Google Pixel 8a: Is It Worth the Price Tag?
As technology enthusiasts eagerly await each new release, the Google Pixel 8a has generated considerable buzz. Known for their clean software experience and impressive camera capabilities, Google’s Pixel phones have garnered a dedicated following. However, the Pixel 8a presents a curious case, balancing some promising features with several perplexing choices. Let’s delve into the unboxing and first impressions of the Pixel 8a to see if it lives up to its price tag.
Unboxing the Google Pixel 8a: A Minimalist Affair
Opening the Pixel 8a box, you’re greeted with Google’s trademark minimalism. Inside, you’ll find:
- The Pixel 8a handset
- A USB Type-C to Type-A adapter
- A USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable
- A SIM card tool
- Basic documentation
Noticeably absent is a charging brick, a trend that’s becoming more common but still leaves some users scrambling for compatible chargers. The phone itself boasts a sleek design, with a standout green hue that’s both fresh and stylish.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Rs 53,000 |
| Design | Rounded, lightweight, composite back, Gorilla Glass 3 front, no glass back |
| Display | 6.1-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 2000 nits peak brightness, thick bezels |
| Processor | Tensor G3 chipset |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | UFS 3.1 (should have been UFS 4.0) |
| Battery | 4492 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired, 7.5W wireless |
| Camera (Rear) | Dual setup: 64MP main sensor, 13MP ultrawide, 4K video at 30FPS ultrawide, 4K at 60FPS primary |
| Camera (Front) | 13MP, 4K video at 30FPS |
| Special Camera Features | Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take |
| Software | Clean UI, 7 years of updates, AI features like circle to search |
| Weight | 188.3 grams |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (Wi-Fi 6E in US variant), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, IP67 certification |
| Ports | USB Type-C, no 3.5mm jack |
| SIM | Single SIM, eSIM |
| Speakers | Speaker grill on the bottom |
| Performance | AnTuTu score ~1M, CPU throttle test at 70% |
| Multimedia | Good audio quality, HDR content support, suitable for gaming with highest settings |
| Notable Drawbacks | Thick bezels, slow 18W charging, performance not competitive at price point, no |
Design and Build: Lightweight but Not Luxurious
Holding the Pixel 8a, it feels comfortably light and compact, weighing in at 188.3 grams. The design has evolved slightly from its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, moving towards a rounder, thicker profile. The front is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, while the back is made of composite material—a somewhat surprising choice for a phone priced above Rs 50,000. The absence of a glass back, often seen in premium models, might be a letdown for some.
Display: Bright and Fast, Yet Borderline
The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2000 nits. These specs promise a smooth and vibrant visual experience, ideal for multimedia consumption. However, the thick bezels are a stark contrast to the otherwise modern display, reminiscent of budget models priced below Rs 10,000.
Performance: Mixed Signals
Under the hood, the Pixel 8a runs on Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. Despite these solid specs, the performance is a mixed bag. With an AnTuTu score of around 1 million, it falls behind competitors in its price range, some of which boast scores upwards of 1.5 million. Additionally, the use of UFS 3.1 storage instead of the faster UFS 4.0 feels like a missed opportunity for enhanced performance and future-proofing.
Software: The Google Experience
One of the most compelling reasons to opt for a Pixel phone is the software. The Pixel 8a delivers with a clean UI, devoid of bloatware, and the promise of 7 years of updates. This longevity is a significant advantage, ensuring users benefit from the latest features and security updates long after purchase. New AI-driven features, such as the circle to search function, further enhance the user experience.
Camera: Pixel’s Strong Suit
Google continues to impress with its camera technology. The Pixel 8a sports a dual camera setup: a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. Additionally, there’s a 13MP front-facing camera. Capable of capturing 4K video from both the rear and front cameras, the Pixel 8a maintains the brand’s reputation for stellar photography. Features like Audio Magic Eraser and Best Take add creative flexibility, making the Pixel 8a a solid choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging: A Step Back?
The Pixel 8a houses a 4492 mAh battery, which provides decent endurance for a day of typical use. However, the 18W charging speed is a notable drawback, especially for a device in this price bracket. The inclusion of 7.5W wireless charging offers some convenience, but the slow charging speeds are likely to frustrate power users.
Connectivity and Other Features
On the connectivity front, the Pixel 8a includes Wi-Fi 6 support (Wi-Fi 6E in the US variant), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and IP67 certification. Despite these strong specs, Google Pixel phones have historically faced some connectivity issues, an aspect that warrants further testing. The phone also supports single SIM and eSIM configurations, adding flexibility for users.
Conclusion: A High Price for a Mixed Experience
The Google Pixel 8a is a classic case of highs and lows. It excels in areas like software experience and camera performance, staying true to the Pixel brand’s strengths. However, its pricing feels ambitious given the underwhelming charging speeds, performance metrics, and some design choices.
For dedicated Pixel enthusiasts, the promise of long-term software support and excellent camera capabilities may justify the cost. Yet, for the average consumer, the Pixel 8a’s compromises make it a harder sell in a competitive market. As always, we recommend weighing the pros and cons based on your specific needs and preferences before making a purchase.
Until next time, keep exploring and stay tech-savvy!