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.