Google Pixel 8a

Google Pixel 8a was officially released globally on May 14, 2024. The phone is not officially launched in Pakistan but is available through importers in the following variant:

8GB + 128GB — Rs. 75,000

The Pixel 8a is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4nm) chipset, paired with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness, a 64MP dual rear camera, a 13MP selfie camera, and a 4492mAh battery with wired and wireless charging support. The Google Pixel 8a ships with Android 14, is upgradeable to Android 17, and is available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe colors.

Display

6.1-inch OLED display 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution (~430 ppi) Up to 2000 nits peak brightness, making outdoor visibility strong even in bright sunlight HDR support for richer contrast in supported content Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection Compact 6.1-inch size makes it comfortable for one-handed use compared to larger flagships

Platform

Google Tensor G3 chipset 4nm manufacturing process Nona-core CPU 1 x 2.91GHz Cortex-X3 core 4 x 2.37GHz Cortex-A715 cores 4 x 1.70GHz Cortex-A510 cores Mali-G715 MP7 GPU Android 14 out of the box, upgradeable to Android 17 Up to 7 major Android OS updates, among the longest software support periods in the industry Tensor G3 brings flagship-level AI features down to the mid-range segment, including on-device AI photo editing and voice tools Handles daily multitasking, camera processing, and casual to moderate gaming comfortably

Memory & Storage

8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage options UFS 3.1 storage for fast read/write speeds No microSD card slot, so storage cannot be expanded later 128GB is enough for most users, while the 256GB variant suits those who record a lot of 4K video or keep large game libraries

Main Camera

The Google Pixel 8a features a dual rear camera system built around Google's computational photography strengths.

64MP primary wide camera (16MP effective binned output) f/1.9 aperture 26mm focal length Dual Pixel PDAF Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) 13MP ultrawide camera 120° field of view f/2.2 aperture Dual-LED flash Pixel Shift for extra detail in low light Ultra HDR support Panorama mode Best Take feature to combine multiple group shots into one ideal photo 4K video recording at 30/60fps 1080p video recording at up to 240fps OIS for stabilized footage Camera performance punches above its price segment thanks to Google's image processing

Selfie Camera

13MP selfie camera f/2.2 aperture 20mm ultrawide lens 4K video recording at 30fps 1080p video recording at 30/60fps Wide field of view works well for group selfies and video calls

Battery

4492mAh battery Li-Po battery type 18W wired charging with PD 3.0 7.5W wireless charging Bypass charging support, useful for extended gaming sessions without stressing the battery Battery size is on the smaller side for the segment, so moderate to heavy users may need a top-up during the day Charging speeds are modest compared to some competing Android phones in the same price range

Connectivity

Nano-SIM + eSIM Dual-SIM functionality 2G, 3G, 4G LTE support 5G SA/NSA support Wi-Fi 6e, dual/tri-band depending on region Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP and LE GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC positioning NFC for mobile payments USB Type-C 3.2 No FM radio No 3.5mm headphone jack

Design & Build

Dimensions: 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm Weight: 188g Glass front with Gorilla Glass 3 Aluminum frame Plastic back panel IP67 dust and water resistance (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) Under-display optical fingerprint scanner Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer Stereo speakers for fuller sound on videos and games Compact and lightweight build compared to most flagship-sized phones

Bottom Line

The Google Pixel 8a is a strong pick for buyers who want flagship-level camera quality, clean Android software, and years of guaranteed updates in a smaller, more affordable package. Its Tensor G3 chipset brings genuinely useful AI camera and editing features rarely seen at this price. The main trade-offs are a smaller-than-average battery and slower charging speeds compared to some rivals, but for users who prioritize camera performance and software longevity over raw battery size, it remains one of the best all-round options in its price bracket.

Alternatives in the Same Budget

Google Pixel 7a — An older but still capable Pixel option, usually available at a slightly lower price with a similar camera experience. Samsung Galaxy A55 — A solid alternative with a bigger battery and a more premium metal-and-glass build. OnePlus Nord series — Worth considering for buyers who prioritize faster charging and smoother gaming performance. iPhone SE (latest generation) — A good option for users who prefer Apple's ecosystem and long-term software support in a compact form factor.