Google Pixel 8a vs 7a | Worth the upgrade?

Unboxing Google's Pixel 8a, with an early review of the camera tech, gaming prowess, battery life etc vs last year's 7a smartphone. The Pixel 8a is no longer a budget hero, costing from £499 in the UK, but is it still a worthy purchase? Or should you save cash and grab the 7a instead? Here's how they compare and stay tuned for a full review!
So, as far as camera hardware goes, the Pixel 8a is almost identical vs the older 7a. However you will notice some differences, including an upgraded Night Sight mode and those AI editing tools. Gaming is more enjoyable on the Pixel 8a too, thanks to that more capable Tensor G3 chipset. Genshin Impact plays more nicely on the highest graphics settings compared with the 7a.
Google's fresh 2024 mid-ranger seems solid in most other areas too. The Pixel 8a's battery life is good enough to see you through a full, long day, although that charging speed hasn't improved over the 7a at all. You've got the same great Android 14 features, now with even longer software support. However, the Pixel 8a also adds in some bonus AI tools that you still don't get with the older phone.
So are you more tempted by the new mid-range smartphone, or are you going to save some cash with the Pixel 7a instead? Let us know your thoughts below!
Pixel 8a Review vs 7a Chapters:
0:00 - Blather
0:51 - Unboxing
1:12 - Design
3:41 - Android 14 & features
5:51 - Display & audio
7:58 - Performance & gaming
9:06 - Battery life
10:07 - Cameras
12:49 - Byyyeeeeee

[@TechSpurt]

Cheers for watching this video type thing, Pixel 8a full review coming soon after I've lived with it for a few more days - and a proper 8a vs 8 vs 8 Pro comparison is in edit right now! Thank god for coffee

[@SubmissiveBeerdrinker]

Looking forward to it! Right now, where I live, for roughly €50 more you can get the Pixel 8, which has definitely better features.

[@Lun4rVisi8n]

So ready! Got interested in these lately so debating whether to trade in my iPhone 13 or just use both

[@UaintgotTheSAck]

i Can get this Pixel 8a for £249 should i replace my old Samsung A21s :-)

[@asepsaputra1090]

I have a Pixel 5 which I think is good from a camera perspective even though it gets a bit hot to use continuously. may i have a pixel 8a for me to use to make vlogs

[@beqabotkoveli6986]

Poco f6 coming 😊

[@jayteebae]

PIXEL EGHT-EH looking good with those rounded corners ;)

[@ARNF73]

screen big buzzeles and gorilla 3 -- display suck

[@yakubmusababa5890]

😂😂😂

[@pillepolle3122]

​@@ARNF73Your english sucks

[@artbydinuka5864]

😂😂

[@worthless_opinion]

I find the square corners of the 7a to be far more attractive. And more logical, as it has more screen real estate.

[@splashmoby]

Love the pixel eh eh

[@anthonywilliams9415]

😅😅

[@malayali_here]

😂

[@tafarapaul]

Pixel 7A looks bigger than Pixel Eight-Eeeh

[@AliAlslaman]

The battel between pixel aaate ate and pixel seven ate should be legendary

[@anthonywilliams9415]

😅😅

[@BoG25Cz]

I can't.... I'm dead laughing... MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@sucafrutpi]

I love that you compared to the last gen so directly. Many of the purchasers are upgraders from the last gen, plus the fact that both are still available makes this a highly relevant review and comparison. ❤

[@mikepatton8691]

Lol I'm upgrading to the Pixel 8a from the Pixel 3a XL, so it'll be a significant upgrade no matter how you look at it.

[@Harsha1081]

Been waiting for your review !

[@obdo]

i love your videos! you make great reviews and you are always cheerful and funny, keep doing your thing man!

[@tjey379]

Thanks Chris I have been looking forward to this comparison I think I will now wait a little longer and save some more money as well. Thank you.

[@armandoferreiraalvares]

Love this channel!❤❤ Thanks for the best review haha

[@snagle8878]

The James Corden analogy was spot on i salute you sir.

[@alexandre.campinas]

great review! 7a also allows 6seconds exposure!

[@JVC0313]

Also love your selection in screensavers when comes to pixels

[@jayralvarez1000]

Love that crisp sound from dual speaker! 🥵❤️

[@markrocks692]

As there's always another Pixel around the corner should I try to hold out for the arrival of the Pixel 9 or is the 8/8a, relatively speaking, as good as it gets?

[@MrLardyOne]

Brilliant and entertaining review as always and saved me a packet by buying a boxed new 7a for £329 so very Happy with last year's model. Keep up the great work!

[@instruction1014]

Did the same, just arrived today!

[@JeskidoYT]

thank you for the comparison on both models!!

[@sandrajoseburger]

For 300 Euros I would like it, for 549 Euros (Netherlands, the 128gb version) no thanks. For that kind of money the bezels, looks and "google issues" get magnified, updates don't justify that price for me. Three to four years is enough. For just the phone, it looks cute without the price tag.😏 Nice review, thanks!🙏👍

[@Celestial0Force]

The provider Ben currently sells it for 300 with a 2 year contract

[@mohit9206]

@@Celestial0Force it should be free on contract, its defo not worth 300

[@GlobalDesignHD]

​@@Celestial0Force plus nog 150 eraf met inruildeal via belsimpel

[@sachinnikale5291]

With 2 year contract ? What's that?​@@Celestial0Force

[@neorich59]

I have a 6a and am thinking of "upgrading." This was very helpful. I managed to find one in a store (in the UK) this morning and had a little play. Very OCD, but I was looking forward to the "rounded" shape, but found that each of the 4 "corners" is a bit "bulgy?" 😉😉

[@syedrehanfida]

Try the normal 8, it has a far superior camera. Get it on a sale. Maybe towards the end of the year when the 9 comes out...

[@neorich59]

@@syedrehanfida Thanks. I'm sorely tempted. Just a little concerned about the glass back (even with a case on, which I always do from day one anyway) It's a pity, IMO, that the body of the 8a isn't an exact, plastic replica of the 8. I've certainly no interest in the 9, with the predicted Camera Island. Massive mistake, IMO.

[@syedrehanfida]

@@neorich59 the a models have some deliberate downsides to make people go for the flagship phones...

[@Moses-N.C]

The rounded design used by Google this year is refreshingly unique. The iPhone inspired flat edges used by all OEMs nowadays is terribly annoying.

[@jaughnekow]

Mmm... nope the iPhone didn't do anything

[@Mid98Librarian]

tbh the new design reminds me more about the iphone 15 than most other androids

[@TechSpurt]

It feels so much nicer than all of those flat edged iPhone clones, absolutely!

[@_WF23]

For real. Was waiting for Pixel 9, but now I’m debating on this phone.

[@Raviis]

@@_WF23 Consider the regular 8. When it's on sale it can be around the same price as the 8a and has better hardware.

[@nikeak]

Seeing Dissociative Being reminded me that you're the one who put me on to DGD from one of your wallpapers. Great taste! Give us some recs😅

[@ravit6223]

Nice side by side comparo 👌🏻 how good is tensor g3 processor when yoy compare it with snapdragon and mediatek

[@mattcasey4852]

Excellent review. Thanks. 😊

[@rimmuelfanasan655]

Those bezels are screaaaaaaming!

[@deeptweshdm2536]

Can we clip the image and save it in gallery using the in built editor app?

[@WickedRibbon]

Thanks for the comparison. Google are being quite aggressive with trade-in promotions, so for around 300-350 the 8a looks like a decent upgrade for those rocking much older phones. At 500 quid though, they are having a laugh.

[@MikeyMT89]

Agreed. I've just bought this as Google offered me £208 for my Samsung S10e - far more than I'd get from flogging it on ebay or other trade in offers. I've gone the 256gb 8a as it's only costing me roughly £15pm for next 2 years. Even if it's mediocre I don't think I can moan for that price.

[@KillaKami-tm6ut]

Where do you get your wallpapers

[@vishaltarhal7383]

Can we use 30W adaptor with pixel 8a? Or does it affect the phone

[@scottowen4007]

I have the pixel 8a arriving today, can't wait

[@xHaxPlayz]

did you like it? 😊

[@scottowen4007]

@@xHaxPlayz I love it. It's brilliant

[@xHaxPlayz]

@@scottowen4007 I'm waiting for mine to arrive! 😁

[@joelpeskoff4191]

Mine is coming Monday

[@2greenify]

​@@scottowen4007 is the AI usefull?

[@mikepatton8691]

Important note, the Pixel 8a is on sale for Google Fi subscribers for only $299 till July 2, the Pixel 8 is like $459. I can get the 256gb version of the 8a for $359, which is the one I'm getting. I just don't feel the Pixel 8 is $150 better than the 8a.

[@2greenify]

Same here, the 8A 128gb version is available for 246 euro.

[@mzansicarenthusiast428]

What's the name of the show that you were playing on the phone on intro?

[@TakisEnjoyer]

Don't like how "soap-y" they made it this time. More square-ish screen of the 7a looked way nicer and had more space for content, especially movies

[@2greenify]

I like the rounded corners. Also prefer the backside without glass.

[@karlmoore1837]

I'm already on the 7a, I won't change this year, we'll see what offerings come around next year for that.

[@edwardgrafton4663]

Hey Uncle Spurt in your next video you should do a camera test between the Google Pixel 6a, the Google Pixel 7a and the new Google Pixel 8a too see which one off them is the best.

[@nenad1809]

just got pixel 8a 220e after trade in pixel 6a and google 150e extra bonus in Germany, for 220e is a steal i think.

[@TAD_19]

Iam also using 6a

[@Kevin14782]

220€ after trade in? Madness ... I also have the 6a but I get 287 €🤷

[@desinho9]

I don't even get it down to €220 with a 7a 🤔

[@nenad1809]

@@Kevin14782 O2 Kunde 493-123(pixel 6a)-150 trade in bonus

[@nenad1809]

@@Kevin14782 O2 Kunde 493-123(pixel6a)-150 trade in bonus

[@MRJLS15]

So happy to see you're review heck yes 😁

[@darktrain1971]

are the speakers still crap on most pixel models..was gonna get a 6 pro 256gb but heard about the crappy speakers

[@denisleblanc4506]

Been using the 7a for a year now and have had no problems. I see no reason to upgrade to the 8a. I got it mostly for the camera and the 8a doesn't improve it significantly. Battery life is fine for me and I'm not a gamer. Also I'm not an AI fan until it gets more reliable and useful. So I plan on keeping the 7a at least for all the OS updates and will see what happens then. Where I live I don't get to enjoy much in the way of sales for new smartphones. I found it interesting that the 7 and 8 seem to have sales going on sooner than the 7a which they appeared to be hesitant in lowering the price. I see that as a sign they were selling well at the full price.

[@Fromatic]

Would be no point from 7a, only reason I'm going to upgrade to 8a from my pixel 3 is because it no longer has updates, other than that it's not lacking anywhere, 7 years support on the 8a will do me very well

[@jameelhill9503]

I'm getting a 8a from a 7a. I broke my 7a's screen and can get $300 off the 8a through work and a preorder gift card bonus. It's only $50 more than getting it fixed from a phone shop.

[@denisleblanc4506]

@@jameelhill9503 Thanks but I won't be breaking the screen intentionally to justify an 8a. I like my 7a just fine.

[@jameelhill9503]

@@denisleblanc4506 wouldn't expect that, but there are cases for an upgrade. Lost of places are doing gift card deals and trade in deals combined. But I agree if there is no need to upgrade don't, I think upgrading all the time trends will die out soon as times get tougher

[@Kane1985]

If I get a pixel 8a offered , should I change or continue with the pixel 7?

[@Parvaz_007]

Google got mad and launched it for $650 in India..... Nobody is going to buy it as last years Flagship S23 is available for $550, pixel 7 for $450, pixel 7a for $375, iPhone 15 for $700, iPhone 14 for $600 and iPhone 14 plus for $650 (INDIAN PRICING)

[@cloudee_1080_ti]

Wow, yeah seems like the 8a in India is pretty irrelevant. 😅

[@anonmityslayer]

Wait for sell it will be $350 I don't know why google don't want to sell phone at launch in india😂

[@Parvaz_007]

@@cloudee_1080_ti yup buddy

[@Parvaz_007]

@@anonmityslayer yes i feel it too

[@tijamir4998]

Google is doing terrible in terms of pricing for India

[@TheGamersArena]

Is the heating issue fixed? Pixel 7 gets very hot when I charge/use it

[@PieceOFvlaai]

I am watching this video on my pixel 8a. Great review!

[@CityChristina]

Does it get warm at all? My Pixel 6a does sometimes although it got better since the Android 14 update.

[@DiegoAlves-qf9pc]

is series A from google better than samsung's A series? please i dont have acess to pixels in my contry, im thinkin on import

[@Beejum]

The 8a is a good-looking phone! Love the mint color! May pick this up on a sale.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

You don't theme your icons?

[@rsb8653]

Does it have fast charging and wireless charging

[@gavril3698]

Better off buying the normal Pixel 8 cuz you can find it cheap and has better features

[@I_like_aliens_from_mars]

Yeah so true but in India it's a different case Google launched pixel 8 at 80k inr which is around 950 usd and pixel 8a at. 52k which is around 599 USD

[@georgecostanza5749]

That is what I did a week ago. I only paid £425 for a brand new pixel 8 in eBay😂

[@chronchris1486]

Got my P8a today for 270€ after trading in my P6. Also loving the matte back.

[@Ruddy_Games]

​@@chronchris1486still running the pixel 6 myself. Do you think it's worth the upgrade? Still happy with the phone in terms of daily performance and camera. But the battery is getting poor and the brighter screen would probably be nice.

[@goodlife2144]

8a‘s price will drop soon.

[@solvdev]

Did you get a new camera? Video looks extra fresh this time

[@runnerup9786]

This Pixel eht eh is such good value, Google are offering additional £'s on a trade in if you buy an Eht Eh....imso i can buy ine fir as little as £230 if i trade in my P6. Is an 8a better than a P6?

[@BraveOne_13]

could you please make the comparisson with samsung s24?

[@bobbymoss6160]

So far, I'm loving it. Especially the small size thanks to the big round corners. The bezel and Gorilla 3 don't bother me because I use screen protector and case. Speed is good, phone stays cool. I only paid $300 USD + taxes for the 8a due to Google Fi customer promo.

[@alemanjimmy101]

The camera bar looks grey then green ? What color is it ?

[@TheArchitectfella]

You should stop naming this phones as midrange. Invent a new name because this phones are expensive.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

You do get four extra OS updates if you get the Pixel 8A over the 7A. Even if you don't plan on keeping it for 8 years you have the option to give it away or sell it 3 years from now and it would still have a huge shelf life

[@rpm24]

Thought about getting it..... But thankfully noticing the 18w "fast" charge in the specs before ordering 🤦😂.

[@Ms.Montasery86]

Tnx for this video 🎉 which one I must choose between Honor90, pixel 7, pixel 8a in therms of not have tangible heating issue?

[@samisihlman2248]

I have same problem. About 300e budjet and ny phone? I buy pixel 7a, let's see how's working but this is very good choice 👍

[@solidgarsten493]

​@@samisihlman2248 and was it a good choice?

[@wizzgamer]

Google have basically killed the mid range market £20 a month for the 256GB version on contract making the phone work out at around £300 means why would you get anything else when your getting flagship cameras, great performance, good screen and 7 years of updates. Battery life should have been bigger though especially as the frame is bigger than the 8 and charging speed should have been faster but overall this is the mid range king 👑.

[@cristovaojoaojacobsarcanjo8997]

I pre ordered it in Portugal( Vodafone 1300 points and 259€) 256GB version, case included

[@TK-dx6qc]

Why haven't you done a video on Xperia 1 VI yet?!

[@5490985]

The 8a looks amazing but I got the 7a just last year and it's also great.if the 8a has a deal may consider

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

I think this is a way better deal than something like the S23FE which was using the 8g1 and was like 600 MSRP.

[@achyutarjun]

Where do I get that wallpaper?

[@jonaspetersen7327]

How can the screen be the same size, when the corners on the 8a are rounded, and the size is measured from corner to corner

[@Joyfulsaidaa]

How was haptics?

[@BN-bs1kj]

Really Google makes beautiful and charming phones for the series A❤

[@shmchuck]

What a nice-looking colorful soap

[@Burbeary]

Prefer the design/colours of 7a, but might go for 8a since it could last 7 years with a battery replacement.

[@gregbegy1079]

Anyone seen any comparisons with the pixel 7. With trade in it will cost ne about £280 to upgrade but never bought an a model before so wonder if it is worth it

[@peckiro]

Here in the States it will be $300 USD on Google Fi which I use. Good bang for the buck.

[@phillipperez3358]

I can't wait till it's on sale for $399. I'll trade in my P7 immediately

[@goncalonunes2091]

Thanks a lot for the great review! How would you compare this phone to samsung A55? I'm indecisive between the two

[@wirralchap]

Tensor G3 chip on pixel 8a?

[@ModestlyAmazing]

I do like the design of the Eyy-Tehh

[@_WF23]

My favorite color is blue, but that green one looks the best 🔥. Would’ve been sick, if they put the punch-hole camera all the way towards the left of the screen, like P5..

[@mikeb7117]

Those are some impressive bevels.

[@dtincworldnews8922]

If you want a newer look, more updated chip and awesome color then you would go with the Pixel 8a. But if you want to save some money then you would go with the Pixel 7a. Me personally would go with the Pixel 8.

[@dsteward85]

Did google ever fix the Bluetooth connectivity issues that plagued the 7a? Long story short, I got a nice big fat check from the US Treasury, and want out of my 7a for this particular reason as I am sick and tired of having the clear the cache for bluetooth everytime I want to pair a new device.

[@ginamagee6449]

Whats the battery like

[@SuleimanXhuma]

Hello mate . Just wondering who is teddy ?

[@megangeraghty3878]

Watching this on my 8a :))

[@D3st670]

Got the 8a it's not bad at at but it's definitely user preference.

[@mikeomahoney7052]

I'm pretty happy with my 7a, apart from the finger print sensor which is problematic.

[@ThorSpaceViking]

Love you too Uncle Spurt

[@muneerfaizal4073]

Is it just me or does the 7a takes better pictures than the 8a😂

[@trifanandrei1585]

What game is that please?

[@iamsubi18]

Wallpaper name ?

[@DonCapra]

Not a fan of the increased round edges on the display I much prefer a rectangular display. Got a iPhone 15 pro max which is not great wish I didn’t leave pixel phones but the dual sim was so unreliable.

[@blasthammer4158]

Idc what anyone says I'd buy it just for how freaking cute it looks.

[@don_6996]

Would rather just buy the Pixel 8 than this Pixel 8a. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@kevinpx591]

Nobody asked, or forces you to do otherwise.

[@cloudee_1080_ti]

​​​@@kevinpx591They were just voicing their opinion... y'know... making a comment, what the comment is for. Lol

[@GameOver-nm2us]

@@kevinpx591 What makes you think people need to ask for a comment? lol

[@kevinpx591]

@@AwesomeWrench Did they ask for yours? (:

[@romanbrandt7986]

The bezels around the iPhone 11's display were smaller ))

[@kriztoppa]

Why do we still have bezels on mid-range smartphones?

[@glally1]

I got a refurbished pixel 8 for $549 Canadian dollars and it's in great condition.

[@parbatshrestha9885]

I got light flares issue in pixel 7 pro....how to solve it

[@henrikpedersen5380]

Is it Eighty, AtA, 8A or Eeht Eeeee? Just asking, so I know what to ask for in the Shop 😁

[@TechSpurt]

Haha I'm notorious for saying things wrong so best not ask me ;)

[@henrikpedersen5380]

@@TechSpurtHa ha. I bought the Aaasus Zenfone 8 because of your video, and still loving that wee blower. Thanks for great advice and reviews

[@anthonywilliams9415]

😆😆

[@MRvasek2]

Make the comparing between 8 and 8a. soon the price of 8a drops up to 350 EUR so the decision will harder..

[@andreearochezza]

I m torn between pixel 8, s23 and iphone 14. Any suggestions? I m currently rockin the 11 pro but it s getting old

[@mikepatton8691]

Interesting that 2 out of 3 of your choices are Android, you don't feel locked into the Apple ecosystem? Personally I'd choose the 8a over the s23, I just prefer not having the Samsung specific software add-ons to the phone that your stuck with and can't remove, I just prefer the unskinned Android software on Google's phones.

[@KoalaBeer.]

@@mikepatton8691S23 is better one ui is brilliant

[@ryanlunzen9794]

if Im right it was 3 years of feature updates on the 7a, which are 2 remaining vs the 7 of the 8a. Tho The 8 is the same price atm and therefore the way to go.

[@desinho9]

5 years, 3 years of Android version updates

[@DerekMacColl]

Just pulled the trigger on the 8A, thanks to 194€ offer (including the bonus) for my aging 3A. Dropped it to below the 7A prices I could find, and I've already got a charger so no issue there. Should be here in a couple of days, can't wait to see how big an improvement it is!

[@typingcat]

Damn, I wanted to know the speaker quality difference against P8, not against P7a.

[@vpstateofmind]

In India you can get the s23 with the price of 8a , there is no reason to buy an 8a for the price it's released now