Google's feature-packed new Android phone is way better than its low price suggests
Google Pixel 8a
Fancy a new feature-packed Android phone without paying extortionately high prices? Google may have just what you are looking for thanks to the launch of its new Pixel 8a. This pretty impressive device, which arrives in stores next week, starts from just £499 – that’s hundreds less than Samsung’s Galaxy S24 or the iPhone 15 from Apple.
Despite its mid-range price tag, the 8a comes packed with features that will give rival flagships a serious run for their money.
Firstly, there’s a very bright 6.1-inch screen which gets a speedy 120Hz refresh rate for silky smooth scrolling.
It’s also powered by Google’s Tensor G3 processor – that’s the same brain tucked inside the more premium Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
This chipset not only supplies oodles of power but is also very smart which means the 8a gets all sorts of nifty AI features such as Call Assist and clever Circle to Search which lets you easily find things on the web. Other features include Audio Magic Eraser which removes distracting sounds in your videos— like wind, crowds and other noises plus there’s Magic Editor so you can tweak your photos without the need for a degree in Photoshop.
Taking of photography, there’s a dual-lens rear camera on the Pixel 8a (64-megapixel main lens and a 13-megapixel) which offers users a Super Res Zoom, Night Sight and something called Real Tone which accurately represents everyone’s skin tone in photos and now in videos.
For those all-important selfies, it also comes equipped with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera as well, with a large field of view to fit even more into your shots.
Pixel fans will also be pleased to hear that there’s now the option to upgrade to 256GB of storage plus there are new colours such as Aloe and and Bay.
Finally, all owners will get improved security to keep personal data safe. Google has even confirmed that the Pixel 8a gets seven years of software support, including security updates and Android upgrades.
The Pixel 8a starts at £499, and pre-orders begin today. The Pixel 8a will be available at the Google Store and our retail partners beginning May 14.