5 causes the Pixel 8a continues to be price it in 2025

I have been utilizing the Google Pixel 8a for over a yr now, and it stays one among my favourite mid-range phones I’ve ever used. Though its successor, the Pixel 9a, is on the market now, the Pixel 8a should not be neglected.

Whereas the Pixel 9a supplies some vital upgrades over the Pixel 8a, significantly in processing energy and battery life, I nonetheless imagine the Pixel 8a is a mid-range cellphone price contemplating in 2025, particularly in case you’re on a decent price range. From its efficiency, design, battery life, and extra, listed here are 5 explanation why I feel the Pixel 8a continues to be a good choice in 2025, from the attitude of somebody who has owned and used the cellphone for the previous yr.

Associated

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a: How the two mid-rangers stack up

Google has simply introduced its newest mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 9a – this is how the system compares with its predecessor.

5

Its Tensor G3 chipset performs reliably

It is probably not as quick because the Tensor G4, however it might nonetheless simply deal with most duties

The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chipset is not the quickest — particularly when in comparison with the A18 chip within the iPhone 16e or the Snapdragron 8 Elite within the Galaxy S25. Nevertheless, for primary duties resembling looking the online, scrolling social media, messaging, making calls, and lightweight gaming, the Tensor G3 nonetheless performs adequately.

Over the previous yr, I’ve used the Pixel 8a extensively and have not encountered any lag or vital slowdowns utilizing the cellphone, which speaks effectively of each the Tensor G3 and the sleek software program expertise Pixel telephones provide. I’ve additionally had no points utilizing Google Gemini or its AI picture modifying instruments, like Magic Eraser. If you’re anxious in regards to the Pixel 8a’s efficiency, do not be. So long as you are not attempting to play video games on the highest doable settings, you will not have any points with the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chipset.

Associated

6 changes I hope Google makes to the Pixel 10a

The Pixel 9a is a formidable mid-range smartphone, and the Pixel 10a may surpass it in greatness with these adjustments.

4

Battery life nonetheless holds up

The Pixel 8a’s battery can final all day

The Pixel 8a has a 4,492mAh battery, and I’ve discovered it to carry up very effectively. I’ve by no means skilled it dying earlier than the top of my day, which checks essentially the most essential battery life requirement for me. Though its battery is not as giant because the Pixel 9a’s 5,100mAh battery or the flagship Pixel 9’s 4,700mAh battery, it’s nonetheless fairly substantial, and you will not be lacking out a lot by selecting the extra inexpensive Pixel 8a.

My solely criticism in regards to the Pixel 8a’s battery is its charging pace. It solely helps a most charging pace of 18W and a wi-fi charging pace of seven.5W. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9a is not a lot better, providing a most wired charging pace of 23W and the identical 7.5W wi-fi charging pace. Neither the Pixel 8a nor the Pixel 9a’s charging speeds are as quick as these of the Pixel 9 or the iPhone 16e. This does not trouble me an excessive amount of, nevertheless it’s price noting. When you primarily cost your cellphone in a single day, like I do, this may not be an enormous deal. Nonetheless, the Pixel 8a’s battery lasts all day, and in 2025, that is what I count on from any smartphone.

Associated

I used the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13R for a week, and the winner is obvious

Mid-range Android telephones are peaking, and these two present how far they’ve come.

3

The Pixel 8a is aesthetically pleasing

The cellphone’s design nonetheless holds up in 2025 and contains a digicam bar

Once I first noticed the design of the Pixel 9a, I used to be shocked that Google determined to get rid of the digicam bar and go for a flat digicam format as a substitute. Certainly one of my favourite options on latest Pixel smartphones — whether or not it is the Pixel 8 collection, Pixel 8a, or the Pixel 9 collection — is the distinctive digicam bar that protrudes from the again of the cellphone. It helps make Google’s Pixel telephones stand out amongst a sea of iPhones and Samsung Galaxy gadgets, and to me, the digicam bar is a part of the Pixel’s id.

I really like the Pixel 8a’s digicam bar design, which seems to be extra visually interesting than the Pixel 9a’s flat design. The upcoming Pixel 10 series, anticipated to be introduced at a Made by Google occasion on August 20, is prone to carefully resemble the Pixel 9 collection, that means all these gadgets will nonetheless have a digicam bar, leaving the Pixel 9a because the odd one out. Except for the digicam bar, the Pixel 8a’s total design stays improbable, and the colour choices are wonderful. I’ve the aqua (blue) mannequin, and I am nonetheless mesmerized by it. It’s one among my favourite shades of blue I’ve seen on a tool, with the blue shadow on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 now my new favourite. Total, I feel the Pixel 8a’s curved design, compact kind issue (with a 6.1-inch show), and distinctive digicam bar design nonetheless look nice in 2025.

Associated

5 Pixel features I always switch on right away

Google’s Pixel smartphones have a ton of extra options. Listed below are those you must check out first.

2

Six extra years of updates

Google is not achieved with the Pixel 8a anytime quickly

The Pixel 8a is likely one of the first smartphones that Google promised seven years of software program and safety updates for. Whereas the cellphone launched with Android 14, it has since been up to date to help Android 15 and now Android 16. I am working Android 16 on my Pixel 8a, and the expertise has been flawless.

So in case you’re anxious about shopping for a Pixel 8a and never getting the identical safety and software program updates the Pixel 9a will get, do not be. The Pixel 8a nonetheless has six extra years of updates to look ahead to, together with Pixel function drops. When you choose up a Pixel 8a at this time, you will possible have a brand new cellphone by the point 2031 rolls round anyway, so six years is greater than sufficient in my opinion.

Associated

Android 16 has arrived with a bonus feature drop for Pixel phones

Android 16 is formally out there in secure kind, and Google-branded smartphones are about to obtain a June Pixel Drop to sweeten the deal, too.

1

The Pixel 8a stays a budget-friendly possibility

The value is correct

A key cause the Pixel 8a stays a wise buy in 2025 is its engaging value. Because of the discharge of the Pixel 9a, the worth of the Pixel 8a is beginning to drop considerably to filter out inventory. On the time of writing, Finest Purchase is providing the Pixel 8a on clearance for less than $249, half its authentic value. Service offers might fluctuate relying on the place you might be, however you could discover a good provide on a Pixel 8a.

When you’re open to a refurbished/renewed system, many choices can be found on Amazon and eBay for a reduced value as effectively. At $250, the Pixel 8a is an distinctive deal, making it even simpler to cross over the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 8a has held up effectively during the last yr, and for these on a restricted price range, it stays a useful possibility in 2025.

Associated

Pixel 10 series set to debut next month

Google has introduced its subsequent Made by Google occasion for August 20, the place its anticipated to indicate off the Pixel 10 collection.