Google Pixel 8a Buyers Guide – Is It Worth It?

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Google has announced its latest mid-ranger Pixel 8a. With this new device being announced, many people have been confused about whether to upgrade to the new Pixel 8a or simply skip away. Just like every year, the A series of the Pixel family gets updated with new hardware and even better software right out of the box.

So, if you have been thinking about getting yourself a new Google Pixel device, or if you should wait for the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, you’ve come to the right place.

With smartphones being released throughout the year, it becomes difficult for people to decide which phone to purchase. You see, only some people use their phones for just a single year and then upgrade to a new device. Some users don’t upgrade their phones for three years or even more. So making an informed decision when picking up a smartphone is very important.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • Google could have worked on Pixel 8a Bezels
  • The phone comes with various improvements over its predecessor including 7-Years of Android OS Updates
  • In offers Pixel 8 cost less than $500 which is a better option than Pixel 8a

Google Pixel 8a Design: How Does It Fare Against the Competition?

The tech giant brings Pixel 8a with some design changes. Compared to the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a looks compact with round edges. The camera bar is also more polished and the color choices compliments the design. However, not everything is great, the major disappointment is the bezels of the device. It’s bezels make the device look like an entry level phone.

Pixel 8a Front Design

Google Pixel 8a: Feature – Packed or Lacking?

The major improvement in Pixel 8a is the higher refresh rate and Tensor G3 chip that support a bunch of AI features. Another good thing about the Pixel 8a is that it just comes in two storage variants. This is good enough for people who would either like to spend less on a Pixel or would prefer a little more storage.

  • SoC: Google Tensor G3
  • Storage Options: 128 GB, 256 GB (UFS 3.1)
  • RAM: 8 GB LPDDR5x
  • Screen Size: 6.1 inch (ca. 15 centimeters) OLED
  • Screen Resolution: 1080 ร— 2400px
  • Brightness: 1400 Nits HDR, 2000 Nits Peak
  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
  • Battery Capacity: 4482 mAh
  • Charging Capacity: 7.5W wireless, 18W wired
  • Operating System: Android 14
  • Rear Cameras: 64 MP Quad PD Wide Camera, 13 MP Ultrawide
  • Front Cameras: 13 MP
  • Dimensions: 151.1 mm x 72.7 mm x 8.9 mm
  • Weight: 188g
  • Color Options: Aloe, bay, Porcelain, Obsidian
Pixel 8a Colors

Google Pixel 8a – How Much Does It Cost?

The Pixel 8a as showcased by Google is a budget-friendly mid-range device. The new Pixel 8a costs $499 for the base model whereas the 256GB variant costs $559. Yes, the prices are similar as last year. These are the launch prices, meaning you can get the phone at even lower price through offers on various e-commerce platform. Also the price will reduce with time.

Google Pixel 8a – How Many Updates Will It Receive?

Just like its elder siblings Pixel 8 and the 8 Pro, the Google Pixel 8a is eligible for 7 years of OS updates. Starting with the Pixel 8 series released in 2023, every Pixel device from now onward will get 7 years of OS updates and security updates. This means you will be getting Android updates up to Android 20 (maybe 21). This is one of the important features of the Pixel 8a if you plan to use the device for many years.

Pixel 8a Rear Design

Google Pixel 8a – Whatโ€™s In the Box

The Google Pixel 8a like the other Pixels comes with a limited number of items. And yes, just like the Pixel 8 duos, the Pixel 8a does not come with charging brick. You will have to get one of your own or reuse an existing one.

  • Pixel 8a smartphone
  • A SIM Ejector
  • Quick Switch Adaptor
  • A 1m USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Quick start guide and other paperwork

Google Pixel 8a – Should You Get It?

While it is good to see the Pixel 8a as a budget-friendly smartphone, not everyone should be upgrading to the device. If you have already purchased a smartphone between the $300 to $500 range in the last couple of months, it would be best to skip the Pixel 8a. Also, if you own any of the older Pixel flagship devices such as the Pixel 7 or even the 6 series, it is best to switch to the upcoming Pixel 9 series.

However, if you use an older pixel A series smartphone such as the Pixel 5a or any pixel older than the Pixel 5a, it would be ideal to switch to the Pixel 8a, unless you are getting Pixel 8 at similar price (or with minor difference). Yes, Pixel 8 is better than Pixel 8a and sometimes it costs less than $500 in sales. So if you want a more loaded phone in budget, keep tracking the price of Pixel 8 and you will have a better phone soon.

If you have an older Android smartphone and feel the $500 price tag is too steep, holding on to your older Android smartphone for a few more months would be advisable. The Pixel 8a will see a price drop, which would be more reasonable for you to upgrade to the Pixel 8a.

Google Pixel 8a – What AI Tools Do You Get?

Because smartphones in 2024 have now become more of a device that helps you get things even quicker with AI, it is important to know what kind of AI tools you will be able to use if you get Pixel 8a. Here is a list of all the AI goodness available in Google Pixel 8a.

  • Magic Eraser
  • Magic Photo and Video Editing
  • Google AI for Pixel Camera
  • Circle To Search
  • Enhanced Voice Calls
  • Live Translation

With all of these AI tools just being the start, you can expect even more AI tools to be rolling out for the pixel lineup later via Feature Drops as well as Android OS upgrades that take place every September.

Google Pixel 8a – Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Pixel 8a come with a 3.5 mm jack?

No, the Pixel 8a, like all other Pixel smartphones, has no 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can either make use of Bluetooth headphones and TWS or maybe an earphone with a Type-C connector.

Can you expand the storage on Google Pixel 8a?

No, the storage cannot be expanded using microSD cards. However, you can always opt for the 256 storage variant or get a subscription to any of the cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Microsoftโ€™s OneDrive.

Does the Pixel 8a Waterproof?

Just like the Pixel 7a, the new Pixel 8a comes with IP67 water and dust resistance.ย ย 

When did the Pixel 8a officially launch?

Googleโ€™s newest Pixel 8a launched on May 7, 2024 and started shipping from May 14, 2024. And should soon be available at your favorite online as well as offline retailers for you to check out and get a hands-on of the device.

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AUTHOR.

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Joshua D'souza

Enjoy games, 90's hip-hop, and tech. Loves exploring the infinite world of laptops and food. Every ready to provide assistance in anything that rocks his boat. Will gladly enjoy capturing memories through various lenses. Worked previously at PiunikaWeb as an author and researcher.

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