Ever since it first arrived in 2019, Google’s Pixel A series has been considered a benchmark for mid-range phones.

Indeed, 2023’s Pixel 7a is still the best mid-range phone you can buy, a year on from its release.

But is it about to be replaced as the best phone under £500/$500 by the new Pixel 8a? Google certainly hopes so, and there are plenty of changes on the new phone. Here’s everything you need to know.

When will the Google Pixel 8a be released?

Google officially launched the Pixel 8a on 7 May 2024.

The phone is on sale now, having been released 14 May 2024. To get your hands on one, see our separate article on where to buy the Pixel 8a.

For context, here’s when the last few generations were available to buy:

Pixel 7a – May 2023

Pixel 6a – July 2022

Pixel 5a – August 2021

Pixel 4a 5G – November 2020

Pixel 4a – August 2020

How much does the Google Pixel 8a cost?

At launch, the Pixel 8a costs £50 more than the Pixel 7a in the UK, though the starting price is unchanged in the US.

It’ll set you back £499/$499, putting it firmly in mid-range phone territory. However, it’s worth noting that the usual 128GB model will be joined by a more expensive 256GB version on the Pixel 8a, though we don’t yet know how much that’ll be cost.

Here’s how that compares to recent generations at launch:

Pixel 7a – £449/$499

Pixel 6a – £399/$449

Pixel 5a – $449 (no UK release)

Pixel 4a 5G – £499/$499

Pixel 4a – £349/$349

What specs and features does the Google Pixel 8a have?

The Pixel 8a has a lot in common with the regular Pixel 8 from 2023, though there are also some notable differences.

Design

The Pixel 8a has a slightly smaller display than the Pixel 8 (6.1-inches vs 6.2-inches), but the total footprint of the device is actually bigger.

Dimensions of 152 x 74 x 10 mm still make it a compact phone by 2024 standards, though. And at 192g, it’s one of the lighter handsets around.

The obvious downgrade compared to Pixel flagships is in the choice of materials. While the 8 and 8 Pro pair the aluminium frame with a glass back, the 8a opts for plastic instead.

You also get an IP67 rating rather than IP68, though the only difference is that it can only go up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, rather than 1.5m or 2m.

The distinctive rear visor-style camera module is still here, though there are some interesting colours. The 128GB model is available in Aloe (green), Bay (blue), Porcelain (beige) or Obsidian (black), though the latter is the only option for 256GB.

Google does also say that the Pixel 8a is its most durable and eco-friendly A series phone yet, and made with 24% recycled materials.

Display

The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch, 1080 x 2400 ‘Actua’ display.

Important specs you’ll want to know about is that it’s both OLED and 120Hz. However, without the Pixel 8’s LTPO tech, the refresh rate can’t go below 60Hz to save battery life.

Google claims up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, so outdoor visibility should be good.

Within the display, you’ll also find an optical fingerprint sensor. The selfie camera supports face unlock, but that’s less secure.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pixel 8a is powered by the same Google Tensor G3 chipset found in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.

Alongside 8GB of RAM, expect performance to be one of the phone’s main strengths, even if it’s not quite on the same level as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

The regular 128GB of storage is still here, but it’s now joined by a 256GB option. Neither support Micro-SD expansion or support dual-SIM, though.

Battery

The Pixel 8a has a typical battery size of 4492mAh, with Google stating 4404mAh as a minimum for all models sold.

The company claims you can get ‘over 24 hours’ of battery life on a single charge, or ‘up to 72 hours’ in Extreme Battery Saver mode.

This capacity is slightly larger than the 4385mAh cell on the Pixel 7a, which already delivered solid battery.

However, you’ll still have to put up with slow charging. Google says it can only reach 18W, and even that is only guaranteed with Google’s 30W wall charger – there isn’t one included in the box.

You also do get Qi wireless charging, but it’s even slower.

Cameras

The Pixel 8a has identical camera hardware to the 7a – 64Mp main, 13Mp ultrawide and 13Mp selfie.

However, the photography experience as a whole will be better, with the Pixel 8a getting several of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro’s AI features.

These include Magic Editor, which lets you remove or resize objects and realistically fill in the background. And Best Take, which allows you to swap faces in group shots to ensure everyone looks their best.

Google says it wants the 8a to be the best camera on any phone under £500/$500, and given its track record, it’s easy to see why.

Software

At launch, the Pixel 8a is running Android 14, the latest version of Google’s operating system.

However, it’s likely to get the Android 15 update as soon as it’s available later this year, given Google prioritises its own phones for updates.

The other big news is that the Pixel 8a will get seven years of both OS and software updates, taking it to 2031. It’s the cheapest phone to offer such a long commitment so far, and can only be matched by the Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 ranges so far.

Will the Pixel 8a be the new best mid-range phone you can buy? Look out for our full review soon to find out.

Mid-range smartphones