Google Pixel 8a Review: Mid-Range King with Tensor G3, AI Camera & 7 Years Updates

Google Pixel 8a: If you are planning to buy a mid-range smartphone and want a phone that offers flagship features, then the Google Pixel 8a is definitely worth considering. It is the next-level phone in the “A” series that brings many of the features of the Pixel 8 at an affordable price. With a clean Android experience, AI-powered camera, and long-term updates, this phone is making its own identity in the mid-range segment.

Performance: Tensor G3 Chipset

The Pixel 8a is powered by the same Tensor G3 chipset that powers the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Meaning flagship-level AI and machine learning features are now available for mid-range users as well. While it’s not as fast as the Snapdragon 8 series in raw performance, it’s perfectly optimized for Google’s software and AI tasks. App launch, UI navigation, and daily tasks are extremely smooth. Gaming sessions can feel a little hot, but this phone is enough for daily use and photo-video editing.

AI-Powered Photography

The real magic of the Pixel 8a is here. Google’s computational photography is top class in the mid-range segment. The camera features are so powerful that you can easily do professional-level editing and fixes.

The “Best Take” feature lets you create a perfect group photo by combining the best expressions of multiple shots.

The “Magic Editor” makes it easy to resize, reposition, or remove photo subjects through AI.

“Audio Magic Eraser” can remove unwanted background noise from videos like wind or crowd.

“Photo Unblur” and “Face Unblur” can fix blurry images, both old and new.

The hardware is also quite strong: 64MP main sensor with OIS and 13MP ultrawide lens. This combo along with AI software makes photos impressive even in low-light with vibrant colors, accurate Real Tone and Night Sight.

Clean Android and Unmatched Software Support

The software experience of Pixel 8a is absolutely bloatware-free and intuitive. Along with the latest Android version, this phone gives a pure Google experience. And the biggest plus point is the guarantee of OS updates and security patches for 7 years, which will be available till 2031. This feature does not match any other brand in this segment.

Other Notable Features

The display comes with a 6.1-inch Actua panel, whose 120Hz refresh rate and 1400 nits peak brightness gives clear viewing even in sunlight.

The battery is 4492mAh, which lasts a full day for most users. 18W wired charging is slow, but the support for wireless charging is a great addition in the price segment.
Build quality is also strong: matte plastic back, aluminum frame and IP67 rating for dust & water resistance.

Verdict

Pixel 8a is a unique and strong contender in the mid-range segment. Charging and raw processor speeds may not be top-tier, but the camera, AI features, clean Android experience, and 7-year updates promise make this phone unmatched. If camera and software experience are your priority, the Pixel 8a is an easy recommendation and sets a new benchmark for mid-range phones.