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Google's Pixel 8A resonated with me for one simple yet surprising reason when I tested it earlier this year: It's just a phone. What it lacks in flashy AI features or camera tricks, it makes up for by nailing the basics. Usually priced at $300 less than the $799 Pixel 9 (which is even cheaper at Amazon right now, it's the phone for people who just want a phone.
The Pixel 8A continues the tradition Google established in 2019 with the Pixel 3A, its first A-series device. These phones are pared-back, less-expensive alternatives to Google's flagship Pixel phones, often compromising just a bit on power, camera quality, software features and wireless charging speeds to achieve that lower price.
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In my experience, however, the extras you get with Google's step-up model don't make that much of a difference. That's only become more true in recent years as Google started putting its own Tensor chips in its Pixel phones, providing more consistency in terms of features and performance across the lineup.
However, if you manage to find the Pixel 9 at a discount that brings it down to the same price or less than the Pixel 8A, grab Google's more recent phone instead. Since it has a newer processor, it'll likely support more new features moving forward.
With Amazon knocking $100 off the Pixel 8A for Black Friday, bringing the price down to $399, there's an even more compelling argument for choosing this over Google's flagship phone.
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The Pixel 8A has the right set of features for the price
The Pixel 8A may not have all of Google's latest AI features or its newest processor, but with a 6.1-inch screen that can boost its refresh rate for smoother scrolling, a battery that's almost as large as the Pixel 9's and a capable camera system that consists of main and ultrawide lenses, it checks all the boxes most people are looking for. This is why it CNET's pick for the best Google Pixel phone for most people.
During my time testing the Pixel 8A, I found it took photos with vibrant, accurate colors that didn't feel too exaggerated or washed out, as is sometimes the case with photos taken on Samsung's budget phones. But you won't get macro mode or Add Me, a new feature that debuted on the Pixel 9. This shooting mode uses augmented reality to help you capture a group photo with everyone in the frame, even when one person in the party has stepped out to take the photo. It's a neat trick, but not something that's worth buying the Pixel 9 for.
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The Pixel 8A's battery life was more than enough to get through a full day during my testing, with 66% left after roughly 16 hours of use. But battery life will always depend on how you use the device, along with factors like screen brightness and whether you're recording a lot of video. I saw similar results with the Pixel 9 on a relatively slow day (64% after 16 hours), although the battery dipped to 38% after the same amount of time on a busy day that involved taking lots of photos and cranking the screen brightness.
Suffice it to say it doesn't seem like you're missing out on much in terms of battery life by choosing the Pixel 8A over the Pixel 9.
You also won't get some of Google's new AI features, like Pixel Studio, which lets you generate images on the fly just by typing in a prompt. But like Add Me, this is another tool that I don't find necessary. After the novelty wore off, I barely found myself using it on the Pixel 9.
If you want more storage, your color choices are limited
Even though the Pixel 8A is a great value, there are some downsides you should be aware of. For one, the 256GB storage option is oddly only available on the black version of the device, which is a shame because the Pixel 8A's colorful green and blue shades are part of what makes it stand out. The Pixel 8A also isn't ideal for zoomed photography, so if you take lots of photos at concerts and events from a distance, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
Will the Pixel 8A be on sale for Black Friday?
Yes! It already is, for $399, or 20% off, for the 128GB version and for $459 for the 256GB model. At those prices, the Pixel 8A feels like the ideal budget phone. Considering Google increased the price of its base flagship Pixel by $100 with the Pixel 9 compared to the Pixel 8, there's an even more compelling case for the cheaper Pixel 8A.
If you're looking for additional budget-friendly gift ideas this holiday season, check out our roundup of 31 of the best tech gifts under $100 and 32 Christmas gifts under $100.