Google AI Phone Pixel 8a: Where AI Meets Affordability

Updated: May 07 2024 17:35

Google has done it again with the release of the Pixel 8a, a smartphone that packs a punch with its industry-leading AI features and exceptional camera performance, all at an unbeatable price point of $499. Powered by the latest Google Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a offers many of the same must-have features as its more expensive siblings, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a top-notch smartphone experience.



The Pixel 8a boasts a refined A-Series design that feels great in the hand, thanks to its rounded edges, matte back, and aluminum frame. The phone is built to last, with a durable design that can withstand slips, spills, and dust, making it the most durable A-Series phone to date. The new Actua display is 40% brighter than its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, and features a faster 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.


Consumers can choose from two new A-series colors: Aloe (a limited-edition color) and Bay, or opt for one of the neutral color options: Obsidian or Porcelain. For the first time, the Pixel 8a offers a larger storage capacity option at 256 GB, providing ample space for all your favorite content.


The Pixel 8a's camera system is a standout feature, ranked as the best smartphone camera in its category. The dual rear camera setup includes a 64-megapixel main lens and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, while the front-facing camera boasts a 13-megapixel sensor with a large field-of-view for capturing more in your selfies. Thanks to the Google Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a is equipped with a range of AI-powered tools to enhance your photos and videos:

• Best Take: Create the perfect group shot by choosing the best expression for each person from a series of photos.


• Magic Editor: Easily reposition and resize subjects or use presets to make the background pop with just a few taps.


• Audio Magic Eraser: Remove distracting sounds like wind, crowds, and other noises from your videos for crisp and clear audio.

The Pixel 8a also features Super Res Zoom up to 8x, Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Photo Unblur, and Real Tone for accurately representing everyone's skin tone in photos and videos.


The Pixel 8a is designed to help you save time and get more done with its built-in AI features. Gemini, the AI assistant, allows you to type, talk, and add images for help on the go, from brainstorming ideas to planning your next vacation. With extensions enabled, Gemini can even summarize your recent emails or quickly sift through your inbox. It can also translate on the spot with Live Translate which can interpret signs and menus with your camera, and messages as you type.


The Pixel 8a includes AI-powered call assist features like Call Screen, Direct My Call, Hold for Me, and Clear Calling.

Circle to Search saves you time by allowing you to circle, scribble, or tap on an image, text, or video to search for what you're looking at without switching apps. Here is the list of models that support this Circle to Search feature:

• Google Pixel: 8a, 8, 8 Pro, 7a, 7, 7 Pro, 6a, 6, 6 Pro, and the Pixel Fold
• Samsung Galaxy: S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S23 FE, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, Tab S9 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, S22 series, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, S21 series, Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3

Additionally, a new feature called Audio Emoji makes phone calls more expressive and engaging by allowing you to tap on an emoji to trigger an audio reaction and visual effect. Try using a hand-clap emoji to applaud a job well done or the laughing emoji after telling your best joke. Here's the list of emoji that's supported and a demo video:

• Clapping (Applause)
• Laughing
• Party
• Crying (Trombone)
• Poop
• Sting (Ba Dum Tss)

The Pixel 8a makes it easier for parents and guardians to set up a phone for their child, with an improved setup process right out of the box. Digital ground rules can be set during the setup, and Family Link allows for managing privacy settings, screen time limits, and location sharing.

Built with the latest Google Tensor G3 chip and the certified Titan M2 security chip, the Pixel 8a offers enhanced protection against threats. The phone also includes a built-in VPN for additional security. With seven years of software support, including security updates and Android OS upgrades, users can enjoy new features and improvements through ongoing Feature Drops.


The Pixel 8a starts at $499 and is available for pre-order today, with general availability beginning May 14 at the Google Store and retail partners. Google Fi Wireless customers can pre-order the Pixel 8a and receive $499 back over 24 monthly credits when signing up for any plan.



The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with a higher resolution of 1,344 x 2992 pixels. It also offers a brighter screen with a peak brightness of up to 2,400 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use in bright sunlight. The adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz ensures smooth performance during demanding tasks.

Additionally, the Pixel 8 Pro's screen is protected by the more durable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is resistant to scratches and fingerprints. In contrast, the Google Pixel 8a features a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. While it may not be as bright or high-resolution as the Pixel 8 Pro, it still offers a great viewing experience for most users.


Both the Google Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8 Pro run on Android 14 and are powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip. However, the Pixel 8 Pro offers more RAM at 12GB compared to the Pixel 8a's 8GB. This extra RAM allows the Pixel 8 Pro to handle more demanding tasks and multitasking with ease.

In terms of battery life, the Google Pixel 8 Pro features a larger 5,500mAh battery that can last up to 24 hours or even 72 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver mode. It also supports fast charging and fast wireless charging, as well as Battery Share for charging compatible devices like Pixel Buds. The Google Pixel 8a, while having a smaller 4,385mAh battery, still offers impressive battery life.

Pixel 8a supports Qi wireless charging. You can expect charging speeds up to 7.5W, which is considerably slower than the Pixel 8 18W wireless charging, or the Pixel 8 Pro with up to 23W.


The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 48MP telephoto camera, and a 48MP ultra-wide camera with improved Macro focus. It also offers Super Res Zoom up to 30x, allowing for stunning close-up shots. The front-facing camera is a 10.5MP sensor. The Google Pixel 8a, while not as advanced as the Pixel 8 Pro, features a 64MP quad PD wide camera with Super Res Zoom up to 8x and a 13MP ultra-wide camera.

The Pixel 8a front-facing camera is a 13MP sensor, which is actually higher resolution than the Pixel 8 Pro's front camera. Both devices offer a range of camera features, including Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Real Tone, Night Sight, and Portrait Mode. They also feature Audio Magic Eraser for videos, which removes distracting background noises.


The Google Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8 Pro both come with a host of AI and security features. They both offer AI-powered features like Circle to Search, Google's Gemini, and Pixel Call Assist. The Google Pixel 8 Pro adds a few extra features, such as crisis alerts and car crash detection. It also comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium trial and three months of YouTube Premium, which could be appealing to fitness enthusiasts and video lovers.


Choosing between the Google Pixel 8a and the Google Pixel 8 Pro ultimately depends on your budget and specific needs. The Google Pixel 8a offers an excellent balance of features and affordability, making it a great choice for users who want a reliable, feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank. It's an ideal option for a first phone, a secondary device, or even for teens and tweens.

On the other hand, if you're looking for the best of the best and don't mind spending more, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the way to go. With its larger, brighter display, more advanced camera setup, higher storage options, faster wireless charging, and extra AI and security features, it caters to power users and those who demand the most from their smartphones.