Google Pixel 8a: Features, Deals, and Specifications

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The Google Pixel 8a launched on May 14, 2024. It is the latest phone in Google’s Pixel series. This smartphone offers smart AI features and strong performance at a price that won’t break the bank. It comes with a Google Tensor G3 processor, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and a 64MP dual-camera system. The Pixel 8a is perfect for people who want good features without a high upfront cost. It has a comfortable size for ease of use, a long-lasting battery life, and delivers impressive performance in daily tasks.

Key Specifications

  • Launch Date: May 14, 2024
  • Dimensions: 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm
  • Weight: 188g
  • Build: Gorilla Glass 3 (front), aluminium frame, plastic back
  • Display: 6.1-inch OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits peak brightness
  • Processor: Google Tensor G3
  • RAM/Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage (UFS 3.1)
  • Battery: 4492mAh, 18W wired, 7.5W wireless charging
  • Main Cameras: 64MP wide + 13MP ultrawide
  • Selfie Camera: 13MP ultrawide
  • Operating System: Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, with 7 years of OS updates
  • Colours Available: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
  • Starting Price: £299.95

Build and Design

The Google Pixel 8a has a small design. It fits well in your hand. The front is made of Gorilla Glass 3. The back is sturdy plastic. This gives it a nice balance between being strong and affordable. It also has an IP67 rating. This means it can resist dust and water up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. So, it is good for everyday use. You can find it in stylish colors like Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe. The Pixel 8a can add a trendy feel to your daily life.

Display Excellence

6.1-Inch OLED Screen

  • The OLED display shows bright colors and clear details with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  • A 120Hz refresh rate helps with smooth scrolling and gaming. HDR support improves picture quality for streaming on sites like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.
  • With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, it works well in both indoor and outdoor settings. This makes it a tough competitor against Samsung phones and iPhones.

Camera Innovation

Rear Camera System

  • The 64MP wide lens takes clear photos. It uses pixel binning technology to help in low-light situations.
  • A 13MP ultrawide lens has a 120° field of view. This makes it great for taking pictures of landscapes and group photos.

AI-Powered Photography

  • Magic Editor helps you improve your images with ease.
  • Best Take makes sure you catch the perfect moment by putting together the best frames in one picture.
  • The Google Photos app has tools to edit, organize, and share your creations smoothly.

Front Camera

The 13MP ultrawide selfie camera is really good for group photos and videos. It can also record 4K video at 30 frames per second.

Battery Life and Charging

  • The 4492mAh battery provides hours of use for streaming, browsing, and multitasking.
  • The 18W wired charging quickly powers up the device, and the 7.5W wireless charging offers extra convenience.
  • Features like Extreme Battery Saver mode help to extend battery life during heavy use, making it perfect for a full day of activities.
Battery Life and Charging in Google Pixel 8a

Performance and AI Features

Google Tensor G3 Processor

The Google Tensor G3 gives the Pixel 8a a stronger processor. This helps it perform well in benchmark tests, gaming, and multitasking. Its AI features also make it smarter, powering several useful tools.

  • Audio Magic Eraser helps to get rid of unwanted background noise in videos.
  • Generative AI tools provide personalised interactions and suggestions.

Ease of Use and Connectivity

The Pixel 8a allows you to use VPNs. It gives you quick access to Gmail notifications. It also comes with a SIM tool for simple setup. You can use dual SIM options, like Nano SIM and eSIM. This way, you can have a smooth internet connection with different networks.

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Software and Updates

The Pixel 8a comes with Android 14 right from the start. You can expect 7 years of updates for the operating system and security. This means it will stay safe and have new features for many years.

Pricing and Availability

The Pixel 8a starts at £299.95. It provides great value for what it offers in terms of specs and features. You can buy it at the Google Store and other approved shops in the UK.

Why Choose the Google Pixel 8a

Why Choose the Google Pixel 8a?

  • Affordable Excellence: It mixes smart AI and strong hardware at a price everyone can afford.
  • Strong Cameras: A flexible dual-camera system that uses AI features to take better photos.
  • Durability: Made with Gorilla Glass and designed to resist water for everyday use.
  • Long-Term Support: Enjoy 7 years of software updates for lasting performance.
  • Bright Display: A peak brightness of 2000 nits makes it one of the best in its price range.

Pixel 8a vs Competitors

Samsung Galaxy A54

The Samsung Galaxy A54 competes directly with the Google Pixel 8a in the mid-range market. Both phones offer good durability with an IP67 rating. However, the Pixel 8a is smaller and lighter, weighing 188g, which makes it easier to carry than the A54, which weighs 202g.

The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch OLED screen. It features a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2000 nits. This makes it much easier to see in bright sunlight than the Galaxy A54, which has a larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a peak brightness of only 1000 nits.

While the Galaxy A54 has a triple-camera setup that gives some options, the Pixel 8a stands out in low light. It takes great detailed photos thanks to its 64MP main sensor and helpful tools like Magic Editor.

The Pixel 8a has a Tensor G3 chip that works better than the Exynos 1380 chip. This makes it great for multitasking and creative work, thanks to its strong AI features. In terms of software updates, the Pixel 8a offers 7 years, which is more than what Samsung provides.

iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

Apple's iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is aimed at people who want a smaller phone that is dependable. The Pixel 8a looks very different with its sleek design. It has thin bezels and a 6.1-inch OLED screen. This makes it stand out compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch LCD screen, which has a 60Hz refresh rate. Because of this, the Pixel 8a may offer a better experience for watching videos and using apps.

The Pixel 8a has a dual-camera system. It offers AI tools such as Best Take and Super Res Zoom. This setup gives you more creative choices than the iPhone SE, which has just one 12MP camera. While the A15 Bionic chip in Apple's phone performs faster in tests, the Pixel 8a's Tensor G3 chip shines in everyday use. It enhances photo and video quality thanks to Google AI.

The Pixel 8a has a big battery of 4492mAh. This gives it a longer usage time than the smaller battery in the iPhone SE. It also supports reverse wireless charging, which makes it more useful. Plus, the Pixel 8a promises 7 years of OS updates. This means it will have software support for a longer time than the regular update period that Apple offers for mid-range phones.

OnePlus Nord 3

The OnePlus Nord 3 and the Pixel 8a are great choices for people who want good performance and good value. The Nord 3 has a 6.74-inch AMOLED screen with HDR10+ support. This screen is larger, but it is not as easy to carry around. On the other hand, the Pixel 8a has a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display. This display has better brightness, reaching a peak of 2000 nits.

The Pixel 8a has a 64MP wide sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. These come with AI features, like Magic Editor and Google Photos, making everyday photos look great. The Nord 3 has a triple-camera system. While it is good, it doesn’t have the smart tools offered by Google AI.

In terms of performance, the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip in the Nord 3 is great for gaming. However, the Tensor G3 processor in the Pixel 8a gives a more balanced experience. It focuses on tasks driven by AI and is efficient as well. Moreover, the Pixel 8a provides long-term software support and AI help for battery management. This makes it a better choice for the long run.

Comparison Table: Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 8

Feature Google Pixel 8a Google Pixel 8 Pro Google Pixel 8
Launch Date 14 May 2024 12 October 2023 4 October 2024
Display 6.1-inch OLED, HDR, 120Hz 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz 6.2-inch OLED, HDR10+, 120Hz
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels (~430 ppi) 1344 x 2992 pixels (~489 ppi) 1080 x 2400 pixels (~428 ppi)
Peak Brightness 2000 nits 2400 nits 2000 nits
Processor Google Tensor G3 Google Tensor G3 Google Tensor G3
RAM/Storage 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB 12GB RAM, 128GB/256GB/1TB 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB
Main Cameras 64MP wide + 13MP ultrawide 50MP wide + 48MP telephoto + 48MP ultrawide 50MP wide + 12MP ultrawide
Selfie Camera 13MP ultrawide 10.5MP ultrawide 10.8MP ultrawide
Battery 4492mAh, 18W wired, 7.5W wireless 5050mAh, 30W wired, 23W wireless 4575mAh, 30W wired, 15W wireless
OS and Updates Android 14, 7 years of updates Android 14, 7 years of updates Android 14, 7 years of updates
Water Resistance IP67 IP68 IP68
Weight 188g 213g 187g
Build Gorilla Glass 3 (front), plastic back Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back), aluminium frame Gorilla Glass Victus 2, aluminium frame
Colours Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint Hazel, Obsidian, Snow
Starting Price £299.95 £313.00 £599.99

SIM-Only Deals for Google Pixel 8a

If you have the Google Pixel 8a or plan to buy it, consider SIM-only deals. These deals can help you save money. They let you choose a plan that fits your data, call, and text needs. Plus, you won’t have to pay for the phone in the contract.

SIM-Only Deals for Google Pixel 8a

Network Data Allowance Monthly Cost Contract Length Additional Info
Three 100GB 5G £16.00 12 months Unlimited calls and texts
iD Mobile Unlimited 5G £23.99 30 days Includes rollover data
Vodafone 250GB 5G £20.00 12 months Includes international roaming

Prices accurate as of 3 January 2025.

Compare iD Mobile Deals and Phone Contracts

iD Mobile stands out by offering flexible SIM-only and pay monthly deals. You can keep your current phone or get a new one - it's your choice.

Pay Monthly Deals for Google Pixel 8a

Pay monthly deals mix the price of the Pixel 8a with a data plan. This creates one easy monthly bill. These deals break the phone's price into smaller payments over a set time. This makes it easier for many people to buy.

Pay Monthly Deals for Google Pixel 8a

Network Data Allowance Monthly Cost Upfront Cost Contract Length Total Cost Additional Info
Three 100GB 5G £22.00 £125.00 24 months £653.00 Unlimited calls and texts
iD Mobile Unlimited 5G £28.99 £0.00 24 months £695.76 Includes rollover data
Vodafone 200GB 5G £30.00 £99.00 24 months £819.00 Includes international roaming

Prices accurate as of 3 January 2025.

Choosing the Right Deal

  • SIM-Only Deals: Great for people who already have the Pixel 8a or want to buy the phone right away. These deals offer more options and shorter contracts.
  • Pay Monthly Deals: Perfect for buyers who want to pay for the phone in parts. You’ll also get data, calls, and texts all included in one plan.
Choosing the Right Deal for Google Pixel 8a

FAQs About Google Pixel 8a

The Pixel 8a has a stronger processor. It also has a brighter screen and the newest AI features. This is an upgrade from the Pixel 7a.

The 4492mAh battery can last for a full day of use. If needed, the Extreme Battery Saver mode can help make the battery life even longer during busy times.

Yes, it has 7.5W wireless charging. This makes it easy to use every day.

The 64MP wide lens and 13MP ultrawide lens offer great image quality. They work well with AI tools like Magic Editor and Best Take.

Yes, it has an IP67 rating. This means it is safe from dust and can handle water at a depth of up to 1 metre for 30 minutes.

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Page last updated on: 29/01/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

4000+ reviews