Google Pixel 8a in the test: no 469 euro smartphone takes better photos than this

The Google Pixel series has gone from being a pure product to becoming one of the most popular mainstream brands in the smartphone market. Traditionally, Google shows two high-end models in autumn and their budget version about six months later. In autumn 2023 these smartphones were the Google Pixel 8 (test report) and the Google Pixel 8 Pro (test report). Both received very good ratings in our tests. As in previous years, the Pixels once again shine with excellent cameras and many useful software features.

Google now promises comparatively good images, equally high performance and full access to all AI functions with the Pixel 8a. This test report shows just how good the Google Pixel 8a really is.

Google Pixel 8a is the cheapest smartphone in the 8 series. Currently, it costs one eBay Dealers 469 euros and at jakob.de around 489 euros Including shipping. Still, it offers a lot that you would otherwise only find in more expensive models. Apart from good workmanship, a fast and bright display, extensive software features, it also has an excellent camera unit. There is nothing better than this in the price range outside the Pixel family. The really good thing is that Google promises Android updates for a full 7 years.

O2 currently has the Google Pixel 8a On offer. There buyers make a considerable saving compared to the retail price. The total cost of the current O2 bundle over a 36 month contract period is 1079.64 euros. This means you actually pay just 108 Euros for the smartphone in a bundle. In addition, there is only 1 euro for shipping costs and a one-time deposit of 4.99 euros.

With dimensions of 152 × 73 × 9 mm, the Google Pixel 8a is only slightly smaller than the Google Pixel 7a (test report). The weight is also almost identical at 188 grams. Still, it is slightly wider than the Pixel 8. This is also due to the clearly visible display edge, which feels a bit outdated in size.

Like its predecessor, the Pixel 8a is protected against water and dust ingress according to IP67. This means that it can be immersed in fresh water up to a depth of 0.5 meters for a maximum of 30 minutes. The Google Pixel 8 (test report) and Google Pixel 8 Pro (test report) with IP68 are even better here.

The back is made of matte plastic that feels great. In purely tactile terms, we find it more pleasant than the more beautiful glass backs of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The camera unit is housed in a visor that extends about a millimetre and stretches all the way from the left to the right edge. This means that the smartphone doesn’t wobble when it’s lying on its back.

The 6.1-inch OLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 3 has a resolution of 2400 × 1080 pixels and thus a pixel density of 430 ppi. So far the values ​​are the same as the Pixel 7a. However, it is brighter. This is mainly noticeable in HDR mode. There is no problem reading the display even in direct sunlight.

Google has also changed the refresh rate. The Pixel 8a can display 120 images per second compared to 90 Hz in its predecessor, as is the case with the Pixel models, colors are clearer, contrast is higher and viewing angles are stable.

The Google Pixel 8a has the same camera unit as the Google Pixel 7a. So on the data sheet it can’t keep up with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Still, the 64-megapixel main camera (f/1.89) ensures impressive results. Using pixel binning, it combines four pixels into one, which is why the finished image is 16 megapixels. Only when you zoom far into the finished image do you notice the difference between the two Pixel top dogs. The 13-megapixel selfie camera is also one of the best on the market.

The Pixel 8a reaches its limit with what Google calls “Super Resolution Zoom”, which corresponds to eight times magnification. There is a clear lack of clarity here. However, these are common with digital zooms and are only significantly improved in camera units with optical zoom lenses like the Pixel 8 Pro.

The ultra wide-angle lens (f/2.2) has a resolution of 13 megapixels and shows excellent results. As usual, there are distortions at the edges, but the image shows impressive sharpness in all areas. However, the wide-angle lens does not have autofocus, which is why no useful macro shots are possible with the Pixel 8a.

Like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the smartphone is powered by the self-designed SoC Tensor G3. Its main purpose is to accelerate AI applications. It is supported by 8 GB of RAM (LPDDR5X) and 128 GB or 256 GB of storage (UFS 3.1). It scores 2300 points in “Wild Life Extreme” from 3Dmark and about 11500 points in Work 3.0 from PCmark. This is on par with other 8 series models and is adequate performance for a cell phone at the price. However, there are cheaper smartphones like the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G (test report) that can do more.

However, in everyday life it responds very quickly to all inputs. Apart from the nano-SIM, the Pixel 8a also supports an eSIM. It can also support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. There is no jack plug. The fingerprint sensor is fast and unlocking through the camera also works reliably. The camera cannot be fooled by a picture.

Battery power supply with enough power for the Raspberry Pi 5

As usual, the phone’s software initially appears minimal. There is no bloatware. Notable: Google also promises 7 years of Android updates. However, there are many features to discover under the hood.

Not only that, but this list can be expanded significantly. With existing Samsung phones like the Samsung S24 Ultra (test report), we know of only a few other smartphones that offer a comparable number of AI functions.

The battery capacity is 4404 mAh. This is slightly less than the Pixel 8, but more than the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 7a has already managed to last longer on a single battery charge than the 7 and 7 Pro. With respect to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the Pixel 8a also achieves the same feat. This is surprising, as the larger 8-series models already surprised with their long battery life.

However, Google has not taken into account one of our criticisms of the Pixel 7a: the 18 W charging speed is too low and feels outdated. The Pixel 8a takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge. Wireless Qi charging transmits up to 7.5 watts. There is no reverse charging to charge headphones, for example.

Google Pixel 8a is available from May 5. It was initially priced at a minimum of 550 euros. The variants are currently priced at 128GB But 469 euros on eBay Or 489 euros at jakob.de Dropped. With version 256 GB Cost 549 euros On Saturn.It is available in blue, green and white colours.

O2 currently has the Google Pixel 8a On offerwhere buyers make significant savings compared to the retail price. The total cost of the current O2 bundle over a 36-month contract period is 1079.64 euros. This means you actually pay just 108 Euros for the smartphone in a bundle. Also, there is only a one-time payment of 1 euro as a deposit and 4.99 euros for shipping costs.

The Google Pixel 8a impressed in the test. With a variety of features that are otherwise only found in significantly more expensive devices, such as long battery life, fast performance and, above all, an excellent camera, it clearly stands out from other smartphones in the 500 euro class. It’s also great that it offers the same high software quality and sophisticated AI functionality as the more expensive Google Pixel 8 (test report) and Google Pixel 8 Pro (test report).

The compact housing, high-quality workmanship and protection against water and dust according to IP67 are also on the plus side. The refresh rate of the OLED display is now 120 Hz, however, the edge of the display is very thick. The Tensor G3 SoC delivers solid performance that meets everyday requirements.

On paper, the Pixel 8a’s camera is inferior to that of a high-end model. However, in practice, it delivers excellent results, especially during the day and night. The difference from the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro is only evident when you look closely at the details. However, the Pixel 8a doesn’t have a zoom lens. It’s a shame that the wide-angle lens doesn’t have autofocus, so macro shots aren’t possible.

Maybe you would prefer a smartphone in a different price range? Then we recommend taking a look at our other, regularly updated leaderboards:

By the way: If you are looking for a suitable tariff for your new smartphone, you can probably do this In the tariff calculator from heise.de Found it. Various comparison calculators exist for prepaid, monthly cancelable and even free tariffs. The calculators include all offers that are currently available in Germany.