TWO WEEKS WITH THE GOOGLE PIXEL 8a

With similar hardware to its more expensive siblings, the Pixel 8a is the easiest way to enjoy Google’s AI smarts. Will it win over Spencer Hart in a fortnight?

“I’m amazed at how good the cheaper Pixels are for photography –the detail in distance shots is really impressive”

DAY 01

In recent years, Google’s cheaper ‘a’ models have dominated the mid-range phone market. They’ve delivered outstanding value by including many of the brand’s flagship features (think amazing cameras and slick software) and cutting corners where you’re less likely to notice.

Is that still true of the Pixel 8a? At first glance it looks and feels identical to the full-on Pixel 8, but closer inspection reveals a few key differences. For a start, the display bezels are slightly thicker,meaning it can handle slips, spills and dust; and there’s a Gorilla Glass 3 display.

On starting up the phone and signing into my Google account I’m given the options of face and fingerprint unlocking, although only the latter can be used for banking apps and such like. Both methods work just as quickly as they do on the Pixel 8.

That’s not surprising, as the Pixel 8a inherits Google’s latest Tensor G3 CPU from its bigger brothers, meaning this mid-range phone has the firepower of a full-on flagship. Android feels and everything is just a bit more softly rounded.

I actually prefer this design. The matt back provides more grip, and the camera bar is less intrusive. And it’s even better compared to the Pixel 7a: it feels better in the hands and the finish is less prone to fingerprints.

I’m reviewing a ‘porcelain’ (aka white) handset, but you can also choose obsidian (black) or two bright new colours: bay (blue) and aloe (a limited-edition mint green colour).

This is the most durable ‘a’ phone yet, with an IP67 rating perfectly responsive, swiftly opening apps and smoothly handling split-screen multitasking. While most Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones do better in benchmarks, unless you’re deeply concerned about having the fastest phone available you’re unlikely to notice a significant difference.

The £499 option comes with 128GB of storage, which is about what I’d expect for the cash, but now Google also offers a 256GB version (for £559).

If that’s still not enough, buyers qualify for discounted Google One cloud storage.

DAY 02

I’m glad Google has resisted the urge to supersize its affordable phone: screen size and resolution haven’t changed from last year. The big upgrades, however, are to the brightness and refresh rate. You can’t force the 8a to run at 120Hz constantly –it’ll switch between 60 and 120Hz depending on screen content, and even that’s only after a trip to the settings menu. But I think the smoothness of every swipe and scroll justifies the minor hit to battery life.

I’m finding the default screen setting a little too saturated, so from now on I’ll stick to the more muted ‘natural’ colour preset.

DAY 05

I’ve had a few days to get to know the camera now… and it’s not bad at all. This is last year’s 64MP main sensor again, paired with a 13MP ultrawide lens that misses out on the macro abilities of the Pixel 8; but I remain amazed at how good the cheaper Pixel phones are for photography. The detail in both close-up and distance shots is really impressive.

Skin tones remain well judged, and autofocus is always quick. As a point-and-shoot experience, I don’t think this can be beaten.

DAY 10

The big story this year is AI, and today I’ve been exploring its capabilities in the Pixel 8a. Two notable additions are the AI-powered Call Assist features and Audio Emojis, which aim to make your phone calls more expressive. Just tap on an emoji to trigger an audio and visual effect. I like to use the laughing emoji after telling a joke, because I’m deeply insecure.

In the USA, Pixel 8a users can access Google’s Gemini AI chatbot (see p23 for more on that), but that’s not yet available over here.

DAY 14

Pixel phones aren’t really known for their battery endurance, and the 8a doesn’t change that. This one squeezes in a few more cells than the 7a, but over a fortnight of use I’ve found the difference to be negligible.

Google’s estimate for battery life is 24hrs or more, and that is achievable if you’re at home or in the office all day barely using your phone; but if you’re streaming music, using Google Maps and doomscrolling on the train, you’ll probably find yourself needing a battery top-up in the evening or overnight.

Donut of Truth™

01 Flagship-challenging photography skills

02 Massively improved design over the old 7a

03 The most accessible way to enjoy Google’s AI

04 Charging speeds remain behind rivals

05 The Pixel 8 can be found for a similar price

06 Gemini AI chatbot not yet available in the UK

Tech specs

Screen 6.1in 2400x1080 120Hz OLED

CPU Google Tensor G3

RAM 8GB

Storage 128/256GB

OS Android 14

Cameras 64+13MP rear, 13MP front

Battery 4492mAh (USB-C, Qi)

Dimensions 152x73x8.9mm, 188g