and Other
Pixel 8A vs. Pixel 8
The Pixel 8
The Pixel 8A and Pixel 8 have so much in commonplace, however there are rather a couple of variations between the 2 units as neatly. Google’s inexpensive telephone has a rather decrease capability battery and a display screen that is only a hair smaller (6.1 inches as opposed to 6.2). You will not get Battery Proportion, the characteristic that permits you to use your telephone as a wi-fi charger for different suitable equipment, at the Pixel 8A.
The Pixel 8 additionally helps sooner stressed charging and is rated for IP68 water resistance as an alternative of the Pixel 8A’s IP67 score. That can be necessary to imagine should you spend a large number of time open air and like to not use a case. The variation within the scores signifies that the Pixel 8 can also be submerged beneath extra water (1.5 meters as opposed to 1 meter) than the Pixel 8A.
The cameras additionally range, even if you’ll be able to get a large and ultrawide rear digital camera on each fashions. The Pixel 8A’s digital camera has a better answer, however the pixels don’t seem to be as broad and the digital camera lacks laser stumble on autofocus and a macro focal point mode. You additionally would possibly not get spatial audio, which creates a encompass sound-like impact, with the Pixel 8A.
That can sound like so much. However for this value, they are smart compromises that most probably would possibly not make a distinction to the general public.
Pixel 8A design and reveal
The Pixel 8A has a 6.1-inch reveal, making it rather smaller than the Pixel 8’s.
The Pixel 8A’s design strongly resembles the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Google rounded out the perimeters, giving it a softer really feel when put next with the Pixel 7A. The again additionally has a pleasing matte end that feels extra top class and could also be most probably much less liable to fingerprint smudges when put next with the shiny Pixel 7A and Pixel 8.
You have got 4 colour choices to choose between: Aloe (inexperienced), Bay (gentle blue), Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white). I have been the usage of the Aloe inexperienced colour, and I am actually taking part in it up to now. It is like a rather bolder and brighter mint color of inexperienced.
The drawback, on the other hand, is if you wish to have extra garage, you will have to go for the Obsidian colour since that is the handiest variant to be had in a 256GB configuration. In a different way, you will have to be content material with 128GB for the reason that Pixel 8A does not give a boost to expandable garage, like most present telephones. That is one facet that makes the competing $400 Samsung Galaxy A35 5G distinctive; it is probably the most few new units to give a boost to expandable garage as much as 1TB.
The bezels framing the Pixel 8A’s display screen are noticeably better than the Pixel 8’s, even if you are no longer going to be fascinated with this until you are looking on the two telephones facet through facet. They were not big enough to really feel distracting or noticeable in on a regular basis use, although, and they are small compared to the brow and chin on Apple’s similarly-priced $429 iPhone SE.
Google says it boosted the Pixel 8A’s reveal brightness when put next with closing 12 months’s Pixel 7A, which I used to be glad to listen to taking into account the former type’s display screen regarded dim to me open air. I nonetheless in finding myself cranking the brightness up open air, nevertheless it does not really feel like as large of an issue as Pixel units I have examined prior to now.
Pixel 8A digital camera
The Pixel 8A’s digital camera is basically the similar because the Pixel 7A’s.
The Pixel 8A necessarily has the similar digital camera because the Pixel 7A: a 64-megapixel primary digital camera with a 13-megapixel ultrawide digital camera. That can sound like a step above the 50-megapixel primary digital camera at the Pixel 8’s rear digital camera machine (which additionally features a 12-megapixel ultrawide shooter), however answer is not the entirety.
The Pixel 8A’s digital camera has a smaller pixel width, which can also be necessary in figuring out general symbol high quality since better pixels can take in extra gentle. There is additionally no laser autofocus at the Pixel 8A, and also you additionally would possibly not get macro focal point mode both. Possibly the absence of macro mode is why I realized some pictures of meals dishes taken up shut misplaced their sharpness in sure portions of the picture. That stated, I don’t believe it is a deal-breaker for the general public. Those that simply need to seize pictures of buddies, circle of relatives, pets and holidays will in finding the Pixel 8A’s digital camera to be greater than have compatibility for the activity.
Total, the Pixel 8A excelled when it got here to paint accuracy, offering photographs that felt colourful however no longer exaggerated, as is on occasion the case with Samsung telephones I have examined prior to now. Whether or not I used to be photographing plants, meals or difficult and busy scenes like a 3-hitter or a bustling Queens side road nook, the pictures felt reasonable and true to existence. However on a telephone like this, you should not be expecting to get a crystal transparent zoom. When you actually desire a software that may take sharp pictures from afar at a live performance or pageant, splurge on a telephone with a devoted telephoto digital camera.
Nonetheless, the Pixel 8A has a cast digital camera machine that intently competitors the Pixel 8’s. As I reviewed greater than part a dozen units of pictures taken on each telephones, I discovered myself with one routine idea: Those pictures glance so much like those captured with the Pixel 8.
Google Pixel 8A
A photograph of a pink flower shot at the Pixel 8A.
Google Pixel 8
A photograph of a pink flower taken at the Pixel 8.
The Pixel 8’s photographs on occasion regarded crisper and extra detailed than the Pixel 8A’s, however I continuously needed to view them on a big display screen, like a computer or observe, to note. The variation between the 2 cameras used to be extra evident in difficult capturing cases, akin to in a dim atmosphere or when zooming in.
Check out the pictures under and you’ll be able to see what I imply. The Pixel 8’s model of each pictures is rather sharper than the Pixel 8A’s.
Google Pixel 8A (low gentle)
This photograph used to be taken in a dim bar at the Pixel 8A.
Google Pixel 8 (low gentle)
The Pixel 8 captured a good photograph of this cocktail in a dimly lit bar.
Google Pixel 8A (2x zoom)
This photograph used to be taken at a 2x zoom at the Pixel 8A.
Google Pixel 8 (2x zoom)
This used to be taken at the Pixel 8 at a 2x zoom.
There’s, on the other hand, a bigger hole in symbol high quality between the Pixel 8A and Galaxy A35 5G, in spite of there handiest being a $100 distinction between the 2. The Pixel 8A typically produced extra correct colours and lit the topic extra frivolously in maximum situations. Within the photograph of my cat under, as an example, the colour of his fur seems to be extra correct within the Pixel 8A’s depiction in comparison to the Galaxy A35’s.
Google Pixel 8A
It is a miracle that Friend sat nonetheless lengthy sufficient for this photograph to be taken.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
On this photograph, the colour of Friend’s fur has a slight tint to it.
The base line? The Pixel 8A’s digital camera is ok for the general public, particularly for a telephone at this value. You’ll be able to get a step up with the Pixel 8, however it isn’t really extensive sufficient to justify the distance in value.
As an advantage, this is one among my favourite pictures shot at the Pixel 8A. The streetlights bleed a little bit bit, however the distinction of the darkish, cloudy evening sky in opposition to the illuminated side road is placing.
The Pixel 8A takes first rate pictures at evening.
The Pixel 8A additionally inherits some AI-powered photograph and video modifying features from the Pixel 8, akin to Absolute best Take, Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. The ones first two options, which allow you to change an issue’s facial features after more than one photographs had been taken in a row and take away or manipulate gadgets in a photograph, paintings the similar manner they do at the Pixel 8. Samsung’s AI modifying options have not made their solution to the Galaxy A35 5G, even if I would not be shocked in the event that they sooner or later arrived thru a instrument replace.
Pixel 8A battery, efficiency and instrument
The Pixel 8A runs on Google’s Tensor G3 processor just like the Pixel 8.
The Pixel 8A’s battery is greater than able to getting thru a complete day on a unmarried rate. On a hectic day that concerned leaving the home round 8:30 a.m., spending the day on the place of job after which going out to dinner with buddies, the Pixel 8A nonetheless had 66% of its battery left at 12:43 a.m. That is kind of 16 hours of use.
However as at all times, battery life will range relying on how you are the usage of your software. I had the brightness set to no less than 50% or upper during the day and most commonly used the telephone for surfing social media and e mail, taking a couple of pictures, making a short lived telephone name and taking part in cell video games for roughly quarter-hour.
The Pixel 8A additionally carried out rather higher than the Pixel 7A in CNET’s 45-minute battery staying power check, which incorporates a mixture of normal function use circumstances like scrolling thru social media, streaming YouTube, undertaking a video name and taking part in video games. After 45 mins, the battery dipped all the way down to 95% from 100%, while the Pixel 7A used to be all the way down to 92% all the way through the similar check.
In terms of our longer battery check, which includes streaming video with the reveal at complete brightness for 3 hours, the Pixel 8A’s effects had been ample for a telephone of its value. The battery depleted to 83% on the finish of 3 hours, placing it about on par with closing 12 months’s Galaxy S23 (81%) and the Pixel 7A (85%). Strangely, it carried out rather higher than the Pixel 8, which used to be all the way down to 79% on the finish of the check, in spite of the Pixel 8’s marginally better battery.
The Pixel 8A has the similar Tensor G3 processor discovered within the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and function turns out easy up to now. Apps open temporarily, the digital camera launches simply, and video games run with out factor. Benchmark checks like Geekbench 6, which measures normal computing efficiency, and 3DMark for assessing graphics, point out the Pixel 8A is not as robust as top class units just like the Galaxy S24 circle of relatives however continues to be speedier than closing 12 months’s Pixel 7A. That turns out proper at the mark for a telephone on this value vary.
Geekbench 6
Unmarried Core 1,675 1,439 1,605 2,255Multicore 4,076 3,560 4,134 6,875
- Pixel 8A
- Pixel 7A
- Pixel 8
- Galaxy S24
3DMark Wild Lifestyles Excessive
3DMark Wild<span elegance=”scribe-editor-marker” taste=”reveal: none;”></span> Lifestyles Excessive 2,435 1,919 2,381 4,752
- Pixel 8A
- Pixel 7A
- Pixel 8
- Galaxy S24
{Hardware} is not the one similarity between the Pixel 8A and Google’s pricier Pixels; they proportion a large number of instrument options in commonplace too. You’ll be able to get options like Cling For Me, which is able to wait on dangle for you when calling sure companies, and Circle to Search, which helps you to seek for just about the rest on display screen through drawing or scribbling on it.
Circle to Seek is a more recent Android characteristic that debuted previous this 12 months, and it has a large number of doable. I nonetheless in finding myself going out of learn how to use it moderately than becoming it into my herbal telephone utilization patterns, however I have been inspired through how it is been running up to now. Once I rotated a picture of the principle persona from the preferred anime sequence Assault on Titan and requested for “presentations like this,” Google pulled up tales in regards to the sequence, together with one article recommending an identical content material. Google has large plans for integrating AI even more deeply into Android phones, as the corporate showcased all the way through its Google I/O keynote, so I am certain the 8A gets extra new options quickly sufficient.
Most significantly, Google will give a boost to the Pixel 8A with seven years of Android operating system upgrades and safety updates. That fits the Pixel 8’s give a boost to timeline and marks a large leap from the three-year pledge Google made with closing 12 months’s Pixel 7A. It is nice to look Google extending this coverage to its inexpensive telephone, too.
However the Pixel 8A does not have the entirety the Pixel 8 has. As an example, it seems like Google’s generative AI wallpapers don’t seem to be to be had at the Pixel 8A.
Pixel 8A general ideas
The Pixel 8A turns out like a better option for the general public in comparison to the Pixel 8.
Each and every 12 months, Google improves on its A-series telephones in ways in which deal with the former era’s criticisms and shortcomings. As such, the distance between Google’s common Pixel and A-series Pixel has steadily transform narrower. And at this level, it is so small that I am critically wondering whether or not the Pixel 8 is worthwhile.
There is a laundry listing of items you’ll be able to get with the Pixel 8 that don’t seem to be to be had at the Pixel 8A, akin to the facility to wirelessly rate different units at the again of the telephone, a rather better display screen, macro focal point mode within the digital camera and a better sturdiness score. However taken in combination, those do not really feel important sufficient to make the Pixel 8 a extra compelling possibility for the general public.
With the Pixel 8A, Google has as soon as once more raised the bar for what is anticipated of a $500 telephone. However as I wrote last year, that implies Google wishes to check out more difficult with its subsequent flagship.
Google Pixel 8A vs. Different Telephones
| Google Pixel 8A | Google Pixel 7A | Google Pixel 8 | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Show measurement, tech, answer, refresh charge | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels, 60-120Hz adaptive refresh charge | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 60/90Hz | 6.2-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 60-120Hz adaptive refresh charge | 6.6-inch FHD+ Tremendous AMOLED; 60-120Hz adaptive refresh charge |
| Pixel density | 430 ppi | 429 ppi | 428 ppi | 389 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 in. | 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 in. | 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 in. | 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 152 x 74 x 10.2 mm | 152 x 74 x 10.2 mm | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight (grams, oz) | 193 g (6.8 oz..) | 193 g (6.81 oz..) | 187 g (6.6 oz..) | 209 g (7.4 oz..) |
| Cell instrument (at release) | Android 14 | Android 13 | Android 14 | Android 14 |
| Digicam | 64-megapixel (primary), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) | 64-megapixel (primary), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (primary), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (primary), 8-megapixel (ultrawide), 5-megapixel (macro) |
| Entrance-facing digital camera | 13-megapixel | 13-megapixel | 10.5-megapixel | 13-megapixel |
| Video seize | 4K at 30/60 FPS | 4K at 30/60 FPS | 4K at 24/30/60 FPS | UHD at 30 FPS |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G3 | Samsung Exynos 1380 |
| RAM/garage | 8GB + 128GB or 256GB | 8GB + 128GB | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB | 6GB + 128GB |
| Expandable garage | None | None | None | as much as 1TB |
| Battery | 4,492 mAh (18W rapid charging, 7.5W wi-fi charging) | 4,385 mAh (18W rapid charging, 7.5W wi-fi charging) | 4,575 mAh (27W rapid charging, 18W wi-fi charging with Google Pixel Stand, 12W wi-fi charging Qi chargers) | 5,000 mAh (25W rapid stressed charging) |
| Fingerprint sensor | Beneath-display | Beneath-display | Beneath-display | Optical fingerprint sensor |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None |
| Particular options | 5G (5G sub6 / mmWave), IP67 score, VPN through Google One, Circle to Seek, 7 years Android OS updates, 7 years safety updates, Absolute best Take, Audio Magic Eraser | 5G (5G sub6 / mmWave), IP67 score, VPN through Google One, Circle to Seek, 3 years Android OS updates, 5 years safety updates | 5G (Sub 6,/mmWave); IP68 score; VPN through Google One; 7 years of Android OS updates, 7 years of safety updates; Absolute best Take; Audio Magic Eraser; Magic Editor, 2x “optical high quality” zoom; macro focal point, Battery Proportion | 5G, Samsung Knox Vault, 4 generations of Android OS updates, 5 years of safety updates, expandable garage |
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