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

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

Whereas the Pixel 9a supplies some important upgrades over the Pixel 8a, notably in processing energy and battery life, I nonetheless consider the Pixel 8a is a mid-range cellphone value contemplating in 2025, particularly in the event you’re on a decent funds. From its efficiency, design, battery life, and extra, listed below are 5 the 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.

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5

Its Tensor G3 chipset performs reliably

It is probably not as quick because the Tensor G4, however it could possibly 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. Nonetheless, for fundamental duties comparable to searching 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 important slowdowns utilizing the cellphone, which speaks properly of each the Tensor G3 and the sleek software program expertise Pixel telephones supply. I’ve additionally had no points utilizing Google Gemini or its AI picture modifying instruments, like Magic Eraser. In case you are nervous in regards to the Pixel 8a’s efficiency, do not be. So long as you are not making an attempt to play video games on the highest attainable settings, you will not have any points with the Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chipset.

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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 properly. I’ve by no means skilled it dying earlier than the top of my day, which checks probably 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 reasonably priced Pixel 8a.

My solely criticism in regards to the Pixel 8a’s battery is its charging velocity. It solely helps a most charging velocity of 18W and a wi-fi charging velocity of seven.5W. Nonetheless, the Pixel 9a is not a lot better, providing a most wired charging velocity of 23W and the identical 7.5W wi-fi charging velocity. 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 hassle me an excessive amount of, nevertheless it’s value noting. If you happen to primarily cost your cellphone in a single day, like I do, this would possibly not be a giant deal. Nonetheless, the Pixel 8a’s battery lasts all day, and in 2025, that is what I count on from any smartphone.

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3

The Pixel 8a is aesthetically pleasing

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

After I first noticed the design of the Pixel 9a, I used to be shocked that Google determined to remove the digital camera bar and go for a flat digital camera format as an alternative. 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 digital camera 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 units, and to me, the digital camera bar is a part of the Pixel’s id.

I like the Pixel 8a’s digital camera bar design, which appears to be like 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 more likely to carefully resemble the Pixel 9 collection, that means all these units will nonetheless have a digital camera bar, leaving the Pixel 9a because the odd one out. Apart from the digital camera bar, the Pixel 8a’s general design stays implausible, and the colour choices are wonderful. I’ve the aqua (blue) mannequin, and I am nonetheless mesmerized by it. It’s one in all 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. General, I feel the Pixel 8a’s curved design, compact kind issue (with a 6.1-inch show), and distinctive digital camera bar design nonetheless look nice in 2025.

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2

Six extra years of updates

Google is not achieved with the Pixel 8a anytime quickly

The Pixel 8a is among 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 operating Android 16 on my Pixel 8a, and the expertise has been flawless.

So in the event you’re nervous 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. If you happen to choose up a Pixel 8a right now, you may seemingly have a brand new cellphone by the point 2031 rolls round anyway, so six years is greater than sufficient in my opinion.

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1

The Pixel 8a stays a budget-friendly possibility

The worth is true

A key motive the Pixel 8a stays a wise buy in 2025 is its enticing value. Due to the discharge of the Pixel 9a, the value of the Pixel 8a is beginning to drop considerably to filter out inventory. On the time of writing, Greatest Purchase is providing the Pixel 8a on clearance for less than $249, half its unique value. Provider offers might fluctuate relying on the place you might be, however chances are you’ll discover a good supply on a Pixel 8a.

If you happen to’re open to a refurbished/renewed machine, many choices can be found on Amazon and eBay for a reduced value as properly. At $250, the Pixel 8a is an distinctive deal, making it even simpler to go over the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 8a has held up properly during the last yr, and for these on a restricted funds, it stays a precious possibility in 2025.

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