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Five phones to purchase in place of the Google Pixel 8a

Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8a

Everyone enjoys a good deal, and it’s difficult to find the Google Pixel 8a to be anything other than that. The $499 smartphone has the specs that make it a deal, including a flagship chipset and one of the greatest phone cameras available. Not only has Google packed the phone with excellent hardware, but it also features one of the best Android 14 implementations, all of Google’s current AI lineup, and an astounding seven years’ worth of software upgrades. We are more than pleased to suggest this budget phone because it is dependable and affordable.

But it’s not perfect. The battery is a little weak, as is its charging ability — and the less said about the cheap-feeling plastic body, the better. So even though it’s a strong phone, there are a number of alternatives that could pull your eyes away from Google’s latest midrange phone.

OnePlus 12R

OnePlus 12R
OnePlus 12R

Because of its flagship specifications, the Google Pixel 8a stands out in the midrange market, but it’s not the only smartphone in this class. The OnePlus 12R, which is priced at $500, is a strong competitor to the Pixel 8a and lives up to the brand’s reputation as a flagship killer by providing hardware that can compete with the best flagships.

The main justification for purchasing this phone is its amazing specifications, which live up to expectations. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship CPU is ranked first on the list. Yes, it’s a chip from last year, but it’s still tremendously powerful; it’s quicker than the Tensor G3 and doesn’t have the overheating problems that plague Google’s chips. Up to 256GB of storage and up to 16GB of RAM round out this package, which by anyone’s standards are genuinely flagship specs. It also has an exquisite presentation. It matches the Pixel 8a’s 120Hz refresh rate and is bright and deep. However, at 6.78 inches, it’s somewhat bigger, which can be an issue if you have small hands.

Another significant benefit of the Pixel 8a is the battery. Most of the time, it takes two days, with even intense use taking a day and a half. Better still, recharging happens blazingly quickly. While the U.S. model does not receive the 100W recharge, it does receive 80W, which is significantly more than the 18W of the Pixel 8a.

The 12R’s triple-lens arrangement isn’t as good as the Pixel 8a’s, and although the main 50MP lens performs admirably most of the time, it has motion blur issues. Additionally, the macro and ultrawide-angle lenses are not very good. Remember that OnePlus is primarily recognized for pushing high specifications, thus there isn’t much money left over for other things. You won’t discover anything really unique as a result, such as the AI features of the Pixel.

While the OnePlus 12R is a formidable rival to the Pixel 8a, it’s very much a device for a particular kind of user. With the OnePlus 12R, you can obtain a powerful smartphone for $500, which is perfect if you want to use it for gaming. But the Google Pixel 8a is the best option if you value a strong camera and are curious about what artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to accomplish for smartphones in the future.

Samsung Galaxy A35

Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung Galaxy A35

When it comes to alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is by far the closest match for the Pixel 8a. Admire the Pixel’s affordability, lightweight design, and stunning display. These features are also present in the Galaxy A35, and at first look, it might be difficult to choose between the two devices. There are, nonetheless, a few significant variations and one of them is compelling pricing.

However, before the price becomes significant, you should understand the distinctions, so we won’t go into that just yet. Let’s start with the specifications, where the Pixel has the upper hand. Samsung’s own mid-range Exynos 1380 CPU powers the Galaxy A35, and it’s a capable chipset. Is it comparable to a flagship processor such as the Tensor G3? Definitely not, but it still functions admirably. You’ll be right if you can tolerate a very tiny delay in responding.

Like the Pixel 8a, the A35 is made of plastic, yet it feels fantastic in the hand. From a distance, it appears to be made of metal, and we particularly enjoy the modern aspect that the flat edges provide. It’s also a stunning spectacle. It’s a 120Hz refresh rate Super AMOLED display that measures 6.6 inches, and it looks fantastic. Its maximum brightness of 1,000 nits is just half that of the Pixel (2,000 nits), although that is easily overlooked.

The three lenses on the camera are a macro, ultrawide, and primary lens, and the quality of the three lenses is rather good. While it can’t compete with the Pixel 8a, it does produce attractive and enjoyable pictures, and you won’t always be dissatisfied with the outcome. But, the battery life is a tad short of expectations—we’ve seen A-series phones last two days between charges—peaking at only one day. Additionally, the charging is not very strong. Even so, 30W outperforms the Pixel’s 18W.

While there are many similarities between the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Pixel 8a, there is also one significant difference: the two phones’ prices. Starting at $400, the Galaxy A35 is a whole $100 less expensive than the Pixel 8a. Given how comparable the two are and the fact that it’s a fair deal cheaper, particularly at this end of the market, the A35 is a great option for your money.

Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)

Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)

Few phones have the built-in pen that this Motorola phone has. But purchasing the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) isn’t just for that purpose. No, if you can get over its $400 price tag, Motorola’s smartphone is still a really good smartphone and a strong rival to the Google Pixel 8a.

Let’s begin with the most noticeable of those shortcomings: the camera. Motorola has a history of having camera issues with less expensive phones; while the Stylus isn’t a total bust, it isn’t as good as the Pixel 8a. In ideal lighting settings, the 50MP primary lens produces extremely nice images; in other situations, it fails to create anything worth looking at. When compared to the Pixel 8a, it is evident that Google maintains the advantage.

Remaining here? Now, let’s discuss the strengths of the Moto G Stylus. It’s a $400 smartphone, but it doesn’t compromise on quality. It is a 6.7-inch OLED display with a hole-punch for the selfie camera, 1080p resolution, and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers a robust and seamless experience while lacking the sheer power of the Tensor G3. Performance is also decent. And it has a stylus, too. While it lacks the sophisticated functionality seen in the Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen, it is nonetheless functional for taking notes and sketching.

Another major plus is that the battery will easily last two days. Additionally, it charges more quickly than the Pixel 8a (30W). However, there is one more, and this is a significant drawback: it only receives one software update. Indeed, one. The Moto G Stylus will only receive one upgrade to Android 15 and nothing more, compared to the Pixel 8a’s seven updates. That’s a major additional deterrent to purchasing this phone, and it’s a problem with Motorola in general.

Still, the Moto G Stylus is a terrific way to save $100 over the Pixel 8a if software upgrades aren’t a big deal to you. Although its poor camera makes it a less alluring bundle than some other phones, it’s still something to think about if you’re really drawn to the pen.

Nothing Phone 2

Nothing Phone 2
Nothing Phone 2

Though it’s easy to forget, you really shouldn’t. Nothing exists. At $599, the Nothing Phone 2 is a strong rival to the Pixel 8a and is an excellent smartphone. With only a few minor flaws and one awesome trick—the Glyph lighting system on the back—it’s a formidable all-around player.

Although we referred to the Glyph illumination as a gimmick—and it is—don’t let that deter you from using it as a really helpful phone accessory. The Glyph’s individual components may light up to correspond with timers, display the distance to your Uber trip, and carry out a variety of other tasks. When your phone is facing down, it’s a handy method to see whether you have any notifications. It may also be used as a flashlight or camera flash. It’s not a pointless gimmick, so don’t dismiss it that way.

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is still incredibly fast even after a few years, provides quick performance. With a dynamic refresh rate of 120 Hz, the 6.7-inch OLED panel display offers outstanding visuals in 1080p. A single charge should last you about a day and a half, and two days with extremely light use may be conceivable. Unless you’re really trying, there’s not much chance you’ll drain this battery down in a single day. A decent 45W is used for charging, which is far better than the Pixel 8a.

What’s the deal? The phone’s camera isn’t as outstanding as the rest of it and has trouble taking pictures in low light. When compared to the Pixel 8a, there is no contest. Additionally, the Nothing Phone 2’s dust and water-resistant rating is only IP54, which isn’t very good—especially when contrasted with the Pixel 8a’s IP67 rating.

But if you’re not a huge lover of cameras, those are only a few minor concerns. The Glyph lighting system, a quick flagship CPU, exceptional battery life, and rapid charging are all included in the Nothing Phone 2, which is only $100 more expensive than the Pixel 8a. The Nothing Phone 2 is a very alluring alternative if you don’t mind having a somewhat subpar lowlight camera (remember, you have the mother of all flash units on the back of your phone anyhow).

Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8

You just need to explore Google’s own stable for your first option. Given that the Google Pixel 8 costs $200 more than the Pixel 8a, the difference in price between the two phones isn’t very great. However, that only counts if it provides more of your favorite things. Does it then? Even while the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a share several flaws and similarities, the Pixel 8 also offers some notable advantages in some areas, which could be reason enough for you to shell out the extra money.

It’s safe to assume that there are many similarities between the two gadgets. They are almost the same dimensions, with the Pixel 8a having a little smaller display and being somewhat bigger. While there is a little difference, the Pixel 8 features thinner bezels. Under the hood, both are powered by the Tensor G3 CPU and have 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage.

However, there are other design aspects where the phones start to differ. When you’re using a phone on a daily basis, the metal and glass body of the Pixel 8 is far superior to the cheap-feeling plastic of the Pixel 8a. Additionally, the Pixel 8’s battery is far more robust than the Pixel 8a’s. The midrange phone will only last one day on a single charge, while the more costly phone will last two days. The Pixel 8 has a 27W charging rate, whereas the Pixel 8a’s 18W fast charging is insignificant.

A distinguishing feature of the Pixel line is its camera strength; how does the Pixel 8a compare? Actually, rather nicely. Although the two phones’ lenses have differing specifications, they both contain an ultrawide and a primary lens, and they appear to offer comparable performance overall. Strong light is a little more difficult with the Pixel 8a, although this is somewhat offset by the rather disappointing ultrawide lens on the Pixel 8.

In what situation does this leave us? with an extremely potent substitute. Many of the features that make the Pixel 8a so powerful are also present in the Pixel 8, including flagship specifications and cameras, seven years of upgrades, superb software, and AI magic. However, it also comes with an incredibly nicer body, a slimmer design, and a lot stronger battery. The Pixel 8 is a worthy consideration if you have an extra $200 to spare. If not, look for significant savings during specials.

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