Google Pixel 8a deals

The Google Pixel 8a in a nutshell

• Release date: 7 May 2024
• Price at launch: from £499
• 5G connectivity
• Tensor G3 chipset, the same as the top end Pixel 8
• Dual lens 13MP and 64MP cameras
• Operating system: supports Android 14

MoneySuperMarket’s expert rating: 4/5

The Google Pixel 8a is a more budget friendly take on Google’s top end Pixel 8. It comes with a more than ample 6,1-inch display, which features a cutting edge 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a dual lens camera that features 13MP and 64MP lenses.

Google has loaded the Pixel 8a up with AI smarts too, with the snazzy Best Take feature, letting you tweak photos to ensure all subjects are looking their best.

AI also means you can get rid of background noise on the 4K videos you shoot, thanks to a feature called Audio Magic Eraser. It also features the same, top end Tensor G3 chipset as the Pixel 8, which means it also works at lightning speed.

How much is the Google Pixel 8a?

The Google Pixel 8a is available from £499. That’s for a 128GB model, rising to £559 for a 256GB edition.

Buy it outright and you can pair it with a SIM-only deal. Alternatively, you can pick it up on contract through MoneySuperMarket.

How can I get a cheap Google Pixel 8a?

Rather than paying out for a Google Pixel 8a and then adding a SIM-free plan, you can opt for a pay-monthly contract, so you can spread the cost, usually over 24 months.

Networks such as iD Mobile, giffgaff and Vodafone all have Pixel 8a, with prices starting from £14.99 a month. Use our table at the top of the page to compare deals.

The Google Pixel 8a’s design

The Google Pixel 8a mimics the design of the top end Pixel 8. That means a small hole punch up front for the selfie camera, a sharp looking camera band around the back and an aluminium frame.

The key difference is the fact that the rear of the device is made from plastic rather than toughened glass, with the Pixel 8a having a slightly lower IP67 water and dustproof rating. The Pixel 8a is available in black, white, bay (pastel blue) and aloe (pastel green).

The Google Pixel 8a’s display

The Google Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch display, with a 1080 x 2400 resolution. It also has the same 120Hz refresh rate found on the Google Pixel 8, meaning that flicking through apps and web pages, and playing games, is extra smooth.

Brightness tops out at 2,000 nits, which puts the Pixel 8a up there with the best devices from Apple and Samsung, as well as its own pricier stablemates. In short, this is an impressive screen for a mid-tier phone.

How good is the Google Pixel 8a’s camera?

Packing a dual lens set up, the Pixel 8a’s camera is a great example of how to deliver good imaging without a wallet-melting price tag. A 64MP wide angle lens is backed up by a 13MP ultrawide. However, that only tells part of the story.

The Pixel 8a also comes with the same AI smarts as the Pixel 8. That means Magic Eraser for getting rid of unwanted parts of images, Magic Editor for making a wide range of edits powered by machine learning and Best Take, a burst feature that lets you merge aspects of images so everyone in your shot is smiling.

It’s the latter that really raises the Pixel 8a’s imaging game and gives it the edge over its rivals. 4K video and a 13MP front facing camera complete the package.

Is the Google Pixel 8a good for video?

The Pixel 8a can shoot 4K video at 30 and 60 frames per second (fps). It can also handle less intense 1080p HD video, shooting at 30, 60, 120 and 240 fps. The front facing camera can also shoot 4K at 30 fps, so your social media needs will be easily met.

More Google handsets

• Google Pixel 8
• Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Google Pixel Fold

Is the Google Pixel 8a worth buying in 2024??

The Pixel 8a was released in May 2024 and as such it marks the newest version of the Pixel 8a. Google will not release another budget Pixel in 2024, so this is the device to buy in 2024 if you want a Pixel phone that won’t break the bank.

Is now a good time to buy the Google Pixel 8a?

Although the Pixzel 8a is new as of May 2024, you can still get some great deals. It’s also a lot cheaper than the top end Pixel 8 and offers long term Android support.

If you want a mid tier device with top end features, this is a great time to buy the Pixel 8a.

Will the Google Pixel 8a drop in price?

It is likely that the Google Pixel 8a will drop in price as 2024 goes on. Historically, budget Pixel models have got cheaper throughout the year, especially close to Christmas.

Should I upgrade or wait for the next model?

It’ll be a long wait for a successor to the Pixel 8a, so if you want one, now is the time to get one.

Pixel 8a specs