The Google Pixel 8a can easily be the best cheap phone overall, but that would depend on your list of priority features. The Pixel is for you if you place camera quality, software updates, and security above the display, performance, and battery life.
The latest model features a handy 6.1-inch, 120Hz OLED display that, to be fair, works great for media consumption and scrolling through the web. However, because it’s smaller, you’re dealt with the usual benefits and drawbacks, including better one-handed usage and limited viewing angles. Fortunately, most people buy Pixel phones for the clean software experience, abundant Google AI features, including Magic Editor and Photo Unblur, and excellent camera quality.
Read the review: Google Pixel 8a
You’ll get all that with the Pixel 8a, which is excellent for a phone that costs half the price of Google’s flagship model. ZDNET’s Prakhar Khanna says the camera system, which includes a 64MP shooter, is solid, capturing “sharp and vibrant” photos while “handling high-contrast and low-light scenes better than other devices.” Amazon users mostly agree with Khanna, with one customer citing, “I chose (the Pixel 8a) because of the camera, and it did not disappoint.”
Secretly, the best feature of the Pixel 8a is Google’s commitment to seven years of operating system upgrades, Pixel Feature Drops, and security patches. This means the phone will stay feature-relevant until at least 2031, which is unheard of in the mid-range market and a key selling point for those who value it.
Google Pixel 8a specs – Display size: 6.1 inches | Display type: OLED with HDR support | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Battery life: 4,500mAh | RAM: 8GB | Storage: Up to 256GB | Rear camera: 64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide | Front camera: 13MP | Processor: Titan M2 security