Google Pixel 8a

Manageable size ; IP rating and Qi charging ; Great camera (for the price) ; Seven years of software updates ; Clever AI-infused software

Screen is far from the best ; The battery will never last more than a day ; Slow charging

Even with a price rise in certain regions, the Pixel 8a remains excellent value for someone looking for a device with a great camera, pocketable design and the promise of many years of software updates.

Outperforms its closest Samsung A55 competitor ; Solid cameras and photography features ; Screen upgrade over last-gen model ; Fun design and colour options

Fingerprint scanner sensitivity is subpar ; Nothing Phone (2) now closely priced ; Charging is still a little slow ; Smaller size won't suit all

The Google Pixel 8a is the best affordable phone of 2024. Sure, the battery and charging could be better still, and the fingerprint scanner's responsiveness is my biggest gripe, but with big improvements over its Pixel 7a predecessor, this entry-level...

Great design and color options ; Useful AI tools for writing and photo edits ; Seven years of Android updates coming

Underpowered compared to Snapdragons ; Cameras are better on more expensive Pixels ; Battery life isn't great

The Pixel 8a is my new favorite bargain phone, and if you need a new phone for less, the Pixel 8a gives you more than you'd expect. You get Google's latest and greatest mobile AI tools, plus seven years of Android updates, in a package that's colorful...

Great tactile, sturdy feel in hand ; Software and experience feels close to flagship ; Simple point-and-shoot camera, great night-mode ; Precise touchscreen key response ; 7+ years of software upgrades

Chunky side bezels and frame ; Higher price than mid-range competitors ; Display could be better at angles and certain lighting ; Battery is average

A combination of a great design and build, long-term software support, useful software features and a strong, reliable camera, make it a great option for anyone not looking to spend more than $500 on a phone.

Excellent software experience ; Solid cameras ; Attractive design ; Wireless charging

Slow charging ; Middling battery life ; Chunky bezel

For the average phone buyer – the target market here – the Pixel 8a ticks most of the boxes and with longevity promised will make for a good value choice over its lifespan. Consider the Pixel 7a and 8 first though and, for tech nerds, there are more...

Flagship-challenging photography skills ; Improved design over the previous generation ; Brighter screen ; Most accessible way to access Google’s AI ; Seven years of support

Charging speeds remain behind rivals ; The Pixel 8 can be found for a similar price ; Gemini AI chatbot not available in UK and Europe

With similar hardware to its more expensive siblings, the Pixel 8a is the most affordable way to access Google’s AI smarts. Paired with amazing photography skills, the Pixel 8a is the mid-range smartphone to beat.

Reduced Camrea Bar thickness ; Value proposition near flagship Pixel 8 ; Decent graphics and battery performance ; Great UI and consumer AI features

Low starting storage capacity ; No charging adapter provided ; No Laser AutoFocus ; Increasingly competitive market for midrange

TL;DR version: If you haven’t bought the Pixel 8, it's not too late for you. The Google Pixel 8a is cheaper and just as good where it counts. Buy it online from Google Store , Amazon SG , Challenger , Courts , Singtel , Lazada , Shopee , and SprintCass...