Pixel 8a’s $499 MSRP is mid-range, not affordable. Still, it’s the cheapest Pixel phone, making it the best budget option.
We think the Pixel 8a is worth that amount even if you weren’t planning to spend it. Performance, cameras, design, and value make it our favorite budget Android phone. Google’s seven-year support window for Android upgrades and security patches provides the phone a seven-year lifespan before you may need to buy a new one, saving you money over time.
The Pixel 8a has the same high-end performance as the Pixel 8 because it uses the Google Tensor G3 CPU. Circle To Search, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, Live Translate, Call Screen, Hold For Me, and more Google AI functions are included.
The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 engine, dazzling OLED 120Hz display, and cameras that rival phones twice as expensive create a luxury experience.
The Pixel 8a’s rounder edges and plastic back are the most visible differences between it and the Pixel 9, other than its smaller 6.1-inch screen. The only real sign of a cheaper phone is this.
Many additional drawbacks aren’t noticeable. Google’s Battery Share function, which wirelessly charges devices from the back of the phone, and other minor distinctions are missing.
