Google announces official release of the Pixel 8a: Is it the best smartphone for 500 euros?

One week before the I/O conference, Google officially unveils the Pixel 8a, the little brother of the Pixel 8 smartphones released at the end of 2023. For 549 euros excluding promotion, it offers almost unbeatable characteristics in this price range.

In the smartphone market, Google still suffers from an unfair lack of awareness compared to Samsung, Apple or Xiaomi. However, in the mid-range segment, nothing comes close to its “Pixel a” family.

For several years, the little brothers of the high-end Pixels, generally launched in spring, have excelled at almost all levels. One of their strong points is the photo, an often disappointing point around 500 euros. With its Pixel 3a, 4a, 6a and 7a, Google has always managed to impress the gallery. The Pixel 8a, which will be launched on May 14 at a price of 549 euros, seems well on its way to crushing the competition at the same price.

Everything about a Pixel 8, except the price

On paper, the Pixel 8a seems to have everything the perfect smartphone for many people has:

It is “small”, with a 6.1-inch screen that is increasingly rare on the market (the Pixel 8 measures 6.2 inches).
It has a relatively premium design, with plastic instead of glass, which makes the product lighter (186 grams).
It has the same processor as the most expensive Pixel 8, which allows it to have the same features (including Google's new AI features, including the local Gemini Nano model).
It supports wireless charging, which is unusual in this price segment.
It has a 120 Hz screen, while its predecessors made do with 90 Hz.
It will be updated for 7 years, which guarantees it will go up to Android 21… in 2031.

Photography, the strength of Google

Since the Pixel 8a is from Google, its greatest strength is photos. Its dual camera module seems banal (64 Mpix f/1.89 + 13 Mpix f/2.2 for ultra-wide-angle), but Google has a strength in this market: its algorithmic know-how. Pixel 8a photos, day or night, should impress users with mysterious digital processing.

In addition to algorithmic processing, the addition of AI functions enhances the Pixel 8a's photo score. The Magic Eraser has already proven itself (to remove people from a photo), but other tools, like the Magic Editor (to move someone, change the color of the sky) or a tool so that everyone looks good in group photos, makes the Pixel 8a even crazier. Other functions, such as Circle to Search, are also available.