Google has take the wraps off the Pixel 8a , its latest mid - range twist and the successor to the excellent Pixel 7a .
TheGoogle Pixel 7awas one of thebest affordable phonesof 2023 , offer plenty of features – including wireless charging and an IP rating – for a price that we felt was very good value for money .
A yr on and we ’ve now get its replacement , the Pixel 8a . But what are the big differences ? rent ’s take a smell and see .
A faster, more capable chipset
For the Pixel 8a , Google is using the sameTensor G3chipset you ’ll find in £ 999Pixel 8 Pro – considering this is a zep £ 500/$500 headphone , that seems like a very effective deal . Using a gamey - end fleck in a gimcrack gadget is nothing new for Google , as it used a similar tactic with the extroverted Pixel 7a . That phone used the Tensor G2 chip , the same Si found in the Pixel 7 serial .
While someone who pay a lot more for the Pixel 8 Pro might be a piddling irritated that the same chip shot is being used in a phone half the damage , this is a huge benefit for those picking up the Pixel 8a .
Many of the AI features Google is touting with the Pixel 8a are either enabled or improve by Tensor G3 , including financial support for Gemini Mini . This is presently the tinny speech sound to support Gemini Mini , even if it ’s not enable by default .
Two standout new colours
Google has switched up the color choices for the Pixel 8a , ditching the Sea and Coral pick and tweak the more indifferent inglorious and white option .
Now we ’ve got Obsidian ( black ) and Porcelain ( white ) plus the same Bay hue that was introduced with the Pixel 8 line . This is a very burnished , vivid Amytal . Alo is the new color , and it ’s hopeful green , far more punchy than the hushed Mint Pixel 8 .
The back of the Pixel 8a is now flatness , to reduce fingermark , and it has satin side .
A brighter, faster display
There are numerous upgrade to the screen on the Pixel 8a when compare to the 7a . First off , the refresh pace has been boosted to 120Hz , give it faster than the 90Hz covert used before .
This is n’t a fancy LTPO panel , instead it can switch between 60Hz and 120Hz look on usage . you may also lock it to 60Hz if you desire to be more zip efficient .
Google also say that the showing is bright , up to 40 % thanks to the Actua Display used .
Double the storage – with a catch
For the first time , Google is offer both a 128 GB storage and a tumid 256 GB variation . Previously , 128 GB was the only choice and as there ’s never been expandable storage on the Pixel , it could be cunning for those who wanted to hive away lots of offline files on the phone .
However , there is a snap . That 256 GB option is only useable if you plump for the evenhandedly dull Obsidian colourway – not any of the bright pick .
A lot will come down to the cameras
Google is positioning the Pixel 8a as thebest photographic camera phoneat its price , and there ’s every luck it could achieve that end .
In terms of specs , the phones seem very exchangeable but of course of instruction a good deal can change thanks to the Tensor G3 ’s processing . They both have a 64MP f/1.9 main photographic camera , 13MP ultrawide and 13MP selfies . 4 K picture up to 60fps is affirm .
We ’ll have a full looking at at the cameras when we ’ve had meter to properly test the Pixel 8a and compare it to the 7a .
There’s been a price rise
In the UK , the Pixel 8a will trade for £ 499 , an increase over the £ 449 RRP of the Pixel 7a . In the USA it hold the same $ 499 toll as the 7a .
It is worth note that Google has been selling the Pixel 8 for £ 569 previously and we ’ve seen it drop below £ 500 thanks to a fantastic deal from EE .
