Today is a big day for Google, even though it coincided with Apple and the launch of new iPads, which has also captured attention. Because isn’t it excellent news to have a high-end Google Pixel at a price that does not exceed 600 euros? Well, this not only defines the new Pixel 8a, but also another recent model in the company’s catalog: the Google Pixel 8.
I have spent several months with the Pixel 8, I live with it Pixel 8 Pro and I analyzed the last one Google Pixel 7a. Despite the different categories and sizes, it is not that there is an exaggerated difference between the three, even if we add the latest model, the Google Pixel 8a, to the mix. Made By Google processor, very good OLED screen, Android updates instantly, access to betas, a camera that underlines the power of phones… In short, price barriers are almost artificial. This is especially appreciated when the higher Pixels lower the cost with offers that are increasingly less punctual.
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Allowing Pixel 8 sales doesn’t do the Pixel 8a any good
Of course, the sales are perfect for those of us who are looking for the best price on phones, there I have zero complaints: yes I can acquire a high-end at an almost mid-range costWell, better than better. Which is exactly what is happening to the Google Pixel 8.
Since I have to look for the best mobile phones on sale for the weekly “Bargain Hunting”, I usually pay attention to the fluctuation in prices of the Google Pixel. It is something that has been happening for years, it is common for the cost of these mobile phones to drop periodically; either for an anniversary of the Google Store or for a specific campaign, such as Black Friday. What is strange is to see that Google smartphones receive permanent cuts of more than 200 eurosjust what is happening today.
The Google Pixel 8a, with its features and seven years of guaranteed updates, is a very good purchase at 549 euros. There are cell phones with better hardware, but they are not such a good adversary when we have to face them together: Google strikes an excellent balance in hardware, software and camera. Until you have to face your reflection: as happens to brands like Apple, such a small catalog of phones ends up promoting competition between models.
Apple manages to maintain the cost of its devices quite tightly throughout the year, which are new (something more so in the iPhone SE). Google tries it its way in the Google Store, but allows businesses with a greater volume of stock, and more aggressive practices, lower your phones. This leads to the nonsense of the Pixel 8a, because it has only been with the Pixel 8 for six months.
With only six months of difference, and with hardly any distinction in hardware, software and price, the Pixel 8a has a difficult time
There is no excessive time difference, the features are very similar, the size is similar, they have seven years of guaranteed Android updates, they offer access to betas… It’s not that Google is playing its cards well, at least in the short term of the launch of the Pixel 8a.
Would you recommend a Pixel 8a if the Google Pixel 8 is at the same price?
Well no, the way they are: The Google Pixel 8 seems like a much better phone than the Pixel 8a to me. Greater charging power, reverse wireless charging, more brightness on the panel, a larger main sensor (1/1.31 inches compared to 1/1.76 inches, despite the fact that the Pixel 8a has more megapixels) and other details that make the larger a better purchase. At an equivalent price, of course.
If the initial cost remains the same, I would clearly opt for the Google Pixel 8a, just as I recommend the Pixel 8 over the Pro model. After the successive offers of the most premium models, getting the 8a doesn’t make much sense; at least now, that It will probably go down as the year progresses.. And then it will be a safe purchase even with your eyes closed: any of the Google Pixel seems to me to be an example of what a good Android should be like.
Cover image | Google (from left to right: Pixel 8, Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro)