Google’s Pixel 8A resonated with me for one easy but shocking cause after I examined it earlier this yr: It is only a cellphone. What it lacks in flashy AI options or digital camera tips, it makes up for by nailing the fundamentals. Often priced at $300 lower than the $799 Pixel 9, however even cheaper at Amazon proper now, it is the cellphone for individuals who simply need a cellphone.
The Pixel 8A continues the custom Google established in 2019 with the Pixel 3A, its first A-series gadget. These telephones are pared-back, inexpensive options to Google’s flagship Pixel telephones, usually compromising on energy, digital camera high quality, software program options and wi-fi charging speeds to attain that lower cost.
However in my expertise, the extras you get with Google’s step-up mannequin do not make that a lot of a distinction. That is solely turn into extra true lately as Google began placing its personal Tensor chips in its Pixel telephones, offering extra consistency by way of options and efficiency throughout the lineup.
Nonetheless, in case you handle to seek out the Pixel 9 at a reduction that brings it right down to the identical value or lower than the Pixel 8A, seize Google’s newer cellphone as an alternative. Because it has a more recent processor, it’s going to probably assist extra new options shifting ahead.
With Amazon knocking $100 off the Pixel 8A for Black Friday, bringing the worth right down to $399, there’s an much more compelling argument for selecting this over Google’s flagship cellphone.
Hey, do you know? CNET Offers texts are free, straightforward and prevent cash.
Watch this: The way to Store Black Friday and Cyber Monday Offers Like a Professional
The Pixel 8A has the proper set of options for the worth
The Pixel 8A could not have all of Google’s newest AI options or its latest processor, however with a 6.1-inch display that may increase its refresh price for smoother scrolling, a battery that is nearly as massive because the Pixel 9’s and a succesful digital camera system that consists of important and ultrawide lenses, it checks all of the containers most individuals are in search of. This is the reason it CNET’s decide for the finest Google Pixel cellphone for most individuals.
Throughout my time testing the Pixel 8A, I discovered it took images with vibrant, correct colours that did not really feel too exaggerated or washed out, as is usually the case with images taken on Samsung’s finances telephones. However you will not get macro mode or Add Me, a brand new characteristic that debuted on the Pixel 9. This capturing mode makes use of augmented actuality that will help you seize a bunch photograph with everybody within the body, even when one particular person within the celebration has stepped out to take the photograph. It is a neat trick, however not one thing that is value shopping for the Pixel 9 for.
Learn extra: Finest Telephone to Purchase for 2024
The Pixel 8A’s battery life was greater than sufficient to get via a full day throughout my testing, with 66% left after roughly 16 hours of use. However battery life will at all times depend upon how you employ the gadget, together with elements like display brightness and whether or not you are recording quite a lot of video. I noticed comparable outcomes with the Pixel 9 on a comparatively sluggish day (64% after 16 hours), though the battery dipped to 38% after the identical period of time on a busy day that concerned taking numerous images and cranking the display brightness.
Suffice it to say it does not appear to be you are lacking out on a lot by way of battery life by selecting the Pixel 8A over the Pixel 9.
You additionally will not get a few of Google’s new AI options, like Pixel Studio, which helps you to generate photos on the fly simply by typing in a immediate. However like Add Me, that is one other software that I do not discover vital. After the novelty wore off, I barely discovered myself utilizing it on the Pixel 9.
Regardless that the Pixel 8A is a superb worth, there are some downsides you ought to be conscious of. For one, the 256GB storage choice is oddly solely accessible on the black model of the gadget, which is a disgrace as a result of the Pixel 8A’s colourful inexperienced and blue shades are a part of what makes it stand out. The Pixel 8A additionally is not perfect for zoomed pictures, so in case you take numerous images at concert events and occasions from a distance, you may in all probability need to look elsewhere.
However total, the Pixel 8A seems like the best finances cellphone. Contemplating Google elevated the worth of its base flagship Pixel by $100 with the Pixel 9 in comparison with the Pixel 8, there’s an much more compelling case for the cheaper Pixel 8A.
Should you’re in search of further budget-friendly reward concepts this vacation season, take a look at our roundup of 31 of the very best tech items below $100 and 32 Christmas items below $100.
