Google Pixel 8a: A Practical Review

Summary

In this review, the Pixel 8A is praised for its great performance, 120Hz AMOLED display, attractive design, and Google's clean software with AI features. Despite a lack of a zoom lens and average battery life, the phone offers excellent value, especially considering its price point. The reviewer notes the importance of monitoring discounts on the Pixel 8, suggesting it might be a better option if priced similarly.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Pixel 8A has been used for 3 weeks without a strong desire to switch back to a more expensive phone.
• 🚀 It shares the same processor with Google's flagship models, ensuring good performance.
• 🖥️ The 120 Hz AMOLED display is a significant upgrade from the 60 Hz screen on the Pixel 6A.
• 🌟 The design is praised, with the aloe color variant and matte back giving it a premium look and feel.
• 🤖 Google's software and AI features are a strong selling point, with many features from the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 available on the 8A.
• 📸 The camera quality is good, especially considering it's a cheaper model, but lacks a zoom lens.
• 🔌 The haptics are considered the best among smartphones, even in the A series.
• 🔋 Battery life is average, offering around 5.5 hours of screen-on time.
• 💡 The screen brightness could be better, often requiring maxing out to achieve desired levels.
• 🌡️ The phone can get warm during use, especially after the initial two weeks of use.
• 🔌 Charging speed can be inconsistent, sometimes showing very low wattage input.

Q & A

How long has the reviewer been using the Pixel 8A?

The reviewer has been using the Pixel 8A for about 3 weeks.

What is the reviewer's general opinion on the performance of the Pixel 8A?

The reviewer is pleased with the performance of the Pixel 8A, noting that it uses the same processor as Google's more expensive flagship models.

What is the refresh rate of the Pixel 8A's display?

The Pixel 8A features a 120 Hz AMOLED display.

How does the reviewer feel about the design of the Pixel 8A?

The reviewer appreciates the design of the Pixel 8A, mentioning that it looks good and does not feel cheap despite being a mid-range device.

What color variant of the Pixel 8A does the reviewer have, and what does it look like?

The reviewer has the 'aloe' color variant, which they describe as having a mint vibe.

What AI features does the Pixel 8A have according to the reviewer?

The Pixel 8A has AI features such as the Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take feature, and Circle to search, which are also available on the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8.

How many years of software updates does the Pixel 8A receive?

The Pixel 8A receives 7 years of software updates.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the camera quality of the Pixel 8A?

The reviewer states that the Pixel 8A takes great photos and can take pretty good videos in the right circumstances.

What is one aspect of the Pixel 8A's screen that the reviewer finds lacking?

The reviewer wishes the Pixel 8A's screen had better brightness flexibility.

What issue did the reviewer experience with the charging speed of the Pixel 8A?

The reviewer experienced slow charging speeds with the Pixel 8A at times, with the phone showing as low as 2 or 3 watts of power input.

What advice does the reviewer give regarding the price of the Pixel 8A compared to the Pixel 8?

The reviewer suggests keeping an eye on the prices and considering the Pixel 8 if it's discounted, or the Pixel 8A if it's not discounted or if it goes on sale.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Pixel 8A Review Overview

The reviewer has been using the Pixel 8A for three weeks and hasn't felt the need to switch back to their regular S24 Ultra. They emphasize that this is a practical review based on personal opinion and daily usage, not a scientific analysis. The performance of the Pixel 8A is praised as it uses the same processor as Google's more expensive flagship models, providing a flagship-like experience without feeling slow or cheap. The reviewer's general usage has been satisfactory with this device.

05:02

🔥 Positive Aspects of Pixel 8A

The Pixel 8A is appreciated for its 120Hz AMOLED display, which is considered a significant upgrade from the 60Hz screen of the Pixel 6A and even surpasses Apple's iPhone 15 in this aspect. The combination of the high refresh rate display and the flagship processor results in a smooth user experience. The design of the Pixel 8A is also commended, especially the aloe color variant, which has a matte back that feels premium despite being plastic. The metal rails add to the device's appeal. On the software side, Google's clean Android skin and AI features from the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 are present, and the phone is promised 7 years of software updates. The camera quality is also praised, with the device capable of taking great photos and decent videos, despite the absence of a zoom lens. The haptics of the Pixel 8A are noted to be the best among phones.

10:02

🔋 Neutral and Negative Points of Pixel 8A

The reviewer finds the battery life of the Pixel 8A to be average, providing about 5.5 hours of screen-on time, which is satisfactory but not exceptional. They also mention that while they like the screen, its brightness could be better, often requiring the maximum setting. The bezels are noted to be thick, especially when compared to devices with thinner bezels, but this is something the reviewer has gotten used to over time. The phone sometimes gets warm, which was unexpected, but the issue seems to have resolved itself. Lastly, the charging speed can be slow at times, with the device only drawing a few watts of power, although this issue appears to be intermittent as the charging speed later returned to normal.

💸 Pixel 8A Value Proposition

The reviewer concludes by discussing the value of the Pixel 8A, noting that despite coming from a much more expensive phone, they did not feel an immediate need to switch back. They suggest that potential buyers keep an eye on the prices, as the Pixel 8A is priced at $500, but the regular Pixel 8 can sometimes be found discounted for just $50 more. The reviewer advises considering the price and any discounts available when deciding between the two models, but overall, they consider the Pixel 8A to be a good phone.

Keywords

💡Pixel 8A

The Pixel 8A is a smartphone model from Google, which is the central subject of the video review. It is described as a mid-range device that offers a surprisingly good user experience, comparable to higher-end models. The reviewer has been using it for three weeks and has not felt the need to switch back to their regular, more expensive phone, the S24 Ultra.

💡Performance

In the context of the video, 'performance' refers to the speed and responsiveness of the Pixel 8A. The reviewer praises the device for its robust performance, which is attributed to the use of the same processor found in Google's more expensive flagship models. This allows the Pixel 8A to feel like a high-end device despite its lower price point.

💡Display

The 'display' is a key feature of the Pixel 8A that the reviewer discusses. It has a 120 HZ AMOLED screen, which is considered impressive for a device in its price range. The high refresh rate contributes to a smooth user experience, which is a significant upgrade from the 60 HZ screen of the Pixel 6A mentioned in the review.

💡Design

'Design' in the video refers to the physical appearance and build quality of the Pixel 8A. The reviewer appreciates the device's aesthetics, noting that it does not feel or look cheap despite being a more affordable option. The aloe color variant and matte back give it a premium look and feel, which is a positive aspect of the device's design.

💡Software

The 'software' keyword pertains to the operating system and additional features provided by Google on the Pixel 8A. The reviewer highlights the clean Android skin without bloatware and the presence of AI features like the Magic Eraser and Circle to search, which are also available on more expensive Pixel models, indicating a consistent software experience across different price points.

💡Cameras

The 'cameras' on the Pixel 8A are discussed as a strong point of the device. Google is known for its excellent camera performance in smartphones, and the Pixel 8A, despite being a cheaper model, is said to take great photos and decent videos. The lack of a zoom lens is noted as a trade-off for the lower price.

💡Haptics

In the video, 'haptics' refers to the tactile feedback provided by the phone when interacting with the device, such as through button presses. The reviewer claims that Pixel devices, including the 8A, have the best haptics among smartphones, providing a more satisfying and responsive feel.

💡Battery Life

'Battery life' is mentioned as a neutral aspect of the Pixel 8A. The reviewer states that it is not bad but also not exceptional, averaging around five and a half hours of screen-on time, which is considered average rather than outstanding in the context of the review.

💡Brightness

The 'brightness' of the Pixel 8A's screen is critiqued by the reviewer. Although the device's screen is praised overall, the reviewer finds that it does not reach the expected peak brightness and often requires maxing out the setting, which could be an area for improvement.

💡Heat

'Heat' is another critique mentioned in the video. The reviewer notes that the phone sometimes gets warm, particularly during a three-day period of use, which was unexpected. This could indicate potential issues with heat management, although the reviewer also mentions that the issue seemed to resolve itself.

💡Charging

The 'charging' speed of the Pixel 8A is highlighted as an area of concern. The reviewer experienced slow charging at times, with the device only drawing a few watts of power, which is significantly less than what is expected or required for efficient charging. This is noted as a potential issue that viewers might want to be aware of.

Highlights

User has been using the Pixel 8A for 3 weeks without feeling the need to switch back to their regular S24 Ultra.

The Pixel 8A uses the same processor as Google's more expensive flagship models.

The device offers great performance for general usage.

The phone features a 120 HZ AMOLED display, a significant upgrade from the 60 HZ screen of the Pixel 6A.

The high refresh rate display combined with the flagship processor provides a smooth user experience.

The Pixel 8A has a good design, looking and feeling premium despite being a mid-range device.

The aloe color variant of the Pixel 8A is particularly praised for its aesthetic appeal.

The phone's matte back, believed to be plastic, does not detract from its overall good looks.

The Pixel 8A runs Google's clean Android skin without bloatware.

AI features from the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 are also available on the Pixel 8A.

The phone receives 7 years of software updates, similar to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 8A takes great photos, establishing Google as a leader in phone photography.

The lack of a zoom lens is a trade-off for the lower price point, but the main camera is still solid.

The Pixel 8A has the best haptics among phones, according to the user.

The battery life is average, offering around 5 and a half hours of screen-on time.

The screen's brightness could be better, as the user often has to max it out.

The bezels on the Pixel 8A are thicker compared to high-end models.

The phone sometimes gets warm during use, which was unexpected.

The charging speed can be slow at times, with the phone showing low wattage input.

The user recommends keeping an eye on the prices, as the Pixel 8A is often compared to the discounted Pixel 8.

Transcripts

you know I think the biggest Testament

of the pixel 8A is just the fact that

I've been using it for like 3 weeks now

and I haven't really felt a massive need

to switch back to my regular s24 Ultra

now if this is your first time to one of

my practical reviews then I do need to

preface this is not going to be a

full-fledged in-depth review covering

like scientific data points on why this

phone is good or why this phone is bad

no this is really just my personal

opinion on what I thought during my

daily usage of the device and so I'm

going to go ahead and split this up

pretty easily we're going to start off

with the things that I liked and then

we're going to talk about the things

that I didn't like okay first up we have

the performance of the device which is

great you know one thing about these a

series devices from Google that I love

is that they use the same processor from

their more expensive Flagship models and

put it into the cheaper on so it doesn't

you know feel like a slow cheap device

it actually kind of feels like a

flagship as far as performance goes now

I will say I'm not like a big

multitasker or huge mobile gamer or

anything like that I you know have

pretty General usage but at least for my

general usage it's a good experience

okay next up we have the display because

right here we are rocking a 120 HZ

AMOLED display and I mean what else

could you ask for at this price point I

mean I remember like only 2 years ago

with the pixel 6A they were still giving

us a 60 HZ screen but now we got 120 and

uh you know that's better than Apple's

iPhone 15 and so of course when you

combine that high refresh rate display

with that Flagship processor you just

get an overall pretty smooth experience

but you know what else I really like

about this device the design because

they actually made it look good unlike a

lot of other mid-ranged or cheaper

phones you know I feel like sometimes

companies will like put all of their

effort into their Flagship devices but

then they just feel like they have to

make a cheaper phone to like make a

cheaper option for people and then they

just don't make that one look super good

or feel super good it kind of looks

cheap and feels cheap well that is not

the case with this phone because

especially the one I have I have the

aloe color which I think looks so sick

it's kind of like a mint Vibe and you

have this matte back which I believe is

plastic but I mean I wouldn't even

really notice that if I weren't checking

for it it just looks good you have the

metal rails it feels good it's it's a

great looking and great feeling device

but this phone isn't just good on the

outside it's also good on the inside

because of course we have Google's

software now of course we have Google's

Android skin which is very clean there's

no bloat Weare it's great but really

what I'm talking about here is the AI

feature because nearly all of the AI

features that they released with the

pixel 8 Pro and the pixel 8 are also

available on the pixel 8A which is

probably because you have that same

processor so here we have the magic

editor we have the audio Magic Eraser we

have the best take feature we even have

Circle to search now and then also going

along with the software this phone still

gets 7 years of software updates just

like the pixel 8 and pixel 8 Pro it's

almost like Google's making this an

actual focused product rather than just

cheaply making a cheaper version because

they have to which is great and next up

we of course have the cameras because

you know I think Google has pretty well

established themselves as one of the if

not the best phone photography camera

and so yeah this phone even though it is

the cheaper model it still takes great

photos and I've even seen it take pretty

great video I can't you know say that

it's going to take great video all the

time but in the right circumstances you

can get it to look pretty good now of

course there is no zoom lens here which

is kind of the downside that you get

with buying the cheaper phone but you

know it's to be expected and personally

I would rather have a super solid main

camera and no zoom lens than just kind

of a mediocre main camera and a mediocre

zoom lens so I think I think this is

good and one last thing that I wanted to

note here is the haptics because I don't

know if you guys have tried the haptics

on Pixel devices and compared it to like

other phones but I'm pretty sure the

pixel has the best haptics of any phone

and that stays true for the cheaper a

series device here and with that it is

now time we hear about the things that I

didn't like but before we get to that

that let's hear about today's sponsor

Tessa now I've had the amazing

opportunity to travel quite a bit this

past year and not only domestically but

also internationally like recently I got

to go to Barcelona Spain to see some

cool new tech but you know what is one

thing that you have to bring with you

when you travel abroad a passport

obviously but you know what else you

need to bring a travel adapter because

imagine this you fly all the way across

the globe finally get to your hotel just

to find out that you can't charge your

phone and so go ahead and do yourself a

favor and pick up a travel adapter now

this one specifically is cool because

not only is it an all-in-one travel

adapter meaning that you can use these

buttons to have it adapt to over 200

countries and regions but it's also a

power brick so you can see the one that

I have is 65 watts and if we look at the

bottom we also have two type c ports and

two type aort and they even sell one

that is 100 Watts that would even allow

you to charge two laptops at the same

time and so if you have plans to travel

abroad you can feel free to check out

these travel adapters from tessin at the

link in the description now before we

get to the things that I actually don't

like there is one thing that I guess

would be considered neutral and that is

the battery life because you know the

battery life isn't bad but it's also not

like super great I mean I'm probably

getting like maybe five 5 and 1/2 hours

of screen on time time on average you

know which is good it's just not great

now really there's not that many things

that I didn't like about this phone but

there are a few things that you know I

can critique so let's go through them

all right so first up we have the screen

which I know I said that I like the

screen and I do but there is one aspect

about it that could be better and that

is the brightness like it does get

bright enough for most circumstances but

I feel like I'm having to Max it out

like a good amount of the time and I

know I think it's supposed to have a

peak brightness of like 2,000 nits so

you would think that it would be pretty

bright but yeah I don't know I'm having

to Max it out so I wish I had a little

bit more flexibility there and then

another thing here also kind of relating

to the screen is kind of an obvious one

but yeah the bezels are a little thick

and you know what going from like an s24

ultra that has a very big screen with

thin bezels to a phone that has a

smaller screen with thicker bezels like

it's a pretty uh noticeable change but

will say after a few days you kind of

just get used to it and it's not really

that big of a deal but again it is still

a thing it's it's noticeable then

another thing is the phone would get

warm sometimes like it was kind of weird

cuz I feel like the phone didn't really

get warm for the first maybe two weeks

that I was using it but then randomly I

had this like 3 days where the phone was

getting kind of hot for some reason I

don't know if I was doing a lot of like

extra usage of the phone than normal but

but then the past few days I feel like

it hasn't really been getting hot so I

don't know maybe keep an eye out for

that if you get this phone but yeah I

did have times where it was getting

pretty warm all right and the last thing

I'll note here and I'm not going to lie

I was considering not even putting this

in the video because I'm not even really

sure why this was happening but the

phone at times would charge like like

really slow like I have this charging

cable that has a little LED display on

it showing how many watts it's inputting

into the device that you're charging and

at times it was literally showing like

maybe two or three watts and I was like

what the heck why is it charging so slow

but then the reason I maybe wasn't going

to put this in the video is because I

tried to replicate the problem and I it

started charging good again like it was

getting you know like 18 17 19 Watts

charging which you know isn't amazing

but it's pretty good and so I'm curious

if I literally plug in the phone right

now what are we going to get let's see

uh 7 six 7 six five see yeah that's not

great I will say I am at 85% and a lot

of times phones charge slower when

they're closer to fully charge so that

might be it but anyways yeah kind of

weird but overall if you couldn't tell I

do like this phone a lot like especially

the fact that I switched from a phone

that's over 2 and 1 half times the price

and I didn't immediately feel the need

to suddenly switch back to it I mean

that says a lot of what this pixel 8A

can do now will I be switching back to

my s24 ultra yes I do like this phone

more so I am going to switch back but

it's not like I need to immediately

switch back because it's that massive of

a difference if that makes sense now if

you're considering getting this phone

the one thing I will say is the price

point can be kind of interesting because

you know it comes in at

$500 but as we've seen the pixel 8

sometimes will be discounted at like

$550 so it's like why would you get the

pixel 8 a when you can just get the

pixel8 for $50 more so what I'll say is

keep an eye on the prices and if the

pixel 8 is you know discounted like that

maybe go for the regular pixel 8 but if

not you know maybe the pixel 8 isn't

discounted then maybe get this one or

you know maybe this phone will get

discounted too who knows I don't know

just keep an eye on the prices and if

it's a good price and it makes sense

then overall this is a good phone but

anyways thank you guys so much for

watching if you enjoyed and you thought

this was helpful feel free to let me

know in the comments and leave a like on

the video uh and also subscribe if you

haven't you know you know people look at

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like only 20% of you guys are subscribed

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