Why there won't be a flagship phone on my shopping list for the time being. Smartphones like the Pixel 8a reinforce the subjective impression: flagships are for a specific target group that I no longer belong to.
Why is that so? The, what I need today – and much more.
Quick navigation:
- 1. The Pixel 8a has a wide range of functions
- 2. The camera fits into the concept
- 3. All in one compact body
- My biggest point of criticism is gone after six months
- Disadvantages of the Google smartphone
- There are good alternatives to the Pixel 8a
1. The Pixel 8a has a wide range of functions
Google doesn't treat its A series neglectfully, on the contrary. Until now, the A series always received the latest Tensor chip, in this case the then current Tensor G3. It can therefore be assumed that Google will use the fourth generation of the SoC for the Pixel 9a.
In combination with stock Android, the small device runs like clockwork. Nothing jerks, everything loads quickly and always reliably. At no point does I leave the feeling that I have a modern and fast device in my hands.
Fortunately, I have so far been spared from annoying bugs reported by the community.
In addition to the sufficiently powerful chip, Google offers a variety of practical functions even for the A model:
- Circle to Search: You circle motifs in the photo and Google spits out the matching results. You know the game.
- Best Take: In addition to Live Photos on the iPhone, one of the most practical cell phone functions for capturing the most beautiful snapshots of small children. With Best Take, the Pixel phone saves a series of images that you can choose from like in a video timeline.
- Magic Eraser: Rarely, but every now and then, I remove a disturbing element from the pictures. This works in just a few steps.
- Dictate: The Pixel devices' impressive dictation feature isn't new, but it's so reliable and frighteningly fast that I use it to send messages.
Apart from this, there are AI features like Magic Editor, Audio Eraser, Live Translator and many more features. In my opinion, they are nice gimmicks in the overall package, but for me they are not part of the practical functional repertoire of a Pixel 8a.
2. The camera fits into the concept
"That's more than enough" is the sentence I use to describe the Google A model, which also applies to the camera. The main sensor (64 megapixels, 1/1.73 inch, f/1.9) is smaller than on the more expensive models, which can be a disadvantage in low light conditions. There is also no telephoto lens at all and the ultra-wide-angle camera has 13 megapixels instead of 48 megapixels like Google's flagships.
After six months, I didn't miss the comparatively smaller sensor, the lower resolution or the missing telephoto camera, and for good reason:
With the Pixel 8a, the photos are consistently goodand impress with natural colors, high dynamic range and sharp details. To be fair, it has to be said that the artificial intelligence in the background really spices up the photos.
Depending on your preference, this all varies greatly. While I rely on a specific fixed focal length with conventional cameras and consciously forego a standard zoom, others appreciate the high flexibility of multiple lenses or zoom levels. In this case, the Pixel 8a is not the ideal choice.
3. All in one compact body
I have now developed a preference for compact and powerful devices, such as the iPad or the Ricoh GR camera. This also includes the Pixel 8a.
At full brightness, everything can still be read easily in sunlight.
The screen size of 6.1 inches may still be too large for some. But compared to many other current smartphones, the A model convinces me in many ways:
- Handiness: With dimensions of 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 millimeters and a weight of 188 grams, the cell phone can be easily operated with one hand.
- Housing: The Pixel 8a feels very high-quality thanks to the aluminum frame and the matte plastic back.
- Display: With a resolution of 1,080 x 2,400 pixels, a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hertz, the display has strong specifications that are noticeable in everyday life. Be it in direct sunlight or when scrolling through websites. Everything looks bright, sharp and smooth.
My biggest point of criticism is gone after six months
“Google tripped itself up,” as I headlined the test six months ago. After just over six months, that is no longer the case.
Although the price of the Pixel 8a is still very close to the Pixel 8, the price has fallen by a few euros, which makes the device an attractive smartphone, especially in view of the points mentioned above.
However, after six months there are also negative points to mention.
Disadvantages of the Google smartphone
I already mentioned one possible disadvantage in the camera specifications: the lack of a telephoto camera. Aside from that, the Pixel 8a has other potential construction sites.
Attaches a screen protector: After half a year, some scratches can already be seen on the display. To take product photos, place the device with the display side on various surfaces; if the surface is particularly angular or scratchy, a microfiber cloth protects the display.
Nevertheless, the display still shows visible signs of wear after such a long time. You should therefore think about a suitable display glass. So far I haven't noticed any defects in the case itself.
The battery life is not the best: Although I can usually get through the day, the device urgently needs to be plugged in by the next morning at the latest. If you want to save the battery, you have various options, such as limiting the refresh rate to 60 Hertz in the options.
As with many other flagship devices, the smartphone does not dynamically reduce the refresh rate to around 1 Hertz.
Apropos Display: Compared to some other smartphones, Google uses thick display bezels, but this is a subjective factor. After all, other manufacturers like Nothing show how symmetrical display edges are used in the middle class.
There are good alternatives to the Pixel 8a
You don't necessarily have to choose Pixel smartphones for a solid overall package. I particularly like the Google phone because of its compactness and the extensive (AI) functions.
- Apart from that, the Galaxy A55 offers an equally strong overall package and comes with an impressive four years of Android updates and a total of five years of security updates. Samsung also equips the mid-range smartphone with a number of features.
- The Nothing Phone 2a Plus impresses with a solid main camera, an operating system based on Stock Android and the Glyph back that allows for many gimmicks.
- Even though we haven't been able to hold a OnePlus smartphone in our hands for a while, the OnePlus 11 made a very good impression in terms of camera, performance, operating system and battery life.
In addition to the three candidates, there are many other alternatives on the Internet that show one thing above all: you don't necessarily need a flagship smartphone to impress with strong specifications and functions.
