Google Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a is still the cheap way to access all of Google ’s AI goodies .
The Google Pixel 8a may seem like a reprise of the Pixel 8 - -and in many ways , it is ! But it ’s also the cheapest start price for Google ’s Gemini AI - driven lineament , like Circle to Search . For those on a budget who want admission to that , the Pixel 8a is it .
The Google Pixel 8a.Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Buy Google Pixel 8a
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Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Updated May 24 , 2024 , with official battery bench mark resolution .
Google ’s Pixel releases are giving a major casing of deja vu . I bought thePixel 8 in October , but thePixel 8afeels likenothing more than a reprise , save for the camera computer hardware and a few other turn . This speaks to Google ’s somewhat confusing flight regarding its ironware . As a two - time vendee of the first - tier up flagship Pixel , I ’m annoyed that I do n’t get more than a bumped - up camera organization set about at $ 200 more .
The Pixel 8a has almost all the fixing of its flagship sib . It ’s power by a Google Tensor G3 CPU — the same as the Pixel 8/8 Pro — feature wireless charging and confront unlock , and hails the same size Actua presentation . It also offer leading battery life , which the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro still struggle with seven month after release . It ’s all for the start cost of $ 500 .
Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Pixel 8a Design
A little more of the same
In all candor , the Pixel 8a is not a replication of the Pixel 8 . For instance , the back - facing camera bar is thinner than on the Pixel 8 , and the backside is pearlescent matte instead of sheen and shiny . I prefer the 8a ’s coating because it ’s less prone to slew off the board . The button on the Pixel 8a are also more marked than the Pixel 8 ; they even extend a satisfying click .
The Pixel 8a ’s 6.1 - column inch Actua display is the same size of it as the Pixel 8 ’s and includes a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate — it does n’t open fire off at 120Hz the entire time , which is likely why Google can claim long stamp battery life . Interestingly , Google opted for a glass video display on the Pixel 8a over a atomic number 15 - OLED like on the Pixel 8/8 Pro . On report , the Pixel 8a is a mere few grams difference in weight—6.6 ounces versus 6.8 ounces . But in the hired man , the all - glass build has discernable heft .
This multiplication ’s Pixel 8a comes in four colors : Porcelain , Obsidian , Bay — the same blue as the Pixel 8 Pro — and Aloe , a sensational concentrated teal - green with mite of plenty in the swatch . It ’s pretty , and the backside camera bar is toned to match . The bottom of the Pixel 8a business firm stereo speakers and a USB - C charging interface .
Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Pixel 8a Performance
Copycat insides
ThePixel 8ahas a Tensor G3 processor and 8 GB of RAM , which is the same shape as the Pixel 8 I trade in in thePixel 7for . The Tensor G3 reserve the Pixel 8a to use characteristic likeCircle to Search . Remember , Google ’s plan for its devices is to aid distribute its AI offerings and services . The emphasis on carrying into action for the Pixel 8a ’s inner micro chip is n’t needs for gaming , multitasking , or length of service ; it ’s to provide a static platform for Gemini AI and all that it aim to do .
unluckily , Geekbench 6 wo n’t download on most pre - release hardware . I ’m not about to run an unverified APK for examination purpose , so I ’ll have to hold off a act before running it through some of the more popular synthetic benchmark . But so far , I can say the Pixel 8a flew through emulation and the occasional seance of Pokemon Go . It even works with theRazer Kishi Ultra .
This time , the Pixel 8a is uncommitted with a small more storage . It has 128 GB or 256 GB of space for files and photos , though only the Obsidian color is available for pre - social club from the Google Store . If you ’re trying to grease one’s palms a smartphone that holds everything for you , this isn‘t it , especially not at the base Mary Leontyne Price . I am on 256 GB with the Pixel 8 and must constantly clear out space .
The left was taken with the Pixel 8a, and the right was taken with the Pixel 8.Image: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
The Pixel 8a ’s barrage life so far is promising . But that ’s no surprise since the last two generations took our top spot for in force mid - tier battery oblation . It took two days on standby for the gadget to chew through 40 % of its battery life . Our official battery test sack up about 21 hours and 25 proceedings of electric battery life . That ’s near five hours longer than last year ’s Pixel 7a , though it ’s three hours behind Google ’s promise of 24 - hour stamp battery sprightliness . You ’re potential to get that form of barrage fire if you choose for one of the power - saving modality from the getgo .
Pixel 8a Camera
Same camera as the Pixel 7a
There ’s no reasonableness to ding Google for duplicate the camera hardware , even if it is the same as last year ’s liberation . The point the fellowship is trying to make is that all you need are its algorithms at the death of the day . What ’s available here is the bare lower limit and perform well enough . I captured the once - in - a - lifetime coming into court of the northern igniter down in California with the Pixel 8a sans tripod . I snapped a photograph with my Pixel 8 to equate , and I could n’t even tell the difference without zooming in .
Like the Pixel 8 , do n’t zoom in too much because the camera will show its limitations . At the very least , the Pixel 8a ’s big aperture will give you enough light to whizz in and scan QR computer code on a wall from far away .
Verdict
Google’s Pixel 8a is still a good buy
Like the rest of the Pixel family , Google promise seven years of software , security measures , and Feature Drop update . It ’s Android ’s way of keeping you around for the long term . Regarding the bundled AI features , it is par for the line on the Android program for now — that ’s all that Google is focalise on . regard this a caveat if you ’re looking at the Pixel 8a to save money . It ’ll be interesting to see if Google keeps it up to feature parity with the rest of the flagship batting order .
For most people calculate for a basic smartphone that can at least capture the present moment when the aurora borealis have a rare appearance , thePixel 8ais an excellent bargain for its $ 500 start price tag . But if you could regain the Pixel 8 meretricious , with a bundled trade - in or a sale , it ’s worth it for the slight top . For one , the Pixel 8a does n’t presently bid IP68 - rated water and dust resistance — the Pixel 8a is at IP67 , which is fine for phone - in - the - toilet situations , at least . try out not to let it sit around in there for too long . And two , the camera ironware in the Pixel 8 is still good than the one in the Pixel 8a . You ’ll need that one if you need clearer pic with higher resolution .
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The Pixel 8a and its glass display.Photo: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
