Official manufacturer render.
Pixel 8a
- 6.1-inch OLED
- Google Tensor G3
- 189 g
- 4492 mAh
Available colors
Selected: Obsidian
Physical specifications
6.1"
Display size
189 g
Weight
152.1 mm
Height
72.7 mm
Width
8.9 mm
Thickness
19:9
Aspect ratio
Release and pricing
- Released
- May 14, 2024
Display
- Display size
- 6.1"
- Display technology
- OLED
- Resolution
- 1080 × 2400
- Refresh rate
- 120 Hz
- Peak brightness
- 2000 nits
- Protection
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Performance
- Chipset
- Google Tensor G3
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB, 256 GB
Battery & charging
- Typical capacity
- 4492 mAh
Cameras
- Rear cameras
- Wide · 64 MP · ƒ/1.89; Ultra Wide · 13 MP · ƒ/2.2
- Front cameras
- Selfie · 13 MP · ƒ/2.2
Build & durability
- Ingress protection
- IP67
Connectivity
- Cellular
- 5G, LTE
- Wi‑Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.3
- USB
- USB-C 3.2
- NFC
- Yes
- eSIM
- Yes
Sizometry Analysis
Overall Score
7.5
out of 10
A budget-flagship Pixel that still holds up years after launch through a bright 120Hz Actua display, dependable 64MP computational cameras, IP67 sealing, and seven years of updates — held back by persistently slow 18W charging, Tensor G3 heat under load, and no telephoto lens.
Category scores
Camera
8.0
64MP main with OIS and Google's computational stack remain excellent for daylight and indoor stills; no telephoto and modest low-light video trail pricier rivals.
Battery and charging
6.5
4,492mAh comfortably covers a full day of moderate use, but 18W charging and heat-linked drain are the phone's most persistent weaknesses.
Performance
7.0
Tensor G3 with 8GB RAM feels smooth for everyday tasks years later, but thermal throttling under sustained load remains a well-documented limitation.
Handling and portability
8.0
72.7 mm width and 189 g keep this one of the more comfortable one-handed midrangers of its generation.
Build quality
7.5
Aluminum frame and matte back feel premium for the price; IP67 is solid though it trails flagship IP68 sealing.
Value
8.0
Camera quality, display, and seven-year update support remain a standout combination well below flagship pricing.
Strengths
- 64MP computational camera that punches above its price class
- Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display in a compact body
- IP67 sealing and seven years of OS and security updates
- 189 g, 72.7 mm width keeps one-handed use comfortable
Weaknesses
- 18W wired charging feels slow even at launch and more so years later
- Tensor G3 runs warm under sustained camera or gaming load
- No telephoto lens limits zoom versatility
- 7.5W wireless charging trails modern Qi2 rivals
Best for
- Budget buyers who want flagship-level Pixel camera processing
- Pixel 6a and earlier A-series owners seeking a display and chipset upgrade
- Light users who value update longevity over charging speed
- Shoppers who prefer a compact, one-handed-friendly midranger
Less suitable for
- Buyers who need fast wired or wireless charging for busy days
- Heavy gamers or extended-navigation users sensitive to heat
- Telephoto and zoom-focused photographers
- Pixel 7a owners without a specific pain point to address
Upgrade recommendation
Current device: Pixel 6a or older A-series owners
Recommendation: Strongly recommendedNotes: Brighter 120Hz display, steadier Tensor G3, and IP67 sealing address clear, multi-year pain points.
Current device: Pixel 7a owners
Recommendation: Probably unnecessaryNotes: Camera hardware is essentially unchanged; gains are limited to chipset efficiency and display brightness.
Current device: Shoppers comparing 8a to Pixel 9a or 10a
Recommendation: Depends on prioritiesNotes: Newer A-series phones fix the 8a's slow charging and smaller battery directly — worth the premium if those matter.
Current device: Current Pixel 8a owners in 2026
Recommendation: Depends on prioritiesNotes: Still fast enough for daily tasks for most owners; upgrade mainly if charging speed or heat has become a dealbreaker.
Everyday usability
Estimated from device dimensions and weight.
One-handed use
ManageableOne-handed use is workable, with some stretch for top-of-screen reach.
Pocket friendliness
ExcellentIts footprint fits standard pockets more easily than larger phones.
Carry comfort
BalancedWeight sits in a balanced range for everyday holding and carrying.
Reading and media
Adequate for everyday browsing, messages, and short video.
Gaming
SuitableIts hardware should handle most modern games, though demanding titles may benefit from adjusted settings.
Bottom line
The Pixel 8a remains a well-regarded budget-flagship years after release thanks to a genuinely excellent camera for its class, a bright 120Hz display, IP67 durability, and industry-leading update support — trade-offs that matter most are its slow 18W charging and Tensor G3's tendency to run warm under sustained load.
Models and configurations
- Storage
- 128 GB256 GB
- Connectivity
- 5GLTE
- Colors
- ObsidianBayPorcelainAloe
- RAM
- 8 GB
- SIM configuration
- eSIM
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