Google Pixel 8a hands-on review

Introduction

Affordable, Accessible, and depending on your region, Available. There are many ways to interpret the A in Google's A-series devices. Starting first with the Pixel 3a, the A-series has been the entry point for Pixel phones, bringing some of the things people love about the more expensive models at a more affordable, accessible price. And for certain markets, it was also the only Pixel phone you could purchase for a while.

The latest Pixel 8a continues the tradition of being the cheapest option in the latest generation of Pixel devices. This year you get a few more features, a faster chip, and an updated design that brings it in line with the other two models. But with a starting price of $499, is it still Affordable and Accessible or Awkward and Alienating? Let's find out.

Google Pixel 8a specs at a glance:

• Body: 152.1x72.7x8.9mm, 188g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back; IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.10" OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 430ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G3 (4 nm): Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510); Immortalis-G715s MC10.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• OS/Software: Android 14.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm, 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1.12µm.
• Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 4492mAh; 18W Wired, PD3.0, 7.5W wireless.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi region; BT 5.3; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers.

Unboxing

The Pixel 8a comes with barebones packaging typical for modern Pixel devices. You get the phone, a USB-C charging cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter.