[Gadgets] Google Pixel 8a First Impressions: Same yet Different

[Wolf.17]

 

When Google launched its Pixel 7a last year, it turned out to be a very interesting offering and one of the most feature-packed Pixel A-series devices ever, at least from a hardware standpoint. The Pixel 7a added features like wireless charging and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This, coupled with its typically “Pixel” still imaging quality, made it a very attractive offering, keeping its Rs. 43,999 price tag in mind, which is still at the higher end of the mid-range segment.

This year, we haven't gotten anything substantially new apart from the new Tensor G3 processor and a 120Hz refresh rate display, as pretty much most of the internal hardware remains identical to the Pixel 7a. Like Samsung, Google is banking on AI features (enabled by the Tensor G3) to convince users to upgrade to the latest model. So, what exactly do you get with the new Pixel 8a? Let me explain.

 

Apart from the not-so-obvious changes I mentioned above, the Pixel 8a does come with one big upgrade over the Pixel 7a, and that's storage. Yes, users in India will finally have the option to pick between the 128GB storage variant (available at Rs. 52,999) and the new 256GB variant, which is available at Rs. 59,999. While it may seem like an attractive option, you have to keep in mind that the OnePlus 12 (which gets you a far better phone overall) is priced at Rs. 64,999 (for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant) in India. RAM is still capped at 8GB, like on the Pixel 7a and even the premium Pixel 8.

The Pixel 8a's design is the biggest and most noticeable visual change. There are two new colours – Bay and Aloe – to choose from, and they both stand out. I received the Bay finish, which reminds me of clear blue skies on a sunny summer day.

The phone's overall design has gone from a rectangle with sharp corners to rounded corners. The rear panel is still made of polycarbonate but has a nice frosted matte finish. It feels quite different compared to what's available on the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro released last year. There is a flatter visor-like camera module, which barely protrudes from the rest of the rear panel. The edges of the rear panel and the camera seamlessly merge with the side frame, still offering that IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/reviews/google-pixel-8a-first-impressions-5654111#pfrom=indepth