Google Pixel 8a unboxed

It's official - tomorrow we'll see Google unveil more of Googley goodness at I/O 2024, one of which is the newest hardware the Pixel 8a.

Google graciously sent one to me to give you my thoughts:

The Pixel a lineup has usually been that "hey, you want the regular fagships, but at a more reasonable price" so there's usually some sacrifices to save some money.

The 7a and now the 8a there really wasn't much in terms of what you'd miss out on, it's so very near to the Pixel 8.

Which is funny, as most of the commentary out there from people who are talking about it are really trying to compare it to last year's Pixel 7a, which is fair; but I think the real comparison is for a customer to look at how it compares to the current offers, the Pixel 8 / 8 Pro

So, here's what you get when you compare the 8a to the rest of today's lineup:

	Pixel 8a	Pixel 8	Pixel 8 Pro
Cost	$679	$949	$1,349
Display	2400x1080	2400x1080	2992x1344
	60-120Hz	60-120Hz	1-120Hz
	Gorilla Glass 3	Gorilla Glass Victus	Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor	Tensor G3	Tensor G3	Tensor G3
	Titan M2	Titan M2	Titan M2
RAM	8GB	8GB	12GB
Storage	128GB	128GB	128GB
Cameras	64MP Quad (0.8um)	50MP Octa (1.2um)	50MP Octa (1.2um)
	13MP (1.12um)	12MP (1.25um)	48MP Quad (0.8um)
			48MP Quad 5x zoom (0.7um)
	13MP (1.12um)	10.5MP dual (1.22um)	10.5MP dual (1.22um)
Battery	4492mAh	4575mAh	5050mAh
		reverse Qi	reverse Qi
	IP67	IP68	IP68

For $270 savings you're really only losing a couple things:

• slightly lower camera spec
• slightly more plasticy feeling back
• one less in the IP rating
• reverse Qi charging

Doesn't seem like a big sacrifice for the cost savings.  Heck for the $80 difference, upgrade the 8a to 256GB.

If you're thinking of a Pixel, and you want the best, get the Pro.  If you don't want a zoom lens, go for the 8a.