Google Pixel 8a is launched, product review

We look at the latest offering from Google. The Pixel 8a continues the recent strategy of launching the new edition and then, approximately six months later a slightly standardised and one size fits all reason. At the same time, simply due to the passage of time, there are often some degree of upgrades, tweaks and patches with the a-series devices too. See more about the product here.

Google Pixel 8a is launched, product review

The price point is sightly lower than the 8 and 8 Pro, which came out around six months ago now. The Pixel 8a is pretty good straight out of the box. It does a lot of things well and builds on the new baseline that the Pixel 8 brought in. A use-case question might be, who is this aimed at. Hard core fans probably got the 8 when it came out, and extreme fan boys and girls might then be happily using that and then waiting for the 9 to come along.

Who is then keen for the Pixel 8a? Our testers felt it is a good to great to piece of kit. Once you start using the camera, unless you go to the upper range of phones, you will find it hard to then revert to lower res devices. At the same time are people still buying new phones every six months? Some might be, but, thankfully, these phones are relatively robust, and not prone to breaking too fast. Sure we have accidentally taken out some, but, with the better cases and their slightly smaller sizes, they are more pocket friendly, and less likely to instantly die on you, if you do drop them.

The Pixel 8a does have some slight upgrades in terms of memory, slightly better processing capabilities, and all and any of the other over the air upgrades that have been issued for the Pixel 8 since it came out. Our testers are happy to recommend the Pixel 8a if you need a decent, hard working, upper threshold, but not price busting device. At the same time they are also curious and interested to see where the Pixel 9 goes too, probably late this year or early in 2025.

What is included in the Pixel 8a box

Your Pixel 8a purchase comes with a 1 m USB-C® to USB-C® cable (USB® 2.0), quick start guide, Quick Switch adaptor (for data transfer) and SIM tool. Pixel 8a does not come with a 30 W USB-C power charger, but that can be purchased separately.

The Google Pixel 8a is here! Powered by our latest Google Tensor G3 chip, it’s equipped with many of the same must-have AI features as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, like Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser and more. Designed to capture amazing photos, save you time and keep you and your loved ones safe, the Pixel 8a offers unbeatable value starting at €559.

Fun colours and a fresh design

Our refined A-Series design feels even better in your hands with rounded edges, a matte back and a
polished aluminium frame. Its durable design — which has an IP67 rating — can handle slips, spills and dust, making Pixel 8a the most durable A-Series phone yet. Plus, its new Actua display is 40% brighter than Pixel 7a’s, and the faster 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smooth.
There’s two new A-series colours: Aloe (a limited-edition colour!) and Bay. Or choose from one of our neutral colour options: Obsidian or Porcelain.. And for the first time ever, there’s a larger storage capacity option at 256 GB, giving you more space for your favourite content.

Amazing photography, made simple

Ranked the best smartphone camera in its category, Pixel 8a features a powerful dual rear camera with a 64-megapixel main lens and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens. It comes equipped with a 13-megapixel front facing camera as well, with a large field of view to fit even more into your shots.

Where can I find setup instructions and tips?

Move your stuff over, personalise your settings and explore Pixel features to get the most out of your phone. Get to know Google Pixel.

Display details

6.1-inch Actua display1

20:9 aspect ratio

1080 x 2400 OLED at 430 PPI

Smooth Display2 (up to 120 Hz)

Corning® Gorilla® Glass™ 3 cover glass

Always-on display with At a Glance and Now Playing

Up to 1,400 nits (HDR) and up to 2,000 nits (peak brightness)3

>1,000,000:1 contrast ratio

HDR support

Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colours

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