REVIEW
In an era where tech giants are cramming their products with glitzy AI features, the Google Pixel 8A offers a refreshing return to simplicity.
While it adopts some AI tools from the Pixel 8, like Circle to Search and Best Take, it doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking.
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Surprisingly, this lack of novelty is a strength rather than a shortfall.
The Pixel 8A excels by mastering the basics, making it both affordable and accessible.
Google’s reputation for enhancing Pixel phones with updates suggests the 8A will grow smarter over time. The charm of this device lies not in any single standout feature but in the harmonious integration of its capabilities.
Why choose the Pixel 8A?
One reason to consider the Pixel 8 over the 8A is the potential for discounts. Carriers and retailers often slash the Pixel 8’s price to match or even undercut the Pixel 8A, especially through promotions that might make it nearly free.
However, these deals usually come with conditions like starting a new contract or trading in an old device. As deals expire, such opportunities might not always be available. Google’s A-series phones also see price cuts, so the Pixel 8A could become even more affordable in time.
For Android enthusiasts aiming to stay under the $1,000 mark, the Pixel 8A is a solid choice unless the Pixel 8 dips to $800 or less.
Pixel 8A vs Pixel 8: The differences
The Pixel 8A and Pixel 8 share many features, but differ in a couple of key aspects.
Battery and display: The Pixel 8A has a slightly smaller battery and a 6.1-inch screen compared to the Pixel 8’s 6.2 inches. It lacks the Battery Share feature, which allows the Pixel 8 to act as a wireless charger.
Charging and durability: The Pixel 8 supports faster wired charging and boasts an IP68 water resistance rating, better than the Pixel 8A’s IP67. This makes the Pixel 8 more durable, especially for outdoor use.
Camera and audio: The Pixel 8A’s camera has a higher resolution but smaller pixels, and it misses out on laser detect autofocus and macro focus mode. Spatial audio is also absent in the 8A.
Despite these differences, the Pixel 8A’s compromises are sensible and unlikely to deter most people. The design mimics the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, with rounded edges and a matte finish that feels premium and resists fingerprints better than its predecessors.
It’s also available in three colours in Australia — bay (light blue), obsidian (black) and porcelain (white).
Display and camera performance
The Pixel 8A’s bezels are slightly larger than the Pixel 8’s, but this is hardly noticeable in everyday use. The improved display brightness over the Pixel 7A is a welcome enhancement, making outdoor visibility less of an issue.
Camera-wise, the Pixel 8A sports a 64-megapixel main camera and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, similar to the Pixel 7A. While it may seem superior to the Pixel 8’s 50-megapixel main camera, the Pixel 8A’s smaller pixels affect image quality in low light and challenging conditions.
Nevertheless, the Pixel 8A captures vibrant and realistic photos, making it a worthy choice for everyday photography.
Battery life and performance
The Pixel 8A impresses with its battery life, comfortably lasting a full day of moderate use. It slightly outperforms the Pixel 7A in day-to-day battery endurance, and even rivals more expensive models like Samsung’s Galaxy S23.
Powered by the same Tensor G3 processor as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 8A delivers smooth performance across apps, camera operations, and gaming. However, performance won’t match more premium devices like the Galaxy S24.
Software and AI features
The Pixel 8A benefits from many of Google’s software features, such as Hold For Me and Circle to Search. Circle to Search, which lets users draw or scribble to initiate a search, showcases the potential of AI integration. The 8A will also receive seven years of Android updates, aligning it with the Pixel 8’s support timeline – a significant improvement from previous models.
The Pixel 8A raises the bar for what a $849 phone can offer. While it lacks some of the Pixel 8’s features, the differences aren’t substantial enough to sway most users.
Google’s iterative improvements have narrowed the gap between its regular and A-series Pixels, making the Pixel 8A a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
As Google continues to enhance its flagship models, it will need to push even harder to justify the higher price points.
The Pixel 8A is available at a number of top Australian retailers including JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks and Kogan.