Google Pixel 8a comes with a compact design
New Delhi: The Pixel 8a, Google’s latest A-series phone, recently arrived in India. We at TOH Tech put it through its paces, and here’s a quick breakdown of our findings in five key areas:
1. Design and Display: The Pixel 8a boasts a sleek design that’s comfortable to hold, but the rounded edges might make it a little slippery. While familiar to existing Pixel phone users, newcomers will likely appreciate its aesthetics and comfortable feel. The phone features a vibrant 6.1-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Bezels are on the thicker side but symmetrical, and the phone comes in stylish color options.
2. Performance and AI Features: Everyday tasks, gaming, and media consumption are handled smoothly by the Pixel 8a. However, the phone does tend to heat up a bit quickly. The highlight here is the inclusion of innovative AI features like Circle to Search, Magic Eraser, and a built-in Gemini chatbot, all designed to enhance your user experience. Thankfully, there’s no bloatware pre-installed on the device.
3. Gaming and Battery: While the Pixel 8a offers smooth gaming with high graphics settings, expect some heating after 15-20 minutes of playtime. Battery life is decent, lasting a full day with moderate use. Heavy users might need to top up before the end of the day. The phone supports rapid charging, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge.
4. Camera Quality: The Pixel 8a captures impressive photos, even in low-light conditions. It offers various camera modes like portrait, long exposure, and night sight. The front camera works well in sunlight but struggles in low-light settings. Portrait mode delivers a pleasing bokeh effect, although edge detection could be improved. Up to 8x zoom is available, with clear images up to 2x zoom. Quality starts to diminish at 3x zoom, and details are noticeably lost at 4x and beyond.
5. Pricing and Value: At Rs 52,999, the Pixel 8a sits on the higher end of the mid-range phone segment. However, if you can find it on sale for around Rs 40,000, it becomes a much more attractive proposition. At that price point, it offers a well-balanced combination of performance, features, and camera quality that makes it a great investment.
The Pixel 8a presents a compelling package: a sleek design, smooth performance, innovative AI features, and a decent camera. However, its Achilles’ heel might be its price tag. At Rs 52,999, it sits firmly in the upper echelon of mid-range phones. If you can snag it on sale for around Rs 40,000, the Pixel 8a transforms into a much more attractive buy. At that price, it offers a well-rounded user experience that makes it a solid investment. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget and priorities.
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