What I love and what needs work Hallie Frederick | usagoldmines.com

Not everybody needs to spend $1,000+ on a flagship smartphone — many people choose to go for mid-range choices as an alternative. And relating to mid-range smartphones, the Google Pixel 8a remains to be a high contender. I have been utilizing the Pixel 8a as my secondary machine for the previous three months, taking it in every single place, from every day commutes to journeys throughout Switzerland and Thailand. However how properly does it maintain up in opposition to all that real-world use? Let’s discover out.

The honeymoon part is over — this is what nonetheless impresses me

Some options nonetheless stand out in spite of everything this time

Three months is an efficient period of time to evaluate any smartphone’s construct high quality and sturdiness, and that is one of many standout options of the Pixel 8a. I will be trustworthy, I have never used a case on my Pixel 8a since Google despatched it to me, and I am impressed with how properly it has held up. There are barely any noticeable scratches on the physique, together with the metallic body and digicam visor.

I did discover one barely deeper scratch on the entrance glass, however that is to be anticipated, given the decade-old Gorilla Glass 3 safety. When you’re like me and like utilizing the telephone with out a case, I would advocate at the least making use of an 8a compatible screen protector. However, on the entire, the porcelain shade has retained its look with none indicators of discoloration and the construct high quality has been stellar total.

Shifting on to the entrance, I’ve bought to offer credit score the place it is due: the show has exceeded my expectations. Once I first began utilizing the Pixel 8a, I used to be coming off a lot bigger gadgets just like the iPhone 14 Professional Max and the OnePlus 12. Naturally, the Pixel 8a felt small compared, and the noticeable bezels across the display screen did not assist both. In actual fact, I initially identified these thick bezels as one of many reasons to avoid Pixel 8a.

However after three months, the bezels have turn into a lot much less of a difficulty. In actual fact, I have been impressed with the show high quality itself. The Pixel 8a’s display screen holds up properly, particularly with its 2,000 nits of peak brightness. There are situations the place my iPhone’s show struggles in direct daylight, however the Pixel 8a shines by means of. These are the little belongings you come to understand over time, particularly in the event you keep indoors loads.

As for software program, regardless of upgrading to the Android 15 beta a few months in the past, the software program expertise has been fairly clean. The machine stays responsive, and total, I have been pleased with its efficiency (extra on this later). The Pixel 8a additionally gives Google’s full suite of AI options, however my utilization patterns have been a bit shocking.

I initially thought I would depend on options just like the Magic Editor to tweak images, however whereas it is useful for eradicating undesirable objects, I did not use it a lot. Nevertheless, options I did not anticipate utilizing as typically — like Clear Calling and Circle to Search — turned out to be extremely sensible. Clear Calling makes conversations a lot clearer on each ends, and I take advantage of Circle to Search loads to determine merchandise I see whereas scrolling on Instagram or X (previously Twitter).

The efficiency remains to be nice, however some flaws are tougher to disregard now

The chip holds up, however cracks are beginning to present

Powered by the identical Tensor G3 chipset because the Pixel 8 sequence, the Pixel 8a gives ample efficiency for many customers. Whereas I will not evaluate it to the newer Pixel 9 series with its noticeable efficiency upgrades, the Pixel 8a falls quick in its value level when in comparison with direct opponents just like the OnePlus 12R.

That mentioned, the Pixel 8a is not a slouch in on a regular basis use, dealing with actions like messaging on WhatsApp, scrolling by means of Instagram, managing emails, and making calls with out a lot hassle. I have never encountered severe lag, however the telephone’s Achilles heel is its tendency to overheat. As you begin loading up the telephone with extra apps, utilizing resource-heavy options like Android Auto, or pushing it with digicam utilization, efficiency takes successful.

That is particularly noticeable in hotter situations. Whereas it is advantageous indoors or in cooler temperatures, the Pixel 8a struggles to take care of efficiency and keep cool when uncovered to hotter climates.

What actually bothers me in regards to the Pixel 8a is its battery and charging velocity. As a secondary machine, the battery life has by no means been a difficulty — it simply lasts a full day, even with duties like Android Auto and navigation on Google Maps. However charging? That is the place it falls quick.

I’ve made it a behavior to plug it in each evening in order that I get up to a full battery, however on the times I neglect and must cost it mid-day, it is a nightmare. The Pixel 8a lags far behind different mid-range telephones, which have considerably improved their charging speeds. That is most likely the one main draw back I would warn potential consumers about — the charging velocity is painfully sluggish and might turn into an actual annoyance over time.

Digicam efficiency remains to be nice, however with some quirks

Constant outcomes, however I miss having a devoted telephoto lens

Google Pixel smartphones are recognized for delivering one of many best camera experiences among Android devices, and the Pixel 8a does not disappoint. It excels in sustaining a true-to-life, pure look throughout varied lighting situations, in contrast to many different Android telephones that battle with consistency. Even nighttime pictures are spectacular; it is all the time reassuring to know that the Pixel 8a’s digicam will not allow you to down.

Check out a number of the images I took with the Pixel 8a throughout my latest journeys:

Nevertheless, not the whole lot is ideal. Having examined flagship telephones with devoted telephoto lenses because the Pixel 8a’s launch, such because the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Honor 200 Professional, and Vivo V40 Pro, I miss that characteristic when utilizing the 8a. Whereas Google’s AI produces commendable portrait pictures, the shortage of optical zoom is noticeable, particularly for close-ups or capturing distant topics. The Pixel 8a’s restricted 2x zoom is a notable downside.

The Google Pixel 8a is a stable mid-ranger

All issues thought of, the Pixel 8a stays one of many best-value Android smartphones at its value level. Whereas I am desperate to see what the Pixel 9a brings — particularly the long-awaited chip improve — these searching for a stable budget-friendly Android machine will not be disillusioned with the Pixel 8a. And with the current discounts available, the Pixel 8a is a good higher deal.