With the Pixel 8a, Google is once again bringing an interesting addition to the (upper) mid-range. Targeted improvements and a price increase bring the Pixel 8a closer to the Pixel 8, which is more of a disadvantage than an advantage.

The Google Pixel phones have been officially available in our country since the end of October. The Pixel 7a landed in our country with a delay. We really liked the device and even declared it the winner in its price range in a mass test. The Belgian market was there for the Pixel 8a from the start.

With targeted improvements, the Google Pixel 8a further blurs the lines between the mid-range and premium segments. Could this device become the Editors’ Choice again?

Small but strong

The Pixel 8a retains the compact form factor of its predecessor and the Pixel 8. With a size of 6.1 inches, this device fits well in your hands. The device cannot be described as slim and elegant. The thick screen edges and the wide frame give the smartphone a robust look.

The Pixel 8a also weighs twenty grams more than the Samsung Galaxy S24 of the same size. The device looks robust, as evidenced by the IP67 protection rating. The matte back is resistant to fingerprints.

Finally 120 Hz

The screen resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) has remained unchanged compared to the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 8 has the same number of pixels, so the pixel density is slightly higher on the Pixel 8a. This results in a sharp image and the presence of AMOLED ensures that the screen does not suffer from color blindness.

Google fixes two drawbacks we had with the Pixel 7a’s screen. The refresh rate is increased to 120 Hz and is dynamically adjustable. The screen brightness also improves significantly. We were able to measure a peak brightness of 1425 nits, while the Pixel 7a did not exceed 471 nits.

Processor from our own stable

As with all of its current devices, Google has installed a self-built Tensor chipset in the Pixel 8a. The Tensor G3 is exactly the same as the processor in the premium Pixel models. This is a testament to the ambition that Google wants to convey with the Pixel 8a. The manufacturer likes to allude to the presence of a TPU in the chip to be able to run AI models on your smartphone: a commitment in the AI ​​era.

Within the premium segment, the private label processor is not the fastest, but in the upper mid-range it feels like a fish in water. The Pixel 8a performs significantly better than competing devices.

New to the Pixel 8a is the ARM GPU Immortalis-G715s MC10. While Google opted for a Mali GPU in the previous generation, it is now continuing the line of the Pixel 8 to the A version. This gives the Pixel 8a additional graphical power and further blurs the boundaries between the two devices.

The Pixel 8 is better equipped to sustain this graphical powerhouse for longer and more consistently. We see the Pixel 8a peak quickly, but then quickly drop off.

Slightly less slow loading

Battery life is one of the few specs where the Pixel 8a shows signs of weakness. However, the Pixel 8a’s battery has a slightly larger capacity compared to the Pixel 7a (4,492 mAh vs. 4,385 mAh). More important than the battery’s capacity is how efficiently the processor uses it.

This was fine with the Pixel 7a, but with the Pixel 8a it seems as if the internals have become a bit too powerful for the battery. Competing devices with lighter hardware perform significantly better in our battery tests. Please note that these are based on intensive use; with “normal” use, bridging a day’s battery life should not be a problem.

Slow charging was the Pixel 7a’s big flaw. There’s a slight improvement, but we’re still not sold on 20W. Don’t let Google fool you into thinking this is “fast charging” either. It takes 36 minutes to charge to fifty percent, and seventy minutes to reach eighty percent. Motorola shows how it could be done, but for now, Pixel owners can only dream of that.

Cameras

Photography has been a strong showcase of Google Pixel phones since the first generation. The Pixel 7’s cameras were actually too good for a mid-range smartphone, so how can Google improve on that? Google’s answer: with even more AI. Just like the Pixel 8, you get two cameras: a main lens (50MP, f/1.7) and a wide-angle lens (12MP, f/2.2, 126°).

The main camera is perhaps the aspect in which the Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 differ the most. On paper, the order is surprisingly reversed, as the Pixel 8a gets the main lens with the most pixels (64MP vs. 50MP). The number of pixels doesn’t tell the whole story here, as the Pixel 8 is again equipped with a larger light sensor. The difference is especially noticeable at night.

Once again, the Pixel 8a’s cameras don’t disappoint. In varying lighting and weather conditions, both the main lens and the wide-angle lens perform well. When it comes to zoom, you’re somewhat limited without a dedicated lens.

As an extra, you get numerous AI functions for editing photos. Is a certain person or object bothering you? With the Magic Eraser You can remove it with a simple press of a button: photo manipulation has never been so easy. You will see blurrier “spots” on your photos. We also see the same photo editing features on the Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 devices.

Pure Android

Another benefit of owning a Pixel phone is that you get the pure Android experience. This is Android as Google intended it to be. No duplicate apps or other bells and whistles. An additional plus is the extensive support: The Pixel 8a gets seven years of software and security updates. Every supported Pixel phone also gets updates at the same time. Thumbs up to Google because you don’t have to pay full price to get preferential treatment.

Of course, Google also tries to lure in all sorts of AI software features, some of which are more useful than others. We’ve already mentioned the editing features, but you also have read, write, translate, and search functions, among others. It’s fun to play with, but that’s not why you should get a Pixel 8a.

Conclusion: Good, but unnecessary?

The Pixel 8a once again has everything it needs to win in the mid-range segment. The cameras and processor are actually at flagship level and in many respects this device is in no way inferior to the Pixel 8. Google is once again showing that it is not neglecting the Pixel-a line.

Therein lies the Pixel 8a’s identity crisis. The fact that we’ve made the comparison with the Pixel 8 so many times underlines how close the two devices are this year. That’s a compliment to the Pixel 8a, but it could just as easily destroy it, as the Pixel 8a’s price rises toward the base model.

One might wonder whether there are still enough reasons for both devices and whether Google wouldn’t be better off making a cheap entry-level model and then going all out with the Pixel Pro.

The Google Pixel 8a is available in four colors: black, white, blue and green. The basic version has 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB of storage and costs 549 euros including VAT.

Android update policy: Google guarantees that the Pixel 7a will receive security updates for at least seven years and operating system updates for three years. This period begins with the launch of Android 14 on May 14, 2024. The statutory warranty period is two years.