With the Pixel 8a, Google has introduced its cheapest smartphone from the Pixel 8 series. We tested the device extensively in everyday life.
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 includes 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 to protect 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 Pixel 8 Pro. In terms of dimensions, the device is almost the same size as the Pixel 8. So if you were hoping for a significantly smaller smartphone, you might be disappointed with the Pixel 8a. The screen measures 6.1 inches – just 0.1 inch less than the Pixel 8.
The Google Pixel 8a looks very similar to the Pixel 8 (Image: BASIC thinking)
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 use plastic instead of glass, although this is of high quality and doesn’t make a noticeable difference in everyday life, especially when using a protective case.
The cameras protrude an inch from the housing, with the strip placed so that the device does not wobble on a table. The device is protected against dust and water according to the IP67 standard, and at 188 grams it is lighter than its predecessor.
The screen
Google’s biggest innovation this year was the screen. Like the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, this can now display content with a refresh rate of 120 Hertz. At 6.1 inches, it is the smallest in the series. However, there is hardly any noticeable difference compared to the Pixel 8 in terms of size and quality.
Only the glass on the Pixel 8 is more resistant (Gorilla Glass Victus on the 8, Gorilla Glass 3 on the 8a). The slightly thicker edges of the Pixel 8a are noticeable, which make the device look less high-quality. At 2000 nits, the screen is very bright and is easy to read in everyday life. The colors are typically Google, very bright and high in contrast. The screen has a high resolution and can compete with other devices in the price range.
The Pixel 8a’s screen can now display 120 Hertz. (Image: BASIC thinking)
The hardware of the 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 storage. This means that the device achieves values in the “Geekbench” test that are almost as strong as the Pixel 8, which reflects our everyday experience.
The device can start any app quickly and most games run smoothly on the screen. However, the Pixel 8a becomes noticeably warm over longer periods of time. If you really want to do a lot of gaming, you should look for another 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 facial unlocking, but not on the same level as 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. There is a lack of low tones and dynamics. But 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 with the cameras.
The Google Pixel 8a has the same sensors as the Pixel 7a. (Image: BASIC thinking)
Thanks to the new processor, the photos can be processed better, which is noticeable in the photos, which continue to look sharp and rich in detail. The camera reaches its limits when it comes to zoom, which can zoom in on photos up to a maximum of eight times. An optical zoom is only available in the Pro model. The photos look significantly “warmer” than their predecessor, but this applies to the entire Pixel 8 series.
We have once again taken some test photos with the Pixel 8a for you, which you can check out this You can view the gallery.
The ultra wide-angle lens has a resolution of 13 megapixels and delivers good results. Although there is distortion at the edges, as usual with lenses with low resolution, the image is sharp in all areas.
However, the wide-angle lens does not have autofocus, which is why useful macro shots are not possible with the Pixel 8a. The 13 megapixel front camera also takes good photos and is one of the best in the price range.
The software of the Google Pixel 8a in the test
Android 14 is preinstalled on the Google Pixel 8a. An update to Android 15 will probably take place 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.
People can be removed from photos, audios 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 Google searches.
The Google Pixel 8a also has all the AI functions from the Pixel 8 series, which we have already explained in detail in our test of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Google promises seven years of software updates. This puts the company at the top with Samsung, which ensures that the device doesn’t have to be left in the drawer after a few years.
The battery
The Pixel 8a’s battery measures 4492 milliamps, 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. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 charges with 27 watts.
The Pixel 8a 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 made it through a whole day without any problems. With the energy saving mode activated, the device can easily get through a second night.
Conclusion and experiences: Google Pixel 8a in the test
The Google Pixel 8a is an impressive smartphone for its price and offers many features found in the more expensive models in the Pixel 8 series. Particularly noteworthy are the brilliant screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, the good workmanship 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 an RRP of 549 euros, the device is more expensive than its predecessor. Given the current prices, for many people it might even be worth it to get the Pixel 8, which is no longer so expensive, if you 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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The article Google Pixel 8a in the test: An AI smartphone for everyone? by Nils Ahrensmeier first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the Google Pixel 8a is a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into smartphones. The idea of an AI smartphone for everyone is intriguing, as it suggests that the device will be able to adapt and learn based on the user’s behaviors and preferences.
The use of AI in smartphones has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices, making them more intuitive and personalized to our needs. With the Google Pixel 8a, users can expect features such as predictive text, smart suggestions, and personalized recommendations based on their usage patterns.
However, there are also potential concerns with the integration of AI into smartphones, such as privacy and data security. It will be important for Google to be transparent about how the AI technology is being used and ensure that user data is protected.
Overall, the Google Pixel 8a appears to be a promising device that could potentially pave the way for future advancements in AI technology in smartphones. It will be interesting to see how consumers respond to this new generation of AI-powered devices and how they will continue to evolve in the future.
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