The Google Pixel 8a, on sale from 549 euros, which becomes the simple (and cheaper) alternative to the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro. That's why the brand's "A" series was created. Now that its final specifications have been made public, we can now compare and find out what the main differences are with its predecessor.
In a first look at the official images and the final technical characteristics, the new model It stands out for its compact size and the presence of the Tensor G3 processor, which it shares with the other variants of the series.
To obtain a global vision of this smartphone, we will first review the fundamental aspects of the technical sheet, and then analyze the two models (the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 8a) in detail.
Technical characteristics of the Google Pixel 8a
These are the specifications of the Google Pixel 8a:
- DIMENSIONS: 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm.
- WEIGHT: 188 g.
- SCREEN: 6,1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate.
- PROCESSOR: Google Tensor G3.
- RAM MEMORY: 8 GB.
- STORAGE: 128 GB / 256 GB.
- FRONT CAMERA: 13 MP, f/2.2.
- REAR CAMERAS:
- 64 MP main, f/1.9
- 13 MP Wide Angle, f/2.2
- BATTERY: 5.000 mAh.
- CONNECTIVITY: 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth v5.3, NFC, USB-C.
- OPERATING SYSTEM: Android 14.
- SALE PRICE: Starting at 549 euros.
Design and aesthetics
The general exterior structure of this mobile follows the same line as that of the Pixel 7a. The size of both devices is practically identical, although the Pixel 8a is lighter: 188 grams compared to 193,5 grams of the previous model.
Where a greater evolution is noticeable is in the aesthetic section. In reality, it is the natural evolution of the entire series, with which it shares the same chromatic options (Obsidian, Porcelain, Light Blue and Aloe colors) and the incorporation of the horizontal bar on the back, where the set of cameras is located.
The use of polished aluminum as the main shell material reinforces this refinement.
A brighter screen
The Google Pixel screen is the same size as the Pixel 7a: a 6,1-inch OLED panel, with FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. However, it has other clearly improved features, such as the increased refresh rate (from 90 Hz to 120 Hz). But above all, it stands out for a brightness increase of up to 40%, with a maximum of 2.000 nits. Halfway between what the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro offer.
Photographic equipment
The quality of the cameras appears to be essentially the same as that offered by the Pixel 7a that was released last year. In this new model we find a dual configuration consisting of a 64 MP main camera plus a 13 MP ultra-wide camera. On the other hand, the front camera for selfies is 13 MP.
But although everything seems the same, we will be able to notice a notable improved image processing thanks to the update to the Tensor G3 processor, Google's newest, and the contributions of AI.
Processor and memory
The entire series (Pixel 8, Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro) incorporates the same processor: the Google Tensor G3 with 5G connectivity). This represents a significant leap over the Pixel 7a chipset and necessarily results in better performance.
The processor works with two configurations different (8 GB of RAM + 128 GB of storage or 8 GB of RAM + 256 GB), which are the two options on sale. The operating system is the Android 14, with a seven-year guarantee of updates, security patches and possible new functions.
Battery and charging speed
The battery capacity of the Google Pixel 8a is 4.492 mAh, slightly higher than that of the Pixel 7a, which was only 4.385 mAh, although in practice this hardly makes any difference. In terms of charging speed, its features are exactly the same as in the sister models Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: wireless Qi charging and 30W fast charging, well above the Pixel 18a's 7W.
In terms of connectivity, there are no noticeable changes. The same options are still available on the Pixel 7a.
Price
The Google Pixel 8a can now be reserved at official website in four colors available and in any of its two variants:
- Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 128GB): 549 euros.
- Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB): 609 euros.
Here the price difference with respect to the previous model (which only cost 379 euros in its simplest version) means a jump of almost 200 euros. Comparing both models, many users may consider that the improved features of the Pixel 8a (brighter screen, larger battery with better charging speed, etc.) do not make up for the price difference. It is, after all, a decision that depends on the tastes and preferences of each user.