Pros
Great digital camera
7 years of software program updates
Many of the identical options because the Pixel 8
Good battery life
Cons
256GB storage not out there on all fashions
Zoomed and low mild photographs aren’t as clear because the Pixel 8’s
After utilizing Google’s new $500 (£499, AU$849) Pixel 8A, I’ve one large query: Why would anybody pay $200 extra for the $700 Pixel 8? While there are a few notable variations between the 2, the Pixel 8A hits all of the vital notes, which makes Google’s pricier telephone really feel misplaced within the Pixel lineup. At a time when tech giants are stuffing their merchandise with flashy new AI options, the Pixel 8A feels delightfully easy. It inherits a few of Pixel 8’s AI instruments and methods, like Circle to Search and Best Take, however does not deliver something new to the desk. Read extra: Best Phone to Buy in 2024And that is not a foul factor. The Pixel 8A shines as a result of it nails the fundamentals at a worth that feels comparatively reasonably priced and accessible. Given Google’s observe report of updating Pixel telephones with new options over time, we will anticipate it to realize much more smarts, too. It’s arduous to pinpoint what I loved most about utilizing the Pixel 8A as a result of it is not about one explicit enchancment, however moderately how all the things comes collectively. Of course, there’s one large caveat that will make the Pixel 8 price shopping for as an alternative: gross sales and reductions. Carriers and retailers typically low cost the Pixel 8, bringing it right down to across the similar worth because the Pixel 8A. Some wi-fi service suppliers additionally provide promotions that make the Pixel 8 primarily free. However, these offers usually require you to fulfill particular circumstances, akin to opening a brand new line on a selected plan or buying and selling in an eligible machine. And offers expire, which means you could not at all times be capable to get the Pixel 8 for a lower cost. Google normally reductions its A-series telephones too, which means we might even see the Pixel 8A at a lower cost ultimately as properly. Unless you will get the Pixel 8 for $500 or much less at a reduction, the Pixel 8A might be your best option for Android followers that wish to keep properly beneath the $1,000 mark. Read extra: Google Pixel 8A vs. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Watch this: Google’s Pixel 8A Is Here: What’s New and Different
03:43 Pixel 8A vs. Pixel 8 The Pixel 8 James Martin/CNETThe Pixel 8A and Pixel 8 have lots in widespread, however there are fairly a number of variations between the 2 gadgets as properly. Google’s cheaper telephone has a barely decrease capability battery and a display that is only a hair smaller (6.1 inches versus 6.2). You will not get Battery Share, the characteristic that permits you to use your telephone as a wi-fi charger for different appropriate equipment, on the Pixel 8A. The Pixel 8 additionally helps quicker wired charging and is rated for IP68 water resistance as an alternative of the Pixel 8A’s IP67 ranking. That could also be vital to contemplate for those who spend quite a lot of time open air and like to not use a case. The distinction within the rankings implies that the Pixel 8 could be submerged below extra water (1.5 meters versus 1 meter) than the Pixel 8A.The cameras additionally differ, though you may get a large and ultrawide rear digital camera on each fashions. The Pixel 8A’s digital camera has a better decision, however the pixels aren’t as huge and the digital camera lacks laser detect autofocus and a macro focus mode. You additionally will not get spatial audio, which creates a encompass sound-like impact, with the Pixel 8A.That might sound like lots. But for this worth, they’re smart compromises that possible will not make a distinction to most individuals. Pixel 8A design and show The Pixel 8A has a 6.1-inch show, making it barely smaller than the Pixel 8’s. James Martin/CNETThe Pixel 8A’s design strongly resembles the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Google rounded out the sides, giving it a softer really feel in contrast with the Pixel 7A. The again additionally has a pleasant matte end that feels extra premium and can be possible much less susceptible to fingerprint smudges in contrast with the shiny Pixel 7A and Pixel 8. You have 4 colour choices to select from: Aloe (inexperienced), Bay (mild blue), Obsidian (black) and Porcelain (white). I’ve been utilizing the Aloe inexperienced colour, and I’m actually having fun with it thus far. It’s like a barely bolder and brighter mint shade of inexperienced. The draw back, nevertheless, is that for those who want extra storage, you may must go for the Obsidian colour since that is the one variant out there in a 256GB configuration. Otherwise, you may must be content material with 128GB because the Pixel 8A does not assist expandable storage, like most fashionable telephones. That’s one side that makes the competing $400 Samsung Galaxy A35 5G distinctive; it is one of many few new gadgets to assist expandable storage as much as 1TB. The bezels framing the Pixel 8A’s display are noticeably bigger than the Pixel 8’s, though you are not going to be fascinated about this except you are wanting on the two telephones facet by facet. They weren’t giant sufficient to really feel distracting or noticeable in on a regular basis use, although, they usually’re small compared to the brow and chin on Apple’s similarly-priced $429 iPhone SE. Google says it boosted the Pixel 8A’s show brightness in contrast with final yr’s Pixel 7A, which I used to be completely satisfied to listen to contemplating the earlier mannequin’s display seemed dim to me open air. I nonetheless discover myself cranking the brightness up open air, however it does not really feel like as large of an issue as Pixel gadgets I’ve examined up to now. Pixel 8A digital camera The Pixel 8A’s digital camera is actually the identical because the Pixel 7A’s. James Martin/CNETThe Pixel 8A primarily has the identical digital camera because the Pixel 7A: a 64-megapixel primary digital camera with a 13-megapixel ultrawide digital camera. That might sound like a step above the 50-megapixel primary digital camera on the Pixel 8’s rear digital camera system (which additionally features a 12-megapixel ultrawide shooter), however decision is not all the things. The Pixel 8A’s digital camera has a smaller pixel width, which could be vital in figuring out total picture high quality since bigger pixels can take in extra mild. There’s additionally no laser autofocus on the Pixel 8A, and also you additionally will not get macro focus mode both. Perhaps the absence of macro mode is why I observed some images of meals dishes taken up shut misplaced their sharpness in sure elements of the picture. That stated, I do not assume this can be a deal-breaker for most individuals. Those who simply wish to seize images of associates, household, pets and holidays will discover the Pixel 8A’s digital camera to be greater than match for the job. Overall, the Pixel 8A excelled when it got here to paint accuracy, offering photographs that felt vibrant however not exaggerated, as is usually the case with Samsung telephones I’ve examined up to now. Whether I used to be photographing flowers, meals or sophisticated and busy scenes like a baseball sport or a bustling Queens avenue nook, the images felt lifelike and true to life. But on a telephone like this, you should not anticipate to get a crystal clear zoom. If you actually need a machine that may take sharp images from afar at a live performance or pageant, splurge on a telephone with a devoted telephoto digital camera.Still, the Pixel 8A has a strong digital camera system that carefully rivals the Pixel 8’s. As I reviewed greater than half a dozen units of images taken on each telephones, I discovered myself with one recurring thought: These images look lots like those captured with the Pixel 8. Google Pixel 8A A photograph of a purple flower shot on the Pixel 8A. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETGoogle Pixel 8 A photograph of a purple flower taken on the Pixel 8. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETThe Pixel 8’s photographs typically seemed crisper and extra detailed than the Pixel 8A’s, however I usually needed to view them on a big display, like a laptop computer or monitor, to note. The distinction between the 2 cameras was extra apparent in difficult taking pictures circumstances, akin to in a dim setting or when zooming in. Take a take a look at the images beneath and you will see what I imply. The Pixel 8’s model of each images is barely sharper than the Pixel 8A’s.Google Pixel 8A (low mild) This photograph was taken in a dim bar on the Pixel 8A. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETGoogle Pixel 8 (low mild) The Pixel 8 captured a good photograph of this cocktail in a dimly lit bar. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETGoogle Pixel 8A (2x zoom) This photograph was taken at a 2x zoom on the Pixel 8A. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETGoogle Pixel 8 (2x zoom) This was taken on the Pixel 8 at a 2x zoom. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETThere is, nevertheless, a bigger hole in picture high quality between the Pixel 8A and Galaxy A35 5G, regardless of there solely being a $100 distinction between the 2. The Pixel 8A typically produced extra correct colours and lit the topic extra evenly in most eventualities. In the photograph of my cat beneath, for instance, the colour of his fur seems extra correct within the Pixel 8A’s depiction in comparison with the Galaxy A35’s.Google Pixel 8A It’s a miracle that Buddy sat nonetheless lengthy sufficient for this photograph to be taken. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETSamsung Galaxy A35 5G In this photograph, the colour of Buddy’s fur has a slight tint to it. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETThe backside line? The Pixel 8A’s digital camera is ample for most individuals, particularly for a telephone at this worth. You’ll get a step up with the Pixel 8, however it’s not substantial sufficient to justify the hole in worth. As a bonus, here is one among my favourite images shot on the Pixel 8A. The streetlights bleed a bit of bit, however the distinction of the darkish, cloudy evening sky in opposition to the illuminated avenue is hanging. The Pixel 8A takes respectable images at evening. Lisa Eadicicco/CNETThe Pixel 8A additionally inherits some AI-powered photograph and video modifying options from the Pixel 8, akin to Best Take, Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. Those first two options, which allow you to swap a topic’s facial features after a number of photographs have been taken in a row and take away or manipulate objects in a photograph, work the identical means they do on the Pixel 8. Samsung’s AI modifying options have not made their solution to the Galaxy A35 5G, though I would not be shocked in the event that they ultimately arrived via a software program replace. Pixel 8A battery, efficiency and software program The Pixel 8A runs on Google’s Tensor G3 processor just like the Pixel 8. James Martin/CNETThe Pixel 8A’s battery is greater than able to getting via a full day on a single cost. On a busy day that concerned leaving the home round 8:30 a.m., spending the day on the workplace after which going out to dinner with associates, the Pixel 8A nonetheless had 66% of its battery left at 12:43 a.m. That’s roughly 16 hours of use. But as at all times, battery life will fluctuate relying on the way you’re utilizing your machine. I had the brightness set to no less than 50% or greater all through the day and principally used the telephone for searching social media and e mail, taking a number of images, making a short telephone name and taking part in cell video games for about 15 minutes. The Pixel 8A additionally carried out barely higher than the Pixel 7A in CNET’s 45-minute battery endurance check, which incorporates a mixture of basic function use circumstances like scrolling via social media, streaming YouTube, conducting a video name and taking part in video games. After 45 minutes, the battery dipped right down to 95% from 100%, whereas the Pixel 7A was right down to 92% throughout the identical check. When it involves our longer battery check, which entails streaming video with the show at full brightness for 3 hours, the Pixel 8A’s outcomes have been passable for a telephone of its worth. The battery depleted to 83% on the finish of three hours, placing it about on par with final yr’s Galaxy S23 (81%) and the Pixel 7A (85%). Surprisingly, it carried out barely higher than the Pixel 8, which was right down to 79% on the finish of the check, regardless of the Pixel 8’s marginally bigger battery. The Pixel 8A has the identical Tensor G3 processor discovered within the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and efficiency appears easy thus far. Apps open shortly, the digital camera launches simply, and video games run with out concern. Benchmark checks like Geekbench 6, which measures basic computing efficiency, and 3DMark for assessing graphics, point out the Pixel 8A is not as highly effective as premium gadgets just like the Galaxy S24 household however continues to be speedier than final yr’s Pixel 7A. That appears proper on the mark for a telephone on this worth vary.Geekbench 6 Single Core 1,675 1,439 1,605 2,255Multicore 4,076 3,560 4,134 6,875
Pixel 8A
Pixel 7A
Pixel 8
Galaxy S24
Note: Higher scores are higher.
3DMark Wild Life Extreme 3DMark Wild<span class=”scribe-editor-marker” fashion=”display: none;”></span> Life Extreme 2,435 1,919 2,381 4,752
Pixel 8A
Pixel 7A
Pixel 8
Galaxy S24
Note: Higher scores are higher.
Hardware is not the one similarity between the Pixel 8A and Google’s pricier Pixels; they share quite a lot of software program options in widespread too. You’ll get options like Hold For Me, which might wait on maintain for you when calling sure companies, and Circle to Search, which helps you to seek for nearly something on display by drawing or scribbling on it.Circle to Search is a more moderen Android characteristic that debuted earlier this yr, and it has quite a lot of potential. I nonetheless discover myself going out of the way in which to make use of it moderately than becoming it into my pure telephone utilization patterns, however I’ve been impressed by the way it’s been working thus far. When I circled a picture of the principle character from the favored anime collection Attack on Titan and requested for “shows like this,” Google pulled up tales in regards to the collection, together with one article recommending comparable content material. Google has large plans for integrating AI much more deeply into Android telephones, as the corporate showcased throughout its Google I/O keynote, so I’m certain the 8A will get extra new options quickly sufficient. Most importantly, Google will assist the Pixel 8A with seven years of Android working system upgrades and safety updates. That matches the Pixel 8’s assist timeline and marks an enormous leap from the three-year pledge Google made with final yr’s Pixel 7A. It’s nice to see Google extending this coverage to its cheaper telephone, too. But the Pixel 8A does not have all the things the Pixel 8 has. For instance, it seems like Google’s generative AI wallpapers aren’t out there on the Pixel 8A. Pixel 8A total ideas The Pixel 8A looks like a better option for most individuals in comparison with the Pixel 8. James Martin/CNETEach yr, Google improves on its A-series telephones in ways in which tackle the earlier era’s criticisms and shortcomings. As such, the hole between Google’s common Pixel and A-series Pixel has steadily develop into narrower. And at this level, it is so small that I’m significantly questioning whether or not the Pixel 8 is price it.There’s a laundry record of belongings you’ll get with the Pixel 8 that are not out there on the Pixel 8A, akin to the power to wirelessly cost different gadgets on the again of the telephone, a barely bigger display, macro focus mode within the digital camera and a better sturdiness ranking. But taken collectively, these do not feel important sufficient to make the Pixel 8 a extra compelling choice for most individuals.With the Pixel 8A, Google has as soon as once more raised the bar for what’s anticipated of a $500 telephone. But as I wrote final yr, which means Google must attempt tougher with its subsequent flagship. Google Pixel 8A vs. Other Phones Google Pixel 8AGoogle Pixel 7AGoogle Pixel 8Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Display dimension, tech, decision, refresh fee 6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels, 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.1-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 60/90Hz 6.2-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 60-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED; 60-120Hz adaptive refresh feePixel density 430 ppi429 ppi428 ppi389 ppiDimensions (inches) 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 in.6 x 2.9 x 0.4 in.5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 in.6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in.Dimensions (millimeters) 152 x 74 x 10.2 mm152 x 74 x 10.2 mm150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mmWeight (grams, ounces) 193 g (6.8 oz.)193 g (6.81 oz.)187 g (6.6 oz.)209 g (7.4 oz.)Mobile software program (at launch) Android 14Android 13Android 14Android 14Digital camera 64-megapixel (primary), 13-megapixel (ultrawide)64-megapixel (primary), 13-megapixel (ultrawide)50-megapixel (primary), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)50-megapixel (primary), 8-megapixel (ultrawide), 5-megapixel (macro)Front-facing digital camera 13-megapixel13-megapixel10.5-megapixel13-megapixelVideo seize 4K at 30/60 FPS4K at 30/60 FPS4K at 24/30/60 FPSUHD at 30 FPSProcessor Google Tensor G3Google Tensor G2Google Tensor G3Samsung Exynos 1380RAM/storage 8GB + 128GB or 256GB8GB + 128GB8GB + 128GB, 256GB6GB + 128GBExpandable storage NoneNoneNoneup to 1TBBattery 4,492 mAh (18W quick charging, 7.5W wi-fi charging)4,385 mAh (18W quick charging, 7.5W wi-fi charging) 4,575 mAh (27W quick charging, 18W wi-fi charging with Google Pixel Stand, 12W wi-fi charging Qi chargers)5,000 mAh (25W quick wired charging)Fingerprint sensor Under-displayUnder-displayUnder-displayOptical fingerprint sensorConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial options 5G (5G sub6 / mmWave), IP67 ranking, VPN by Google One, Circle to Search, 7 years Android OS updates, 7 years safety updates, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser5G (5G sub6 / mmWave), IP67 ranking, VPN by Google One, Circle to Search, 3 years Android OS updates, 5 years safety updates 5G (Sub 6,/mmWave); IP68 ranking; VPN by Google One; 7 years of Android OS updates, 7 years of safety updates; Best Take; Audio Magic Eraser; Magic Editor, 2x “optical quality” zoom; macro focus, Battery Share 5G, Samsung Knox Vault, 4 generations of Android OS updates, 5 years of safety updates, expandable storage