Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v1.0

Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£360RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.1 inchesMain camera megapixels:64 MP & 12 MP

Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB)
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

7.2

Technical score

10%

8.9

User score

â–²Better than 71% of smartphones
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

â–²Better than 72%
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

7.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.5

Camera

15%

7.0

Display

15%

5.1

Battery

10%

9.0

Software

10%

7.9

Connectivity

4%

6.3

Audio

3%

8.0

Design

â–²Better than 67%
8.9

User score

User score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.7

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 91%
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

7.4

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.5

Camera

15%

7.0

Display

15%

5.1

Battery

10%

9.0

Software

10%

7.9

Connectivity

4%

6.3

Audio

3%

8.0

Design

7.2
User score
User score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.7

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.9
Popularity
Popularity
9.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 9.5 points, which is higher than 90.1% of smartphones.
9.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

7.7
Brand name
Google
Processor model
Google Tensor G3
This smartphone uses the Google Tensor G3 processor which is faster than processors in 73.8% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.3% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.91 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.91 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 74.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
yes
This smartphone receives direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
64 MP & 12 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 64 MP & 12 MP which is higher than that of 82.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.9 & f/2.2
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.9 & f/2.2 which is narrower than that of 87.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
41 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 41 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 54.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.9% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.8 µm which is larger than in 35.5% of smartphones and equal to the size in 21.9% of smartphones.
1.6 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.1 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.1 inches which is smaller than the screens of 92.1% of smartphones and equal to those of 2% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
430 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 430 ppi which is higher than that of 74.4% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,492 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,492 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 84.4% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 18 W which is slower than in 76% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 11.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
100 min
This smartphone reaches a full wired charge in 100 min which is slower than 84.3% of smartphones and equal to the time of 1.8% of smartphones.
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
152.1 mm
This smartphone has a height of 152.1 mm which is shorter than 93.6% of smartphones.
Width
72.7 mm
This smartphone has a width of 72.7 mm which is narrower than 91.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.9 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.9 mm which is thicker than 75.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.3% of smartphones.
Weight
188 g
This smartphone weighs 188 g which is lighter than 70.3% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 2.8% of smartphones.
Device volume
87,552 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 87,552 cm³ which is smaller than 74.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.5% of smartphones.
Show more

Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Direct OS updates
    This smartphone supports direct OS updates, the average smartphone does not. 20.6% of smartphones support this feature.
  • 2.12x higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1400 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    1,400 nits vs 660 nits
  • 2.72x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (8,478 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    8,478 vs 3,115
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 2.5x more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (2560 KB vs 1024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1024 KB.
    2,560 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 2.66x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (68.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    68.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 11.8% higher user score
    User score
    8.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Google Pixel 8a
    the average smartphone
    Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.95 vs 8.000).
    8.95 vs 8
  • 74.7% more popular
    Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (9.5 vs 5.4).
    9.5 vs 5.44
  • 5.6% better value for money
    Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (7.74 vs 7.3).
    7.74 vs 7.34
  • 2.72x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (8,478 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    8,478 vs 3,115
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 2.5x more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (2560 KB vs 1024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1024 KB.
    2,560 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 2.66x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (68.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    68.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 21.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.9 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.91 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 1 more CPU threads
    This smartphone offers more CPU threads than the average smartphone (9 vs 8). The average smartphone supports 8 threads.
    9 vs 8
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 64% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,545 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,545 vs 942
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x2.91 GHz & 4x2.37 GHz & 4x1.7 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x2.91 GHz & 4x2.37 GHz & 4x1.7 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 2 more memory channels
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • 85.2% higher PassMark benchmark
    This smartphone achieves a higher PassMark score than the average smartphone (8,127 vs 4,389). The average smartphone PassMark score is 4,389.
    8,127 vs 4,389
  • 3.5x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (896 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    896 vs 256
  • 52.7% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (4200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    4,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 66.1% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (4,208 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    4,208 vs 2,533
  • 98% higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (2,427 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    2,427 vs 1,226
  • 62.8% higher 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark than the average smartphone (990 vs 608). The average score is 608.
    990 vs 608
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Google Tensor G3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Google Tensor G3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Direct OS updates
    This smartphone supports direct OS updates, the average smartphone does not. 20.6% of smartphones support this feature.
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Circle to Search, Magic Editor, Best Take, Live Translate, Gemini, Audio Magic Eraser
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Includes cross-site tracking protection
    This smartphone supports cross-site tracking prevention, the average smartphone does not. 32.2% of smartphones include this feature.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (64 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    64 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Supports laser autofocus
    This smartphone features laser autofocus, the average smartphone does not. 21.4% of smartphones include laser AF.
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x60 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • 13.3% higher DxOMark Mobile score
    This smartphone has a higher DxOMark Mobile score than the average smartphone (136 vs 120). The average smartphone scores 120.
    136 vs 120
  • 28.1% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (41 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    41 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.2 vs 2.0
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Includes crash detection
    This smartphone features crash detection, the average smartphone does not. 5.7% of smartphones include automatic crash detection.
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 2.12x higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1400 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    1,400 nits vs 660 nits
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • 1,000 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (2000 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    2,000 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • 8.9% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (430 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    430 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 7.5% higher French repairability index
    This smartphone has a higher French repairability index score than the average smartphone (8.6 vs 8). The average score is 8.
    8.6 vs 8
  • 11.5 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (152.1 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    152.1 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 3.3 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (72.7 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    72.7 mm vs 76 mm
  • 1 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1 m vs 0 m
  • 4.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (188 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    188 g vs 196.2 g
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 0.57 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (83 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    83 vs 99.5
  • Lower GSMArena battery life score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery life score than the average smartphone (11:25 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s). The average smartphone scores 13:30 hour/s.
    11:25 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 38 min slower full wired charge time
    This smartphone has a slower full wired charge time than the average smartphone (100 min vs 62 min). The average smartphone takes 62 min to charge.
    100 min vs 62 min
  • 10.2% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4492 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,492 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 38.5% more expensive
    Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£360 vs £260).
    £360 vs £260
  • 6.3% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (890 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    890 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 14.3% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 14 GB
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (13 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    13 MP vs 16 MP
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 0.57 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.1 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (120 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    120 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Lower GSMArena battery endurance score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery endurance score than the average smartphone (83 vs 99.5). The average smartphone scores 99.5.
    83 vs 99.5
  • Lower GSMArena battery life score
    This smartphone has a lower GSMArena battery life score than the average smartphone (11:25 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s). The average smartphone scores 13:30 hour/s.
    11:25 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s
  • 10.2% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4492 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,492 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 38 min slower full wired charge time
    This smartphone has a slower full wired charge time than the average smartphone (100 min vs 62 min). The average smartphone takes 62 min to charge.
    100 min vs 62 min
  • 62.5% slower wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (7.5 W vs 20 W). The average smartphone wireless charging speed is 20 W.
    7.5 W vs 20 W
  • 45.5% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (18 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    18 W vs 33 W
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 0.6 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

D
droid-life.com
07/06/2024
Summary of the review
P
phonearena.com
22/04/2025
Summary of the review
A
androidcentral.com
14/06/2024
Summary of the review
W
wired.com
13/05/2024
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
17/05/2024
Summary of the review
9
9to5google.com
07/06/2024
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
20/05/2024
Summary of the review
E
engadget.com
13/05/2024
Summary of the review
C
cybershack.com.au
14/05/2024
Summary of the review
C
consumerreports.org
14/05/2024
Summary of the review
M
mashable.com
14/05/2024
Summary of the review
T
theguardian.com
23/05/2024
Summary of the review
T
tomsguide.com
23/09/2024
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
21/05/2024
Summary of the review
T
tomshw.it
30/05/2024
Summary of the review
T
thegeekerz.it
23/05/2024
Summary of the review
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multiplayer.it
13/05/2024
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andreagaleazzi.com
13/05/2024
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it.ign.com
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB)

  • Class-leading camera quality for its price point, especially in low-light conditions using Night Sight.
  • Unmatched software longevity with 7 years of guaranteed OS and security updates.
  • High-quality 120Hz 'Actua' display that reaches up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness.
  • Access to premium Google AI features like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Circle to Search.
  • Comfortable, pocket-friendly design with rounded corners and a premium-feeling matte finish.
  • Solid value for money, often seen as offering 95% of the flagship Pixel 8 experience for less.

What we don't like about Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB)

  • Painfully slow 18W wired charging that can take over 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge.
  • Thick, asymmetrical display bezels that give the phone a somewhat dated appearance.
  • Tendency to run warm or overheat during heavy tasks, gaming, or when using mobile data.
  • Under-display fingerprint sensor can be unreliable or slower compared to physical sensors.
  • Lacks a dedicated telephoto zoom lens and macro focus mode found on more expensive models.
  • Base model is limited to 128GB of non-expandable storage (256GB only available in one color).

Verdict

The Google Pixel 8a (8GB + 256GB, Obsidian only for this variant) is a powerful mid-range smartphone featuring the flagship-grade Google Tensor G3 processor and Titan M2 security coprocessor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM. It boasts a 6.1-inch Actua OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness, housed within an IP67 dust and water-resistant, matte-finish recycled aluminum frame and plastic back. The dual-camera system includes a 64MP main sensor with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens, supported by a full suite of AI-powered editing features like Magic Editor and Best Take. A key advantage is Google's commitment to an exceptional seven years of OS, security, and feature updates. However, some compromises include a plastic back instead of glass, older Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection, slower-than-average 18W wired charging speeds, and a lack of a dedicated telephoto camera or macro mode.

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