Google Pixel 8a Review: A Compact AI Powerhouse with a Premium Price Tag

The Google Pixel 8a is the latest addition to the Pixel family, offering a compact design and AI-driven features that fans of the series have come to expect. But with a starting price of ₹52,999, the question is: does it justify the cost?

Design

The Pixel 8a’s design is reminiscent of its more expensive siblings, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, but in a more compact size. The phone fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to use, with a plastic build that’s unexpected for a phone in this price segment. The minimal and aesthetic look is a welcome feature, and the blue variant we reviewed looks stunning.

The Pixel 8a’s compact design

Display

The Pixel 8a boasts a 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1,080x2,400 pixels. The OLED panel offers deep blacks, vivid colors, and an impressive contrast ratio of over 1,000,000:1. With HDR support, the viewing experience is enhanced for compatible content.

OS

Out of the box, the Pixel 8a runs Android 14 with the May 2024 security patch. Google promises seven years of operating system updates, security patches, and feature drops. As a Pixel device, users can expect a range of AI-driven features and enhancements.

Processor

Powering the Pixel 8a is Google’s custom Tensor G3 system-on-chip (SoC), the same chipset found in the more expensive Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models. Accompanying the Tensor G3 is Google’s in-house Titan M2 co-processor, which handles security and machine learning tasks.

Camera

The Pixel 8a’s camera setup is where it truly shines. The dual rear camera setup features a 64MP quad-pixel wide camera with an f/1.89 aperture and 0.8μm pixel size, accompanied by a 13MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view. The camera excels at capturing vivid, detail-rich images during the day, and Google’s Night mode works wonders in dimly lit environments.

A sample image taken with the Pixel 8a’s camera

Battery

The Pixel 8a packs a 4,492mAh battery, which is on par with what you’d find in more expensive flagships like the Pixel 8. In the real-world, the battery life lasts a full day of moderate to heavy usage. However, the charging speed is a notable drawback, with only 18W wired charging supported.

Verdict

The Pixel 8a is an excellent choice for those deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem and the Pixel experience. It brings flagship-level camera performance, capable hardware, and an array of AI-powered features in a compact design. However, when viewed objectively against the competition, the Pixel 8a’s pricing may not make it as compelling.

A compact powerhouse

Ultimately, if you’re a Pixel loyalist who prioritizes Google’s software experience and photography skills, the Pixel 8a is an excellent choice. But for those seeking raw performance or cutting-edge hardware, there are alternatives worth considering that may better meet your expectations in this price range.