Preview Google Pixel 8a smartphone the right choice?

Google announces the budget version of the Google Pixel 8 smartphone with the Pixel 8a. How do the Android smartphones Google Pixel 8a, Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a differ from each other? A tip of the veil: for the first time, the Pixel A series now also has a larger storage option of 256 GB. In this preview we discuss the most important specifications, all of which you will find at the bottom of the article. In addition, we have now received this smartphone as a test sample and you can expect the review from May 13, because Google does not allow us to post the review before then.

New design, fresh colours
The Pixel 8a feels good in the hand with rounded edges, a matte back and a polished aluminum frame. The durable design (with IP67 rating) resists drops, spills and dust, making the Pixel 8a the most durable A-series phone ever, according to Google. There is also a fingerprint-resistant coating on the back.
The dimensions in centimeters are 5.21 x 7.27 x 0.89 (wxhxd) and it weighs 188 grams. The buttons for on/off and volume control are on the right side, and the USB connection is at the bottom.
There are two new colors in the A-series: Bay and Aloe (limited edition). The neutral colors Obsidian and Porcelain are also available.

Screen
The new Actua OLED screen is 6.1 inches (1) and 40% brighter than that of the Pixel 7a. The aspect ratio is 20:9 (1080 x 2400 pixels) at 430 PPI and the Smooth Display (2) with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz scrolls more smoothly.
Furthermore, it has up to 1400 nits (HDR) and up to 2000 nits (peak brightness) (20), a contrast ratio of more than 1,000,000:1, HDR support and full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protective glass. The screen is always active with Quick overview and Now Playing.

Processor, memory and connections
Like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, this phone is built with the latest Google Tensor G3 chip, making it the fastest and most secure Pixel A series phone yet. The Pixel 8a also has the certified Titan M2 security chip on board and once again offers a built-in VPN for extra protection against threats.
It has 8 GB of RAM and in terms of storage memory, the A-series now offers 256 GB UFS 3.1 (7) in addition to 128 GB.
You can charge either wirelessly or via the USB-C 3.2 port; Furthermore, it has Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz, HE80, MIMO, Bluetooth v5.3, Bluetooth Diversity, NFC, Google Cast and GPS.

Battery
A good, large battery is important, because you don’t want to have to charge your smartphone again at the end of the afternoon. The battery, with an average of 4492 mAh (5) and a minimum of 4404 mAh according to Google, should provide more than 24 hours of battery life (4) and even up to 72 hours of battery life with Extreme Battery Saver (4). Fortunately, it can charge quickly (6) Suitable for wireless charging (Qi certified)

Software and updates
Of course, this Google Pixel smartphone is equipped with Android, Android 14. Google was the first smartphone manufacturer to offer no less than 7 years of support for an Android device and that is of course no different with the Pixel 8a. This means that you will not only receive Android updates for 7 years, but also security updates and feature releases (9). This way you benefit from all the new features and improvements in ongoing Feature Drops.

Cameras and AI tools
The Pixel 8a has a powerful dual rear camera with a 64MP main and 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens. On the other hand, there is a 13-megapixel front camera (selfie|) with a wide-angle lens so you can fit even more into your photos.
Thanks to Google Tensor G3, the Pixel 8a is packed with AI tools to get the most out of your photos and videos:

* Best Shot lets you take the perfect group photo. Choose the best expression for everyone in a series of photos.
* Magic Editor lets you move subjects, resize them or use presets to make the background pop – with just a few taps.
* Magic Eraser for Audio easily removes distracting sounds in your videos, such as wind, crowds and other noise for clear sound.

Furthermore, the Pixel 8a also has Super Res Zoom up to 8x and functions such as Magic Eraser, Night Vision and Photo Sharpening. Like every Pixel, the Pixel 8a also has Real Tone, to accurately display every skin color in photos and videos.

Even more AI
The Pixel 8a is designed to help you check more tasks off your to-do list. Time-saving features give you more time for the things that really matter:

* With Circle to Search, you no longer have to switch between apps to find the information you’re looking for. Use your finger to draw a circle around an image, text or video to quickly find what you see.
* Pixel 8a also introduces Audio Emoji, which lets you press an emoji while calling for an audible response with visual effect. For example, use the applause emoji when you congratulate someone or the laughing emoji after you have told your best joke.
* Want to plan a trip? Maps help you discover hidden gems and put together the right route. And with Immersive View you can virtually explore your destination before you even set foot anywhere! And once you arrive, Lens is your window to the world. Snap a photo of a historic monument to reveal its secrets, or translate a restaurant menu in an instant.
* Google Pixel’s At a Glance widget keeps you on track and puts essential information right on your lock screen. View upcoming events, weather, travel updates and timely reminders without even unlocking your phone.

Price and availability
Google reports that it is expanding the availability of the Google Pixel family in the Netherlands: the new smartphone is now also available at Vodafone, KPN and MediaMarkt. Not only the new Pixel 8a, but also the Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8 and associated accessories can be ordered there. MediaMarkt also adds the Pixel Watch to its range. The expansion is in addition to existing partnerships with Odido and Belsimpel, which previously offered Pixel in the Netherlands. Pixel is now available from all three national carriers and two of the major phone and consumer electronics outlets.
The Pixel 8a is available from €549 for the 128GB version and pre-orders start today. Participating retailers are also offering a discount on Pixel 8a when trading in an eligible phone until June 3 (subject to availability). Pixel 8a will be available from May 14 at Odido, Vodafone, KPN, Belsimpel, MediaMarkt and the Google Store.

(1) The screen has rounded corners. As a rectangle, the screen has a screen diagonal of 6.1 inches. The available image area is smaller. Dimensions may vary depending on configuration and production process.

(2) Not available for all apps or content.

(3) Dimensions and weight vary based on configuration and manufacturing process.

(4) For ‘more than 24 hours’, estimated battery life is based on testing against the battery usage profile of an average Pixel user and a combination of calls, data, standby, and other feature usage. The average battery life during the tests was at least 31 hours. For ‘up to 72 hours’, estimated battery life is based on testing the battery usage profile of an average Pixel user using a combination of calls, data, standby, and other features that are enabled by default in Extreme Battery Saver (where several features are turned off, such as 5G connectivity). For both claims, the batteries were tested in California in late 2023 on pre-production hardware and software with default settings. Extreme battery saving was only enabled for the claim ‘up to 72 hours’. The tests started with fully charged phones. Battery life depends on many factors and decreases with the use of certain functions. Actual battery life may be shorter.

(5) Estimation of typical capacity based on testing and expected equipment usage.

(6) Up to 18 watts (mains charging). Based on using Google’s 30W USB-C charger plugged into a wall outlet. The actual result may be slower. Adapters are available separately.

(7) The storage specifications refer to the capacity before formatting. Actual formatted capacity is lower.

(8) Restrictions apply. Some data is not sent via VPN. Not available in all countries. All other Google One membership benefits are sold separately. This VPN offer does not affect the price or benefits of Google One subscriptions. You may be charged data charges for using VPN. For more information, visit g.co/pixel/vpn.

(9) 7 years of updates from the date the device became available in the Google Store in the United States. Visit g.co/pixel/updates for more information.

(10) Maximum resolution and field of view are not available for all camera apps or modes.

(11) Not available for all camera apps or modes.

(12) Google Photos app required. The photo feature may not work on all image elements.

(13) Sharpen faces may not work on all photos or videos that contain faces.

(14) Not available for all camera apps or modes.

(15) This feature is carrier dependent. Not available with all providers or in all countries. Contact your provider for more information.

(16) The Pixel 8a works on most major networks. Contact your provider for more information. Cell service and frequency band support are carrier dependent and not available everywhere. Some frequency bands supported by the device hardware may not be activated. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo for more information.

(17) Requires 5G data plan (sold separately). 5G is not supported by all providers and is not available everywhere. Contact your provider for more information. 5G service, speed and performance depend on several factors, such as the capacity and signal strength of the carrier network. Actual results may vary. Some features are not available everywhere. Data charges may apply. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo for more information.

(18) The device meets the IP67 rating for water and dust resistance according to IEC standard 60529 when shipped from the factory, but is not waterproof or dustproof. The accessories are not water or dust resistant. Water and dust resistance are not permanent and will decrease or disappear over time due to normal wear and tear, repair, disassembly or damage. If you drop the device, dust or water resistance may decrease. The warranty is void after liquid damage. See g.co/pixel/water for more information.

(19) Based on weight, the product consists of at least 18% recycled aluminum.

(20) HDR brightness measured at an OPR (On-Pixel Ratio) of 100%. Peak brightness measured at an OPR (On-Pixel Ratio) of 5%.

(21) Based on product weight, the recycled plastic in the tailgate constitutes at least 3% of the product.

(22) Based on the sales packaging (excluding adhesives and mandatory plastic stickers) as shipped by Google. At the request of some sales partners, stickers and/or security labels that may contain plastic have been added to some versions of the packaging.

(23) Google Photos app required. May not work for all audio elements.