Google Pixel 8a

Google has repackaged some of the best parts of its flagship Pixel 8 phone into the Pixel 8a, at a price ($499) that’s hard to beat.

This includes a crisp display, powerful processor, and pocket-friendly form factor. Of course, Google had to make certain concessions to keep the Pixel 8a affordable, so the device lacks the spatial audio and battery share capabilities offered with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. 

The Pixel 8a’s camera setup is also a slight step down from the Pixel 8’s, as it doesn’t include macro focus or laser autofocus. That said, all but the most serious users will likely be more than happy with the Pixel 8a’s camera and overall offerings.

Read on as we detail the ins and outs of the Pixel 8a, and tell you how you can score a great deal on one. If you’re ready to shop, make sure to use Navi’s Phone Deal Finder to take the hassle out of the process. 

Google Pixel 8a Release Date

The Google Pixel 8a was released on May 14, 2024. The budget-friendly Pixel 8a is something of a stopgap until the new, more expensive, flagship Pixel 9 is unveiled in September. 

Google Pixel 8a Price

The Pixel 8a starts at $499 for the 128GB model, and $559 for the 256GB variant (the same prices the Pixel 7a was originally listed at). The Pixel 8a is Google’s most affordable phone, undercutting the more expensive Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The company has packed a load of great features into the Pixel 8a, making it one of the best values on the Android market.

Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 8a

Google’s annual release of its budget-friendly A-series Pixel phone always seems to prompt a stream of, “Why would you buy a flagship Pixel when you can get all this for less?” type articles. This year’s Pixel 8a is no different—but you can see why it's been met with such praise. 

The Pixel 8a hits most of the same high points that made the Pixel 8 such a winner—including an attractive design, brilliant display, powerful Tensor G3 processor, and best-in-class AI functionalities. At $499 for the 128GB version, it does make you wonder why anyone would want to pay more for the slightly older Pixel 8. However, Google made some tradeoffs to price the Pixel 8a so cheaply. 

The biggest change from the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 8a is a more modest camera setup. Not only does the Google Pixel 8a’s camera lack macro focus and laser autofocus, but it offers smaller pixel width, resulting in less detailed photos. The Pixel 8a also lacks spatial audio and battery sharing capabilities, though these are more minor shortcomings. 

The Pixel 8a is nonetheless a powerful device that is driven by a chipset that enables it to take advantage of the many AI (a.k.a. Google Gemini) and machine learning features common to the Pixel 8 series—which is the primary appeal of owning a Pixel in the first place.  

Here’s how the Pixel 8a stacks up to the Pixel 8.

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Google Pixel 8a Trade-In Deals

The best way to score a deal on a Pixel 8a—or any device for that matter—is to trade in your current phone for credit towards the purchase. By taking advantage of one of these trade-in deals, you can dramatically lower the cost of your new device, depending on the age of the phone you’re turning in. 

Carriers tend to allow customers to swap brands, so you can turn in an Apple iPhone 15 to get a Google Pixel 8a, a Samsung Galaxy S24 to get an iPhone, and so on. 

Google Pixel 8a Switching Deals

The major carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) are perpetually running deals designed to entice you to switch to their networks. These so-called “switching deals” often come with significant device discounts for new customers, which you’re entitled to simply for signing up with one of their plans. 

If you’re considering buying the Google Pixel 8a, we recommend taking a look at some of the new customer deals to see if you might be able to score a great bargain on the phone. And don’t be discouraged by thinking you’re tethered to your current carrier simply because you still owe them money on your current phone—some carriers will pay the balance off to get you to switch. 

The Bottom Line

If you don’t want to wait until the Pixel 9 is released in September—and want the best that the Google Pixel line has to offer right now—then the Pixel 8a is worth serious consideration. After all, the Pixel 8a is a great phone at a low price—one that you can get even more cheaply by taking advantage of one of the many device deals offered by cell phone carriers.

If you want to find the best deal available on the Pixel 8a, make sure to use Navi’s Phone Deal Finder. Simply answer a few basic questions, and we’ll do the rest.