You won’t find so much of the future in any other phone thats this affordable.
I get the same cool AI wallpapers feature that I love.
If the Pixel 8a uses a cheaper display than the Pixel 8, I certainly couldn’t tell.
Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, and Pixel 8a (left to right)
But that’s the only reason to spend more on the Pixel 8.
Google is offering seven years of Android OS updates for the Pixel 8a.
Don’t wait, the Pixel 8a is worth buying now.
For only $100 more you can have the Galaxy S23 FE with DeX
For the same price, you’ve got the option to get aOnePlus 12R.
While there is much to recommend that phone, I think most people should stick with the Pixel 8a.
The OnePlus 12R is faster, with a bigger, better display.
It’s much harder to recommend the Pixel 8 these days
In terms of software, OnePlus does a nice job, but Google still rules the Android roost.
It comes with 8GB of RAM, just like the Pixel 8.
In processor and graphics benchmarks, performance was effectively identical between the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8.
Sure, it looks like every other Pixel phone since the Pixel 6, but that’s brand identity.
I actually like the camera bar, I prefer its symmetry to the camera bump on most other phones.
Glossy plastic is out; the Pixel 8a is in.
You can barely see the two-tone greens on the Pixel 6a (left)
Otherwise… it’s a Pixel, and you know what that looks like by now.
It looks like every other Pixel.
It has a 120Hz refresh rate and the same 2,000-nit peak brightness potential as the Pixel 8.
Indoors, the display seemed exceptionally bright, so perhaps it just needed a better reflective coating.
Maybe it’s getting too easy?
Android used to have many more customization options to organize your home screens and your app list.
Most of these are gone now.
you’re free to’t even put apps into folders in Google’s app menu.
On the other hand, Google does the best job with things like notifications.
They just appear with a press.
The new AI tools keep getting better.
I make a new AI wallpaper every few days.
The AI features are constantly growing.
Unfortunately, the Gemini app stopped working for me suddenly a few days before this review published.
The reason it can handle all these features is because the processing is done by Google in the cloud.
OnePlus 12R (6.7-inch) behind the Pixel 8a (6.1-inch)
Will Google reallysupport the Pixel 8a for seven years?
I had concerns, so I spoke to Google before this phone arrived at my door.
Googles Pixel reps assure me they have a roadmap for Tensor G3 phones that will last 7 years.
In 2031, the Pixel 8a will retire with Android 21 on board, because Google has a plan.
Android yellowcake, perhaps.
The photos were remarkably similar.
Googles color and light balancing are nearly identical on both phones.
Only in the darkest conditions was the Pixel 8 Pro advantage clear.
The color and lighting is very similar across both devices.
Google Gemini will offer suggestions in apps like Gmail
This low-light photo shows the clearest distinction between the Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel 8a.
Thats a pretty remarkable feat, and good for Pixel 8a buyers because these phones both take great photos.
Youll see the difference in fine details, though.
All the photo modes from the Pixel 8 Pro are here
The Pixel 8 Pro has a 50MP sensor, after all.
The Pixel 8a uses a 64MP sensor but it only outputs 16MP images.
Even RAW image files (why on a bargain A-series phone?)
Google Pixel 8a photo(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
only have a 16MP resolution.
Anything in Google Photos is fair game.
What does that mean in the real world?
Google Pixel 8 Pro photo(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
It ran all of my games, includingCall of DutyandMarvelSnap, with no trouble.
It just didn’t run games as smoothly as theGalaxy S24can run them.
Even AI Wallpapers rely on Google’s cloud for help, and there is a back and forth delay.
Google Pixel 8a photo(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
I had some trouble using Bluetooth on the Pixel 8a.
The phone kept finding and refinding myPixel Buds Pro.
I had to reconnect them three times in a week.
Google Pixel 8 Pro photo(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
A compromise must be made to bring the price down, and Google apparently compromises on battery life.
In my real-world testing, the Pixel 8a never lasted a full day of use.
I used the phone at home, for work, and traveling by plane to Google I/O.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
It usually needed a top-up on the battery after dinner, if I was going to keep using it.
The phones cost the same, too.
Should you buy the Google Pixel 8a?
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
And it will keep getting better, we hope.
Just don’t get it wet.
You need amazing camerasThe Pixel 8a took solid photos that were satisfying to share.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
It doesn’t have long zoom or the fine details of the Pixel 8 Pro, however.
Go for a faster equipment if you want to finish that marathon.
OnePlus 12RYou want power and performance over software smarts.
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
It looks snazzy, too.
Read more about how we test
First reviewed May 2024
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The USB-C charging port is ‘faster’ than before
Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, and Pixel 8a (left to right)
