Google Pixel 8a Review: My Month with the Compact Camera Champ

I’ve been using the Google Pixel 8a for the past month, and it’s surprised me with its capabilities. Here’s my detailed take on this compact powerhouse:

Design & Build:

The Pixel 8a is a compact and sleek smartphone. It’s noticeably smaller than most phones these days, which I find refreshing. The aluminum frame feels solid, and the plastic back, while not as premium as glass, is grippy and doesn’t attract fingerprints. The camera bar, a signature Pixel design element, seamlessly blends into the back panel. The phone comes in four attractive colors: Charcoal, Sea, Porcelain, and Jade.

Display:

The 6.1-inch OLED display is bright, colorful, and sharp. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. While it’s not the biggest display out there, it’s perfect for one-handed use and still offers a great viewing experience. Sunlight visibility is good, though it can struggle a bit in direct sunlight.

Performance:

The Google Tensor G3 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM, delivers excellent performance for a mid-range phone. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and even demanding games run without a hitch. I haven’t experienced any lag or slowdown in my everyday use. While it may not beat the latest flagship phones in benchmarks, it’s more than enough power for most users.

Camera:

The Pixel 8a’s camera is its crown jewel. The 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens, along with Google’s incredible image processing software, produce stunning photos. Images are sharp, detailed, and have fantastic dynamic range. Low-light performance is excellent, thanks to Night Sight mode. Portrait mode creates beautiful bokeh effects, and the 13MP front-facing camera takes sharp selfies. The camera also excels at video recording, capturing smooth and stable footage.

Battery Life:

The 4485mAh battery comfortably lasts me a full day with moderate to heavy use. I’ve used it for social media, web browsing, streaming videos, and gaming, and I’ve never had to worry about running out of battery before the end of the day. The 18W wired charging isn’t the fastest, but it gets the job done.

Software & User Experience:

The Pixel 8a runs on pure Android 14, and it’s a pure delight to use. The interface is clean, intuitive, and lightning-fast. Google’s software features, like Call Screen, Now Playing, and Live Translate, are genuinely useful and make my life easier. I also appreciate the fact that the Pixel 8a will receive at least five years of updates from Google, ensuring it stays secure and up-to-date.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The Pixel 8a supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. It’s also IP67 water and dust resistant, so it can survive a few accidental spills or splashes. It has stereo speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. It also features an under-display fingerprint sensor that’s fast and reliable, as well as face unlock.

Buying Recommendation:

Who’s it for? The Pixel 8a is the perfect phone for those who want a compact, powerful smartphone with a flagship-level camera without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for photographers, students, and anyone who wants a great all-around phone.

Pros:

• Exceptional camera performance
• Powerful Tensor G3 chip
• Smooth and intuitive Android 14
• Compact and comfortable design
• Excellent battery life
• IP67 water and dust resistance

Cons:

• No headphone jack
• No expandable storage
• Relatively slow charging

Overall: The Google Pixel 8a is a mid-range marvel that punches well above its weight class. It’s a compact, powerful, and affordable smartphone that delivers an exceptional camera experience and a pure Android experience. If you’re looking for a phone that offers incredible value for money, the Pixel 8a is an excellent choice.