Google Pixel 8a Review: A Flagship Killer with a Focus on Cameras and Software

Comparos Rating:8/10

With its new Pixel 8a release into the Indian smartphone market, Google presents itself as a mid-tier gadget with notable improvements over its previous Pixel 7a. Costing Rs 52,999, it falls between mid-range and flagship and gets the label "flagship killer." This review investigates whether in a competitive market the Pixel 8a lives up to this moniker.

Design and Build

The Pixel 8a keeps a traditional unboxing experience containing the phone, a charging wire, SIM ejector tool, and a USB-A to USB-C adaptor. Exclusive to the Pixel 8a, the Aleo color is striking with its matte surface, fingerprint and smudge resistance. The gadget's obvious camera bar, glossy aluminum frame, and subdued Google logo all help to add to its charm. Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and a plastic back panel somewhat impair the build quality even with its pleasing design. An other drawback are the thicker bezels. On the other hand, the IP67 rating for water and dust protection is really good.

Display

The Pixel 8a boasts a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio, therefore enabling HDR for vivid images and a refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz. With its 2,000 nits of peak brightness, it is readily useable under direct sunlight. Apart from the wider bezels, the display features an Always-on-display capability, providing a notable improvement over the Pixel 7a and corresponds with the vanilla Pixel 8.

Performance:

The Tensor G3 SoC, also included in the Pixel 8 Pro, represents the most major improvement. Tests for benchmarking found Geekbench 6 ratings of 3713 (multi-core) and 1571 (single-core). Although it trails behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3 CPUs, the Pixel 8a runs well in multitasking and gaming; it does heat significantly throughout protracted gaming sessions. The Tensor G3 shines in artificial intelligence operations, suggesting future possibilities with the forthcoming Google Gemini AI software.

Cameras:

The dual-camera setup includes a 64 MP primary sensor with f/1.9 aperture and OIS, and a 13 MP ultrawide lens with f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree FOV. The f/2.2 aperture of the 13 MP selfie camera also is The cameras provide clarity and great white balance in daylight as well as finely detailed, color-accurate images. For primary and ultrawide cameras alike, Night Sight improves low-light performance. The Pixel 8a supports 4K video at 60fps with the main camera and 4K at 30fps with the other two lenses, maintaining consistency in quality.

Software:

Running on vanilla Android 14, the Pixel 8a gains from Google's dedication to software support and expected 7 years of upgrades. Though a thorough investigation of these is yet pending a complete study, the program provides several features and AI improvements.

Battery

With 18W fast charging and 7.5W wireless charging, the 4,492mAh battery runs through a full day of moderate use. Compared to its competitors, the charging speed is modest, and it falls short of the Pixel 8's capabilities.

User Experience

With its rounded form and easy buttons, the Pixel 8a stresses comfort. Despite its mid-range hardware, the software experience is smooth and bloat-free, enhancing usability. The display's high brightness and vibrant colors make it a pleasure to use, while the camera performance, particularly the ultrawide lens, stands out in its segment. The device does heat up slightly during intensive tasks, but overall performance remains solid.

Comparos Says

The Pixel 8a is recommended for users who prioritize camera quality, software experience, and display brightness over raw performance and build quality. Its price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performing camera phone with long-term software support without paying flagship prices.

The Google Pixel 8a successfully carves a niche as a "flagship killer" by focusing on key areas like camera performance, software updates, and display quality. While it makes some compromises in build quality and performance, it offers a balanced and compelling package. For users who value these aspects, the Pixel 8a is a worthy contender in the mid-to-high-end smartphone market.