The Google Pixel 8a is the company’s newest smartphone. This is Google’s new budget smartphone, a new member of its ‘Pixel a’ lineup. It was announced prior to Google I/O 2024, which managed to surprise almost everyone. Google’s ‘Pixel a’ series smartphones have been some of the company’s most popular, especially in the US. They usually have a very good price too. The Pixel 8a looks very promising in that area too. It looks like a solid phone on paper. In this article, we’ll try to give you more information about the device. We’ll kick things off by listing the specifications that the phone offers, and will then move to other aspects of the device.
Google Pixel 8a specs
Considering the pricing, the Pixel 8a actually has a really good spec sheet. Starting with the display, it includes a flat 6.1-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) OLED Actua display. The display aspect ratio here is 20:9. The PPI here is 430, and Google is using the Gorilla Glass 3 protection, which is a bit dated at this point. The peak brightness of this panel is at 2,000 nits.
- Google Pixel 8a specs
- How much does the Google Pixel 8a cost?
- Where can I buy the Google Pixel 8a?
- What carriers does it work on?
- What colors does the Google Pixel 8a come in?
- What are the Pixel 8a’s landmark features/qualities and/or upgrades over the Pixel 7a?
- What cases are available for the Google Pixel 8a?
- Google Pixel 8a official videos:
- Should I buy the Google Pixel 8a?
- Updates
It uses the same chip as the flagship Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro handsets
The phone is fueled by the Google Tensor G3 chip, the same processor that fuels the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro flagships. The Titan M2 security coprocessor is also in action here. Google opted to include 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM inside of the phone. That’s nice to see, as Google used the latest RAM possible. The same cannot be said for storage, though. Both 128GB and 256GB UFS 3.1 flash storage models are on offer from the company. Neither model offers expandable storage, though. Google opted not to use UFS 4.0 here.
A 4,492mAh battery is included here, and the phone supports 18W wired charging through Google’s 30W charger. PD3.0 charging is supported, and the phone also supports 7.5W wireless charging (Qi standard). Google opted to include an optical in-display fingerprint scanner here. The device also supports facial scanning via its front-facing camera. Dual SIM is also supported here, a nano SIM and an eSIM. The Pixel 8a is also IP67 certified, in other words, it’s water and dust-resistant. Stereo speakers are included too.
There are two cameras on the back, and the hardware is quite familiar
There are two cameras on the back of the Pixel 8a. A 64-megapixel main camera (wide-angle, 0.8um pixel size, f/1.89 aperture, 80-degree FoV, Super Res Zoom up to 8X, OIS + EIS) in on offer. The second camera is a 13-megapixel ultrawide unit (f/2.2 aperture, 1.12um pixel size, 120-degree FoV). On the front, you’ll find a 13-megapixel snapper (f/2.2 aperture, 1.12um pixel size, 96.5-degree FoV, fixed focus).
The Google Pixel 8a measures 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9mm and weighs 188 grams. It comes in Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain colors.
How much does the Google Pixel 8a cost?
The Google Pixel 8a comes in two storage options, 128GB and 256GB models are available. The company is asking for $499 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB storage variant costs $559… in the US. In the UK, the entry-level model is priced at £499, while the 256GB storage option is priced at £559. In the rest of Europe, the price tags are €549 and €609 for the two storage models. As per usual, the phone is considerably pricier outside of the US
Where can I buy the Google Pixel 8a?
You’ll be able to buy the Google Pixel 8a at all of the usual places. That goes for both the carriers and the retailers. We’ll leave a list of places where you can buy the device below. Links will be included as well, though do note that some of them may be missing at this point. We’ll be updating the article and adding new purchase links as they become available. The phone is available to pre-order at the moment.
What carriers does it work on?
As expected, the Google Pixel 8a will work on all three US carriers. In other words, it will work on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The same goes for MVNOs from those networks, including Visible, US Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, and more. It should basically work on any network in the US you can think of.
What colors does the Google Pixel 8a come in?
The Google Pixel 8a was announced in four color variants. It is on offer in Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain color variants. These names may not mean much to you, so let’s talk about actual colors, not their fancy names. The ‘Aloe’ color is actually that intense green color, some may even call it ‘Mint’ considering how it looks.
Moving forward, the ‘Bay’ color we’ve seen on the Pixel 8 Pro . It’s essentially a blue color. For those of you who prefer black devices, and that’s usually the vast majority of users, Obsidian is the color you’re looking for. And last, but not least, Porcelain stands for white-colored Pixel 8a. You can check out all four of those colors below.
What are the Pixel 8a’s landmark features/qualities and/or upgrades over the Pixel 7a?
In this section, we’ll list some of the most notable features of the Google Pixel 8a and/or advantages over its predecessor, the Pixel 7a.
A bump to a 120Hz display which is brighter too
The Google Pixel 8a retained the same display size as its predecessor. The thing is, Google decided to offer an improved panel this time around. The Pixel 8a comes with a 120Hz OLED display, instead of a 90Hz one. That is nice to see, as 120Hz displays have sort of became a standard even for mid-range smartphones (and even some budget ones), at least on the Android side of things. On top of that, this panel is also a bit brighter than the Pixel 7a’s, which is also a welcomed change.
Bigger battery
Despite the fact the Google Tensor G3 is more power efficient than the Tensor G2, Google included a larger battery in the Pixel 8a. Granted, that 120Hz display could be the reason why, but it’s nice to see this improvement too. The change is not monumental, but it’s a welcomed one. The Pixel 8a includes a 4,492mAh battery, compared to the Pixel 7a’s 4,385mAh unit. The charging aspect remains unchanged, though, 18W wired, and 7.5W wireless charging is on offer.
7 years of updates
Google will offer major software support for the Pixel 8a, the same as for its current-gen flagships. That’s another benefit of the Pixel 8a over its predecessor. The company said that the Pixel 8a will be getting 7 years’ worth of “OS, security, and Feature Drop updates”. The clock starts running at the point the phone first becomes available in the Google Store, which is today, if pre-orders are accounted for… and they should be. So this phone will be getting updates until May 2031, basically.
A bevy of Camera AI features
The Google Pixel 8a is packed with camera AI features. Just to name a few, you do get access to Magic Editor. That tool allows you to heavily edit your photos, to a high degree. You can completely change the look of it, as AI can even help you change the background entirely. Google’s Best Take feature will make sure that blinking is not an issue in the pictures you take, especially in group photos. Magic Eraser will delete unwanted people/objects from your photos. Photo Unblur can make your blurry photos look much better, and so on. There are a ton of such features included.
Unchanged price tag (in some markets)
We also have great news price-wise, at least for some markets. In the US, the Pixel 8a’s price remains unchanged. It’s the same as for the Pixel 7a. That is great to hear, as many OEMs usually bump their price tags at least a little bit year-over-year. Considering the improvements the Pixel 8a delivers, its price tag (at least in the US) is actually kind of great. Many would say that $499 is a sweet spot for this phone.
Easy to handle
The Google Pixel 8a is quite compact. In fact, it’s about the same size as the Pixel 7a. That’s not surprising considering it has the same display size. It’s a 6.1-inch smartphone, and many would say this is the ideal smartphone size. The phone is easy to use with one hand, for most people anyway, and not a huge device that you can’t fit in your pocket. It’s also not too heavy at 188 grams, which makes it a bit lighter than the Pixel 7a.
Free VPN
With the purchase of the Pixel 8a, you also get access to VPN by Google One on the device. Some restrictions may apply when it comes to usage, of course, like the fact it’s not available in all countries. Still, you’ll be able to use it in most countries, and a free VPN is always a nice perk to have.
What cases are available for the Google Pixel 8a?
Google did announce a case for the Pixel 8a along with the device. That case comes in all the color variants these phones come in, and if you’ve checked out the Pixel 7a case, you’ll be right at home here. This is not a fancy case by any means, as it’s plastic, but it’s not cheap rigid plastic, that’s for sure. You can check out that case in all color variants below. The case is priced at $29.99, and you can buy it from the link provided below. Do note that the company is also selling a screen protector for the phone, though it costs a whopping $50.
Buy the official Pixel 8a case (Google Store)
In addition to the official Pixel 8a case that comes in a number of colors, some great third-party ones are available. You can check them out here .
Google Pixel 8a official videos:
Should I buy the Google Pixel 8a?
Is the Google Pixel 8a the right phone for you? Only you will know the answer to that question, but what we can say is that this phone has a great price tag in the US. It does offer some improvements over its predecessor, and it comes with a huge software support promise from Google. If you’re on a budget, and this phone fits it, you’ll hardly find a device that will offer more at this price range. Once again, that applies mainly to the US, as in other markets the competition is far fiercer in that price range. Considering the phone’s price tag in Europe, there’s a lot of competition. Check out our full review to get a better idea of what you’re getting.
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Updates
Updated May 30, 2024:
Google has enabled a new feature for the Google Pixel 8a . A feature that was supposed to be there at launch, but it wasn’t. I’m talking about the ability of the phone to generate wallpapers using AI. Well, you can now do that. The feature was announced during Google I/O last year, and it was odd it wasn’t enabled from the get-go on the Pixel 8a. Still, it didn’t take Google long to enable it.
The phone was also disassembled by PBKReviews. That teardown revealed that the phone is not too difficult to repair, but also it’s not exactly easy to do so. The main reason is the phone’s battery, which doesn’t include a pull tab, and it’s strongly glued to the frame of the device. That’s not the only reason, but it’s the main one. The phone received a repairability score of 7.5/10 .
Updated June 12, 2024:
The Google Pixel 8a is amongst the phones that have started receiving the Pixel Feature Drop for June 2024. This new update delivers new features to the Pixel 8a , along with some security patches, of course.
The main addition is arguably the Gemini Nano support. Do note that this is a developer option, at the moment, so if you’d like to access it, you’ll need to enable developer options on your phone. In addition to Gemini Nano, the Summarize option in Recorder can now run on-device on the Pixel 8a, thanks to Gemini. It can deliver more detailed summaries, which are also downloadable. On top of that, it can detect and include the names of speakers, and export transcriptions into text files or Google Docs files.
This update also delivers DisplayPort support to the Pixel 8a. You can now use a Type-C cable to connect your phone to an external display so that you can mirror your phone’s display on the big screen. The phone will prompt you to enable this feature if you connect it to a monitor, for example, as shown below.
The Find My Device option is now also better than ever. Your phone can be located even if it’s powered off and without a charge (dead battery). In addition to that, the Pixel camera is now able to automatically identify the best moment from your phone in HDR+, with a single shutter press.
Updated August 29, 2024:(August 2024 security update)
Google is rolling out its August 2024 Android update to the Pixel 8a. This is one of many Pixel phones that a re set to receive or have received the update. Some security fixes are included here, If you’ve had issues with screen brightness flickering under some conditions, that should no longer be the case. Google has also made general improvements for display performance and stability in certain conditions. The update likely arrive to the vast majority of you, but if it hasn’t already, it will soon.
Updated September 16, 2024:(September 2024 security update)
The September 2024 Android security update has started rolling out to the Google Pixel 8a. This update delivers a number of security fixes, including one Google especially mentioned in the changelog. Google says that this update delivers a “Fix to remove third party APK to address security vulnerability”. The details were not mentioned, but we’re guessing this is related to the Showcase demo app on some Verizon units. That app presented a security vulnerability, and Google promised it will remove it, so… it fits.
Updated October 21, 2024:(Android 15 & Pixel Feature Drop)
Android 15 and the latest Pixel Feature Drop is now rolling out to Pixel phones, including the Pixel 8a. Do noet that not all the new changes from the Pixel Feature Drop are available on the Pixel 8a, though. For example, the new Underwater photography mode is not coming, and the same goes for changes related to temperature measurements. What is included, however, is the improved Astrophotography in Night Sight mode. You can now also utilize Night Sight directly from the Instagram app.
Updated November 14, 2024:(November 2024 security update)
Google has kicked off the November 2024 Android security patch rollout . As per usual, a ton of Pixel smartphones are getting the update, including the Pixel 8a. This update delivers 21 security fixed for the Android OS. That’s not all, though, there are two entries in the changelog related to the Pixel 8a. This update fixes the issue with screen brightness flickering under certain conditions. In addition to that, it also brings general improvements for performance and stability in certain UI transitions and animations. The rollout is gradual, so be patient.
Updated December 13, 2024:(December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop)
The Google Pixel 8a is now receiving the last Pixel Feature Drop of 2024 . This update does bring a number of new features to the device, though not as many as it does to the Pixel 9 series. In any case, the Gemini Advanced is now more capable than ever. Google has added the ‘saved info’ feature. Gemini will now be able to provide more relevant responses tailored to your goals and needs.
Updated January 15, 2025:(January 2025 security update)
Google’s latest Android security update , the one for January 2025, is now rolling out to the Google Pixel 8a. This is not the only phone that is getting the update, of course, it’s one of many Pixel devices. With that being said, this update fixes 26 security issues in Android 15, ranging from high to critical in terms of importance. The update weighs well below 100MB, and it’s rolling out in stages.
Now, in addition to security fixes, there are also several other entries in the changelog. This update fixes an audio delay and stability issue when using certain apps. It also fixes an issue with the Pixel launcher themed icon color display, which was a problem in certain conditions.
Updated February 7, 2025:(February 2025 security update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting the Android security update for February 2025 . It is one of many Pixel phones that are getting the update. This update patches several high-level CVEs, and it also brings a fix for a specific Pixel-only issue. It is related to battery mitigation support. On top of that, this update also brings a fix for an issue with audio output in Android Auto, which is a problem only under certain conditions. As per usual, this update is rolling out in stages, so you’ll need to be patient.
Updated March 11, 2025:(Pixel Feature Drop & March 2025 security update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting some new features and also a security boost. Let’s first talk about the March 2025 security update, shall we? Google is issuing a total of 44 ‘high’ and ‘critical’ security fixes. In addition to that, 7 lower-level fixes have been issued too. As far as new features are concerned, the Scam Detection powered by on-device AI is rolling out. It will greatly help Google Messages to spot scam texts. Gemini Live is also getting better as part of the update, and the same goes for the Pixel Recorder. Some more customization is thrown into the mix, and more.
Updated April 15, 2025:(April 2025 security update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting a new security update , the one for April 2025. This update brings fixes for a total of 62 security loopholes that range from ‘high’ to ‘critical’. That is not all, however, as Google also released some additional fixes and listed them in the changelog. This update delivers a fix for the fingerprint recognition and response issue, which was a problem under certain conditions. Camera stability when zooming in and out has also been improved, and Google also issued a fix for the screen brightness flickering issue when using video streaming apps. If you’ve been having a problem with overlapping views on lock screen weather clock, that has been fixed too. The same goes for an issue with Pixel Launcher when creating a new user or switching users. Do note that the update is rolling out in stages.
Updated May 14, 2025:(May 2025 security update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting the May 2025 security update . It’s one of many Pixel phones that are getting this update. Google is bringing a critical patch for a zero-day security vulnerability with this update. On top of that, it fixes three bugs, which we’ll talk about soon. This update also fixes 28 security vulnerabilities affecting Android and Google services.
Now, regarding those bug fixes. This update fixes degraded microphone recording quality in certain apps. In addition to that, it fixes Bluetooth pairing issues with certain smartwatches under certain conditions. The last entry says that the update brings a fix for the secondary language displayed in quick settings under certain conditions. The update is rolling out in stages.
Updated June 13, 2025:(Android 16 update)
The Google Pixel 8a is one of many Pixel devices that are getting Android 16 now. The Pixel Feature Drop update is also included, and the same goes for the June 2025 security update. This update does not include the Material 3 Expressive revamp that Google talked about. That will be coming later in the year. What it does include is the ‘live updates’ for notifications, improvements for hearing aid users, and Advanced Protection, amongst other things.
In terms of security, Google has issued 18 security fixes for the Android OS, and also added 16 fixes that are specific to Pixel devices. In addition to that, various improvements and bug fixes have been included for Biometrics, Bluetooth, Camera, Display, and more. You can check out the full changelog that Google released by clicking here .
Updated July 14, 2025: (July 2025 update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting a new Android monthly update , the one for July 2025. Unlike basically every update before it, this one has “no Pixel security patches”, as Google mentioned. It weighs around 35MB, and it brings smoother visual experiences in apps like Android Auto. On top of that, it improves Wi-Fi connectivity stability and performance in certain conditions. That’s basically it. The update is rolling out in stages, as per usual, so you’ll need to be patient. It may take a while before it reaches your phone.
Updated August 8, 2025: (August 2025 update)
The Google Pixel 8a is getting the latest Android security update , the one for August 2025. This update brings six security patches, ranging from high to critical. On top of that, it improves general system performance and stability. Google has managed to fix an issue with scheduling dark theme here as well, and issues with 3-button navigation and gesture navigation have been patched up as well. The update is on its way to you, but you may have to wait a bit, as it’s rolling out in stages, as per usual.
Updated September 17, 2025: (September 2025 update + Pixel Feature Drop)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting the September 2025 Android update, along with the changes from the Pixel Feature Drop for September. When it comes to fixes, this update fixes the Call Audio quality issues, while it also improves system stability. Fingerprint scanner performance has been improved here, and the same goes for Bluetooth. If you’ve had issues with the keyboard, that should no longer be the case. Some issues with UI transitions have been fixed, too, and more. You can find a full list of fixes here .
Updated October 23, 2025: (October 2025 update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting the October 2025 Android update , too. This update delivers 14 security fixes, but also some other fixes. There are three entries in Google’s changelog related to this phone. A fix for the issue where a semi-transparent background would persist after the camera was launched is here. This update also fixes the issue where the flashlight does not appear on the At a Glance widget. The last fix has to do with the System UI crash when starting or stopping casting with the Media Output Switcher. The update is rolling out in stages, though, so keep that in mind. You’ll have to be patient.
Updated November 14, 2025: (November 2025 update & Pixel Feature Drop)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting the November 2025 Android update , which also includes the Pixel Feature Drop this time around. We’ll talk about the monthly update first, though. That update brings 2 security fixes, along with improvements to charging and battery usage. It also fixes an issue that prevented some apps from loading in specific conditions. If you’ve had issues with emergency calls, that should no longer be a problem. This patch also fixes an issue that caused occasional system instability and performance slowdowns… in some conditions.
The Pixel Feature Drop, on the other hand, brings Remix to Google Messages. You can now use AI, in-app, to transform your photos. Notification summaries are also included in this update, as is the ‘Likely scam’ alert, which will pop up in notifications when needed. The Google Photos app now offers personalized edits, and so on. You’ll find all the changes listed here .
Updated November 28, 2025: (Call Recording)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting the Call Recording feature . This feature was exclusive to newer Pixels, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series phones. It’s now making its way to the Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel 8a. You need to get the latest Google Phone app update, and you’re good to go. In order to activate the feature, you’ll need to go into the Phone app settings. There, you need to select Call Assist and toggle on Call Recording. From that point, you’ll be able to record calls manually or from the dialer. You’ll also be able to set automatic recording for unknown numbers or specific contacts.
Updated December 15, 2025: (Android 16 QPR2 & December 2025 update)
Google is now pushing out the Android 16 QPR2 update , along with fixes from the December 2025 update, to its Pixel phones. That includes the Google Pixel 8a. Let’s talk about the Android 16 QPR2 first, shall we? That update brings the notification organizer to the phone, along with custom icon shapes. Google is also pushing out the expanded option in dark theme, which can darken most light apps. Parental controls have been improved, and more .
When it comes to the December 2025 update, Google is pushing out dozens of security fixes . In addition to that, some other fixes are included. This update fixes a battery icon issue, as it will no longer show a blank or a question mark. It also fixes a Bluetooth connectivity issue. The update includes a fix for an issue with toggling the ‘Extra Dim’ Quick Settings tile and a fix for an issue where the system could run out of memory due to splash screens not closing properly. General improvements for system stability and performance are included, too, along with quite a few other changes .
Updated January 13, 2026: (second December 2025 update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now also getting the second December 2025 update . This one follows the Android 16 QPR2 update, which brought the December 2025 security patch to the device. It’s rolling out in stages, even though it already reached most Pixel 8a units. The update brings a battery drain fix, which was an issue in some cases. It also brings a fix for the cached content issue that plagued some users who updated from Android 14 straight to Android 16. Those users were unable to access their media content. This update should fix all that.
Updated January 27, 2026: (January 2026 update)
The Google Pixel 8a is now getting the January 2026 Android update . Security patches are included in this one, along with a number of other fixes. Speaking of which, the update fixes noisy ringback tones experienced during Webex calls (under certain conditions). It also fixes a battery drain issue that some of you have been experiencing. The last fix has to do with the Live Universe wallpaper. Deleting that wallpaper caused the Wallpaper and style app to become unusable until the device is rebooted. Well, that should no longer happen. This update is rolling out as we speak, but it’s rolling out in stages, so some of you will have to be patient.
