I’ve used the Pixel 8a for six months and still surprised that Google brands it as a ‘budget’ model – there’s nothing to moan about when using it
Any mobile shoppers looking for an upgrade between now and Christmas, but struggling to find a quality model to suit their budget, a ‘cheaper’ alternative may suit..but this doesn’t mean scrimping on quality.
The likes of Apple’s new iPhone 16 will catch the eye of many, but who’s to say you have to spend upwards of £799 to get a decent everyday mobile. The budget Pixel 8a I’ve used for six months has been propelled to the front of the Black Friday sales at a staggeringly cheaper £354, and it has five qualities that match the much pricier Apple iPhone 16.
Think of the old Apple iPhone Minis – although these fizzled out a few years ago – Google offers its ‘a’ models which come with a cheaper price in mind. I’ve used the Pixel 8a since May despite being branded a budget take of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro I can’t fault its everyday use.
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It’s quick, has good storage, photos are sharp and the video camera quality performs well for social media, bar a slight gripe with the screen brightness there’s not been anything to moan about.
And because of that I can’t see myself jumping to upgrade to the iPhone 16 anytime soon, not forgetting that its matches, even beats, some of Apple’s iPhone 16 qualities – has a price that’d keep you £345 richer. If you did fancy Apple’s newest model then Sky Mobile is currently offering 50% off the data for six months – buy here.
So, what are they? Both the Pixel 8a and iPhone 16 were launched in 2024 so there’s no edge on age, and when it comes to size both the standard 128GB iPhone 16 and Pixel 8a have the exact same 6.1-inch screen.
But then we get onto two features where the ‘budget’ Pixel 8a trumps the much pricier iPhone 16…and they’re pretty noticeable, thanks to the latest round up from Phone Arena.
First up, refresh rate as the Pixel 8a has double the amount than the iPhone 16 – a 120Hz refresh rate compared to the seemingly small 60Hz of the iOS model – so Google’s pick will appear sharper and scrolling each day will essentially be smoother, plus if you’re one to switch between social apps quickly it’ll respond quickly.
Having used the Pixel 8a to snap this very photo below, I was genuinely impressed with it – before I got my hands on it to try I’d built up that these features would be scrimped on in order to justify the price but I was wrong. And the basic figures show.
As we look at the pixel 8a’s main 64MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide lens it has a one up compared to the iPhone 16’s 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide – but bare in mind this is the basics.
Apple however does shine with its video quality as Phone Arena documents: “3840×2160 (4K UHD) (60 fps), 1920×1080 (Full HD) (240 fps) and Cinematic mode.”
The Google Pixel 8a is available in Amazon’s Black Friday sale, while Sky Mobile’s data deal will help Apple shoppers split the cost of their device even further. Looking at other mobile retailers, EE, O2, Vodafone, and giffgaff all have new Black Friday sales.
