The newly announced Google Pixel 8a is 40 euros more expensive than last year’s Pixel 7a, but there are a number of improvements inside. They also come from the current AI elements. The amazing support is exemplary for a smartphone in the mid-price range: you get operating system and security updates including feature drops, i.e. new functions, for 7 years.
Google Pixel 8a: design and durability
According to Google, the Pixel 8a is the most durable smartphone in the company’s A series to date. This is also due to the polished aluminum frame, the matte back and the rounded edges. Thanks to IP67 certification, it is resistant to water splashes and dust.
The Google Pixel 8a is chic and high-quality. (Photo: Google)
In general, the Pixel 8a leaves a very high-quality impression. In addition to the typical colors obsidian and porcelain, you can also expect aloe (limited) and bay. The 8a adopts the design language of the Pixel 8 and doesn’t look any “cheaper” than its big brother. But the phone is still 250 euros cheaper, starting at 549 euros (RRP).
Hardware: Mix of Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a
The built-in hardware is undoubtedly interesting: it is largely identical to the Pixel 8, apart from the camera system. Google adopted this 1:1 from the Pixel 7a. The display, which at first glance appears to be identical, is more similar to that of the Pixel 8, as the 8a supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz (7a: up to 90 Hz) and a peak brightness of up to 2,000 cd/m².
While the Pixel 8 and 8a are completely the same in terms of the Tensor G3 processor used and the memory configuration (8 GB RAM, 128/256 GB ROM), there are also clearer differences: The Pixel 8 has an IP68 certification and Gorilla Glass Victus, so that’s something more stable. The battery is also slightly larger at 4,475 mAh than in the 8a (4,492 mAh). The fact that the Pixel 8 has a 0.1 inch larger screen is negligible. By the way, almost nothing has changed in terms of dimensions from the 7a to the 8a.
Technical data: Google Pixel 8a
Display6.1″-Actua-OLED-Display (1,080 x 2,400 Pixel, 430 ppi)
Smooth display (up to 120 Hz)
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Up to 1,400 cd/m2 (HDR) and up to 2,000 cd/m2 (peak brightness)
Contrast ratio: > 1,000,000:1
HDR supportprocessorGoogle Tensor G3
Titan M2 security chipbattery pack4.492 mAhStorage8 GB RAM (LPDDR5x-RAM)
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 storageConnectivityWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) mit 2,4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz, HE80, MIMO
Bluetooth 5.3, Bluetooth-Antennendiversität
NFC
Google Cast
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
5G/LTE/eSIM
Camera: New functions thanks to AI
There’s no question: the Pixel 7a’s camera was very good – and that also applies to the 8a. You get a 64-megapixel wide-angle camera with a 64-megapixel camera and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera on the back, as well as a 13-megapixel front camera.
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Nothing has changed here compared to the 7a, but the 8a does have the new AI elements, including modes such as “Best Recording”, “Magic Audio Eraser”, “Ultra HDR” and “Magic Editor”.
That’s the crucial difference: thanks to the Tensor G3 chip, more AI functions are technically possible on the Pixel 8a than on the G2 of the Pixel 7a. This means: The 7a is unlikely to receive all the features of the 8a in the future. So you are up to date with the latest pixel.
Kamera des Google Pixel 8a
Rear camera64 MP wide-angle camera with Quad PD
Pixel size: 0.8 μm
Blend: ƒ/1.89
Field of view: 80°
Image sensor size: 1/1.73″
Up to 8x super resolution zoom
13-MP ultra-wide camera
Pixel size: 1.12 μm
Blend: ƒ/2.2
Field of view: 120°
Lens correction
Optical and electronic image stabilization on the wide-angle lens
Front camera13 MP
Pixel size: 1.12 μm
Blend: ƒ/2.2
Fixfocus
Field of view: 96.5° ultra wide angleVideo & AudioRear camera
4K video recording at 30fps, 60fps
1080p video recording at 30fps, 60fps
Front camera
4K video recording at 30 fps
1080p video recording at 30 fps
Support slow motion video up to 240 fps
4K time lapse with stabilization
Astrophotography time lapse
Optical image stabilization
Double video stabilization
4K cinema effect video stabilization
4K video stabilization (fix)
1080p video stabilization (active)
Up to 5x digital zoom
Video formats: HEVC (H.265) and AVC (H.264)
Audio:
Stereo recording
Improved voice quality
Reduction of wind noise
Magic audio eraser
The camera functionMagic editor
Best recording
Magic eraser
Sharpening
Real Tone
Sharpener
Panorama
Manual white balance
Locked folder
Night vision mode
Top-Photo
Portrait mode
Portrait lighting
Fixed focus
Often photographed faces
Dual exposure
Live HDR+
Ultra HDR
Long exposure
Long support and sustainability
While it was 5 years with the Pixel 7a, you now get updates and new functions for 7 years – depending on whether these can still be implemented with the existing hardware. Because in 3,4 or 6 years there will probably be significantly more powerful technology with corresponding options that will no longer be possible on the Pixel 8a. But what’s more important is that you get new Android versions by 2031. Whether you keep your smartphone for that long is another question.
The Pixel 8a is a harmonious smartphone at a mid-range price. (Photo: Google)
It is also exemplary that Google is increasingly focusing on sustainability: the back is made of 76 percent recycled plastic, the housing and camera bar are made entirely of recycled aluminum. According to the manufacturer, at least 24 percent of the phone’s weight (188 grams) is made from recycled material.
Conclusion: Good value for money
Google’s mid-range is once again an extremely appealing piece of technology that doesn’t feel like a stripped-down Pixel 8. Sure, Google took the camera from the Pixel 7a, but with a price difference of over 200 euros there still have to be “compromises”. But you don’t have to make any serious compromises, because the camera on the 7a was also impressive. Now the 8a has AI effects and other “gimmicks” that are only made possible by the Tensor G3. All in all, you can expect a harmonious smartphone at a reasonable price.
You can save a lot of money with the trade-in promotion. (Photo: Google)
Speaking of price: As part of the launch of the Google Pixel 8a, there is an exchange campaign in which you receive an extra 150 euros in credit as well as the device value of your old smartphone.
You can find all information on the Trade-in campaign page at Euronics.de.