I spent a week with the Pixel 8a and this is what I love and hate

It’s been practically a month since Google formally unveiled the Pixel 8a. Not like the Pixel 7a launch, which was accompanied by a number of different Pixel merchandise and sneak peeks on the 2023 I/O convention, the Pixel 8a launch was fairly low-key. Google introduced the Pixel 8a per week earlier than its I/O 2024 convention on Might 7, 2024, and the launch was, actually, I’d argue, overshadowed by Google’s extensive lineup of AI announcements only one week later. Practically a month after its launch, I’ve had the possibility to check the Pixel 8a totally, and right here’s what I like and hate about it after utilizing it for over per week.

We want XL fashions within the Pixel A-series

An even bigger show is what Pixel 8a wants

Let me set some context right here — I have been utilizing an iPhone 14 Professional Max and an Honor Magic 6 Pro for many of this yr. Each telephones are massive and onerous to make use of with one hand, and that is one thing I spotted the minute I took the Pixel 8a out of the field. The Pixel 8a is small in comparison with these gadgets. Though it’s nonetheless larger than the Samsung Galaxy S24, in the event you’re coming from gadgets made by OnePlus, Motorola, and even HMD, you will discover the Pixel 8a noticeably smaller.

I like the show of the Pixel 8a. Google has improved the display high quality, and now that it affords a 120Hz refresh price, it would not really feel like a downgrade in comparison with some flagship phones — though it’s essential enable the 120Hz refresh rate within the settings, as it isn’t on by default. Nevertheless, to compete on this worth section, I imagine Google ought to contemplate growing the display measurement for the A-series. Many finances and mid-range smartphones, just like the OnePlus 12R, Nothing Telephone 2a, and Moto G Energy (2024), supply screens bigger than 6.7 inches, which is one thing I would like for my Pixel 8a.

Whereas I’ve gotten used to the compact type issue of the Pixel 8a, I nonetheless discover myself craving for a bigger show, particularly whereas watching soccer and scrolling reels at night time. And this is the place Google ought to take be aware: it both wants to extend the display measurement of the Pixel A collection or introduce XL fashions. The present A-series gadgets could be good for a lot of, however for these of us preferring bigger screens, an XL variant can be a welcome addition. The Pixel 9 collection is anticipated to bring back the “XL” model, and I hope the A collection follows go well with.

Utilizing the Pixel 8a’s digital camera feels easy

A reliable digital camera for day by day use

Now, let’s speak about one thing I completely love in regards to the Pixel 8a: its digital camera. The Pixel 8a’s digital camera is undoubtedly the star of the present. The Pixel 7a impressed us with its glorious digital camera final yr, and the Pixel 8a follows go well with. It nonetheless has the identical setup as final yr’s 7a with a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide lens — and sure, it lacks a devoted telephoto zoom lens, which we want extra telephones had — however for on a regular basis photographs, the Pixel 8a is greater than good.

Megapixels by no means inform the entire story, however as anticipated, the Pixel 8a captures vivid, detail-rich pictures throughout the day. When the computational images algorithms kick in at night time, the photographs are simply pretty much as good. The dynamic vary is superb, with correct colours in any kind of lighting — and you will hardly really feel the digital camera missing. Most of the time, I discovered the Pixel 8a’s digital camera to outperform my iPhone, and the 8a, actually, changed my iPhone as my main digital camera for the entire week.

The underside line, as is with most Google Pixel gadgets nowadays, is that the Pixel 8a affords the most effective cameras you should buy at this worth level. All the imaging expertise on the Pixel, from the digital camera app’s ease of use to taking photographs and even modifying with AI options, is simply unmatched. If digital camera efficiency is your prime precedence, the Pixel 8a is pretty much as good because it will get at this worth.

Google AI and Tensor

Some options impress, some really feel pointless

With the current Pixel lineup, Google has mirrored its strategy with different providers and AI, bombarding the Pixel 8 collection telephones with quite a few AI-based options. The Pixel 8a is filled with AI in each a part of the cellphone — from the Assistant to photographs, messages, and even the audio recorder. What’s much like the opposite gadgets within the Pixel 8 collection is that the Pixel 8a runs on the identical Tensor G3 chip. Whereas I anticipated some lag, my Pixel 8a has carried out easily up to now. Apps open rapidly, animations are easy — arguably a number of the greatest amongst Android gadgets — and the AI options work properly.

However are they helpful? Truthfully, I’ve primarily used the AI wallpaper operate and the Magic Editor in photographs on my Pixel 8a. It’s nice that Google consists of the identical set of AI options, like Audio Magic Eraser and Name Help, as within the pricier Pixel 8 fashions, however I have not used them a lot. The Magic Editor does turn out to be useful, although. The picture above with the clouds and blue sky had a wire, which I eliminated utilizing the Magic Editor.

One AI characteristic I discovered notably helpful is Circle to Search. I used it greater than anticipated — to search out footwear my favourite influencer was carrying, to study a soccer legend in my feed, and extra. It’s like utilizing Google Lens on a regular basis, however the capacity to carry down the house button and simply ‘circle to go looking’ about an object is nice.

Whereas we’re on the subject of AI, one factor that I am wanting ahead to check extra is the on-device AI. Google is ready to convey on-device Gemini Nano model to the Pixel 8a. Which means from a future replace, most AI processing will occur on-device and offline, maintaining your knowledge away from the cloud.

Nevertheless, the underside line stays the identical. The AI options are there if you wish to use them, however for most individuals, they aren’t the principle motive to purchase this machine. I discovered myself not utilizing them that a lot throughout my week with the Pixel 8a, and I would argue that these options are extra like added bonuses to get pleasure from slightly than main causes to decide on the Pixel 8a.

The place the Pixel 8a can enhance

There are just a few areas the place the Pixel 8a falls quick

The Pixel 8a is in no way a perfect device. Take the charging velocity, for instance. For years, Pixel’s rivals have supplied quicker charging speeds — and a few at a far cheaper price tag than the 8a — but Google nonetheless expects us to simply accept 18W charging on the Pixel 8a. It is not acceptable! The Pixel 8a takes over an hour and a half to totally cost, which is absurd for a tool that prices this a lot. Sure, the battery life is nice and lasts all day, however the lengthy charging time is a major disadvantage.

There are additionally different small annoyances with the machine. For one, I do not just like the speaker on the Pixel 8a. It is not as loud as I would anticipate for a tool at this worth, and it sounds muffled at full quantity. One other concern is the display bezel. I assumed I would get used to the bezels after per week, however I nonetheless discover them simply as a lot as I did on the primary day. That is disappointing, particularly when gadgets just like the OnePlus 12R, which prices roughly the identical, supply a lot smaller bezels.

As I famous above, the Pixel 8a has room for enchancment in a number of areas. Nevertheless, the place Google will get it proper, like with the digital camera, it does so beautifully.