Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Everyone loves a bargain , and it ’s hard to reason that theGoogle Pixel 8ais anything but . With a flagship processor and one ofthe best phone camerasaround , the $ 499 smartphone has the specs to make it a steal . But Google has n’t just drum neat hardware into the earphone , as it also has one of the cleanest implementation ofAndroid 14 , all ofGoogle ’s current AI roll , and an incredible seven long time of software updates to boot . It ’s a chintzy phone that can go the aloofness , and one we are more than well-chosen to recommend .
But it ’s not gross . The stamp battery is a little weak , as is its charge ability — and the less said about the tatty - feel pliant body , the better . So even though it ’s a strong phone , there are a number of choice that could get out your eyes away from Google ’s modish midrange phone .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Here are five phones you should buy alternatively of the Google Pixel 8a .
Google Pixel 8
For your first alternative , you involve to look no further than Google ’s own static . TheGoogle Pixel 8is $ 200 more than the Pixel 8a , which means it ’s not a massive jump up in cost compared to Google ’s midrange phone . But that only weigh if it offer more of what you love . So does it ? While the Pixel 8 has some weaknesses and similarities to the Pixel 8a , there are some areas where it ’s importantly stronger , and those may be enough for you to pass the extra cash .
It ’s just to say the two devices divvy up a lot in common . They ’re similar in size , with the Pixel 8a being somewhat bombastic with a smaller display . The Pixel 8 has slight bezel , but it ’s not a vast difference . Both also have the Tensor G3 central processing unit under the tough , and both have 8 GB of RAM and either 128 GB or 256 GB of storehouse .
But the phones start up to deviate in other areas of the design . The Pixel 8 ’s alloy and glass eubstance puts the cheap - feeling plastic on the Pixel 8a to shame , and that attain a handsome difference when you ’re address a phone every twenty-four hour period . The Pixel 8 ’s electric battery is also much unassailable than the Pixel 8a ’s . The more expensive phone will last two days on a undivided charge , whereas the midrange phone will make it just a single Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The Pixel 8a ’s 18 - James Watt fast charging pales compared to the Pixel 8 ’s 27W charging pace .
Camera strength is a hallmark of the Pixel mountain range , so how does the Pixel 8a hold up in this gaze ? Quite well , as it turns out . The two phones are sport dissimilar glasses for their lenses , but they both have a main genus Lens and an ultrawide lens , and they seem to provide similar performance across the circuit card . The Pixel 8a struggles a petty more with strong light , but the Pixel 8 ’s ultrawide genus Lens is a little unsatisfying , so it even out out .
Where does this leave us ? With a very stiff alternative . The Pixel 8 shares a mickle of what make the Pixel 8a so secure , including excellent software , AI magic , seven age of updates , and flagship specs and cameras . But it also add together a much stronger electric battery , a sleeker design , and a much , much nicer dead body . If you may stretch to $ 200 more , then the Pixel 8 is worth deal — and even if you ca n’t afford it , keep an eye out for deep price reduction during sale .
OnePlus 12R
The Google Pixel 8a is notable in the midrange outer space because of its flagship specification , but it ’s not the only such smartphone in this space . TheOnePlus 12Rlives up to the brand ’s flagship killer reputation by offering hardware that rivals that of the top flagships while also keeping the damage down to $ 500 . As a resolution , it ’s one of the firm alternatives to the Pixel 8a .
The specs are the braggart reason to bribe this telephone , and they ’re as impressive as you ’d expect . At the top of the listing is a flagship processor , the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 . It ’s last yr ’s chip , yes , but it ’s still incredibly potent — faster than the Tensor G3 and without the overheating issues Google ’s chips are harry with . conjoin this is up to 16 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage , which are truly flagship numbers by anyone ’s standard . It has a gorgeous showing , too . It ’s rich and vibrant , and it equate the Pixel 8a ’s 120Hz refresh charge per unit . It ’s much larger at 6.78 inches , though , which could be a problem if you have smaller hand .
The stamp battery is another big reward over the Pixel 8a . It ’s a two - twenty-four hour period affair most of the time , with even gruelling function coming out at a day - and - a - half . Even intimately , recharge is blisteringly flying . The U.S. model does n’t get the 100W recharging , but it still take 80W , which leaves the Pixel 8a ’s 18W in the dust .
The 12R ’s triple lens frame-up does n’t touch the Pixel 8a ’s camera , and while the 50MP main lens is OK most of the time , it struggles with movement . And the ultrawide - angle and macro lenses are reasonably horrendous . Also keep in head that OnePlus is known largely for pushing big specification number , and that have in mind there ’s little room in the budget for anything else . As a issue , you wo n’t find anything particularly special , like the Pixel ’s AI features .
The OnePlus 12R is a very strong alternative to the Pixel 8a , but it ’s very much the choice of a specific type of someone . If you require a big and hefty smartphone , perhaps for playing game , then the OnePlus 12R is an first-class way to get just that for $ 500 . But if you bonk a good tv camera and are interested in the future of AI and what it can do for smartphones , then the Google Pixel 8a is the way to go .
Samsung Galaxy A35
In many way , theSamsung Galaxy A35is the close match to the Pixel 8a when it comes to alternatives . Love the Pixel ’s time value , light shape , and gorgeous showing ? The Galaxy A35 has those element , too , and at first glance , it make the two gimmick quite rugged to pick between . However , there are some primal differences , and fundamental to those is an attractive price .
We wo n’t dive into the damage yet , though , as you need to know what the differences are before the price is impactful . We ’ll start with the specs , and here , the Pixel has an boundary . The Galaxy A35 apply the Exynos 1380 processor , Samsung ’s own midrange poker chip , and it ’s a near performer . Does it equal a flagship chip like the Tensor G3 ? dead not , but it holds up well regardless . If you ’re willing to put up with a very slightly slower response then you ’ll be fine .
The A35 has a pliant body , like the Pixel 8a , but unlike the Pixel , it feel great in the hired hand . It looks like metal from a length , and the bland edge give it a modernistic style , which we really like . The display is also gorgeous . It ’s a 6.6 - in Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh charge per unit , and it looks awing . It tops out at 1,000 nit of luminousness , though , half of the Pixel ’s 2,000 nits , but that ’s easy to forgive .
The camera is a triple - lens affair — a main tv camera , an ultrawide camera , and a macro camera — and it ’s somewhat good . It ’s not the match for the Pixel 8a , but it take good - looking and fun photos , and you ’ll seldom be disappointed by its results . The battery is a short dissatisfactory , though , top out at just a daytime when we ’ve go through former A - series phone hit two day on a single boot . The charging is also on the washy side . Still , 30W is faster than the Pixel ’s 18W.
The Samsung Galaxy A35 is quite similar to the Pixel 8a in many ways , and the two earphone share weaknesses , as well as strengths , but they diverge in one key area : the Mary Leontyne Price . The Galaxy A35 bulge at $ 400 , a full $ 100 less than the Pixel 8a . That ’s a skilful amount less , especially at this conclusion of the market , and considering how like the two are , the A35 is a strong campaigner for your pocket .
Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
There are n’t many phone rollick what this Motorola telephone has : a built - in style . But that ’s not the only reason to bribe theMoto G Stylus 5 G ( 2024 ) . No , Motorola ’s $ 400 phone is a pretty great smartphone regardless , and a whole competitor for the Google Pixel 8a — if you ’re unforced to accept some drawback , of track .
We ’ll pop out with the most prominent of those weaknesses — the camera . Motorola has often struggled with cameras on cheaper phones , and although the Stylus is n’t a accomplished unsuccessful person , it is a step down from the Pixel 8a . The 50MP master lense takes very substantial photograph during the day , but it struggles to produce anything upright alfresco of optimal lighting conditions . Put it against the Pixel 8a , and it ’s clear Google still has the upper hand .
Still here ? Alright , let ’s talk about what the Moto G Stylus does well . Despite being a $ 400 smartphone , it does n’t skimp on a solid display . It ’s a 6.7 - inch OLED venire complete with a 120Hz refresh pace , 1080p closure , and a hole - punch for the selfie camera . carrying into action is also good , and while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 ca n’t hold up to the Tensor G3 in condition of stark naked power , it still deliver a strong and smooth experience . Oh , and it has a stylus . It does n’t have any fancy features like the Samsung S Pen or Apple Pencil , but it works well enough when it comes to sketching , drafting , and writing note .
The battery will easy last two years , another huge fillip . And with 30W charge speeds , it fuels up faster than the Pixel 8a . There is another downside , though , and this is a heavy one : it only engender one software update . Yes , one . While the Pixel 8a will get seven update , the Moto G Stylus will get one update to Android 15 and nothing else . That ’s another liberal grounds not to grease one’s palms this phone , and it ’s anongoing issue with Motorolaas a whole .
Still , if software updates are n’t a immense thing for you , then the Moto G Stylus is a bang-up agency to save $ 100 over the Pixel 8a . The average camera does signify it ’s a less tempting package than some other headphone , but if a stylus is a big haul for you , then it ’s deserving believe .
Nothing Phone 2
It ’s easy to forget that Nothing exists , but you really should n’t . TheNothing Phone 2is a very undecomposed smartphone , and at $ 599 , it ’s a very solid competitor in the Pixel 8a ’s place . It ’s a substantial all - debauchee with only a few little weaknesses and one very cool gimmick in theGlyph lightingsystem on the back .
We called the Glyph light up a gimmick , and it is , but do n’t take that to mean that it ’s not also a genuinely useful addition to the earpiece . The separate region of the Glyph will light up to match timers , show how far away your Uber ride is , or do a number of other occasion . It can be used as a photographic camera newsbreak or flashlight , and it ’s a useful way of bed if you have a notification while your sound is placed face down . Do n’t save it off as a meaningless equipment because it dead is n’t .
Performance is snappy thanks to the Snapdragon 8 + Gen 1 , which is still very dissolute despite being a few years old now . The exhibit is a 1080p 6.7 - in OLED panel with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate , and it looks sensational . Expect to get a day - and - a - one-half out of a single complaint , with two days being possible with very tripping use . There ’s not much chance you ’ll be range this battery down in a single day unless you’rereallytrying . Charging sits at a good 45W , which is much sound than the Pixel 8a .
What ’s the catch ? The camera is n’t as good as the rest of the earpiece and struggle with low light shots . Put it against the Pixel 8a , and it ’s no contest . The Nothing Phone 2 also only has an IP54 rating for detritus and water resistance , which is n’t particularly good , specially when compared to the Pixel 8a ’s IP67 rating .
But those are some relatively minor point , as long as you ’re not too much of a camera fan . The Nothing Phone 2 costs just $ 100 more than the Pixel 8a , and it offers the Glyph kindling system , a fast flagship processor , and an excellent battery and charge rate . If you may live with a bit of a rubbish lowlight photographic camera ( and remember , you have the mother of all newsflash units on the back of your sound anyway ) , then the Nothing Phone 2 is a very beguiling competitor .
