Google Pixel 8a review: Trickle-down AI-conomics | Expert Reviews

The Pixel 8a is also the cheapest phone yet to run Google’s Gemini Nano AI model. It’s a bit of a slog to set up – you first need to enable developer options in the settings – but once that’s done you supposedly get on-device AI features like more intelligent and context-aware smart replies and transcript summaries in the Recorder app.

I say “supposedly” because I’ve thus far been unable to test these features on the Pixel 8a, as my review sample wasn’t updated to the correct version for the AI features. As with the performance wobbles, I’ll update this section when I’ve been able to complete testing.

Google Pixel 8a review: Cameras

The AI features continue to roll out with the camera software, too. Magic Eraser is joined by the new Magic Audio Eraser, which can scrub unwanted audio from videos, and Best Take, which allows you to swap faces from similar group pictures and Frankenstein together with the perfect shot – it’s weird and creepy but satisfyingly effective.

Even without these extra tools, the photos produced by the Pixel 8a are nothing short of spectacular. The 64MP (f/1.9) main lens captures images that are rich with colour and fantastically detailed; just look at the clear definition in the brickwork in the shot below, despite the sun being behind the church:

For the most part, the 13MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens effectively translated the vibrancy and dynamic range of the main lens into the wide-angle shots. There’s naturally a decrease in detail with the lower pixel count, but otherwise this is a decent shot:

Fortuitous timing had me testing the night camera just as the Northern Lights graced UK skies, and the Pixel 8a captured the auroras beautifully. Colours are bold and well-defined, detail in the foreground is solid, even in the more shadowy areas, and the sky is relatively clear of visual noise, allowing the odd star or planet to shine through.

Portraits are terrific as well, with Real Tone nailing the skin tones and crisp definition around the focal subject. Part of my earring gets blended into the background blur, but this is still one of the better efforts I’ve tested.

Video is unchanged from the Pixel 7a, shooting 4K at up to 60fps, with OIS keeping panning nice and smooth. The only addition is that Real Tone now works in video form too, so skin tones look more natural in the footage.