Google Pixel 8a / Google Pixel 8 Pro

The always-on display shows the time, notifications and the song playing nearby (Now Playing) at low power while the phone is locked.

An LTPO panel can drop the refresh rate as low as 1 Hz for static content, saving power with the always-on display and while reading, and rises to 120 Hz for motion. Google notes it is not available for all apps or content. Because the corners are rounded, the actual viewable area is less than 6.7 inches.

The upper limit, 90 Hz on earlier A-series phones, rises to 120 Hz on this model; Google notes it is not available in every app.

HDR brightness is measured with the whole screen lit and peak brightness with only 5% lit.

Google measures the HDR figure at a 100% on-pixel ratio and the peak figure at a 5% on-pixel ratio; 2,400 nits is a ceiling for small bright areas.

The aluminium in the housing and camera bar is 100% recycled; the back cover uses 76% recycled plastic.

IP67 means full dust protection and resistance to brief immersion; it is one step below IP68. Protection can diminish over time.

Resistance can diminish over time; liquid damage voids the warranty.

It is the same chip as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Tensor G3 includes a TPU that accelerates on-device AI models. Titan M2 is a separate security chip that protects the lock screen and encryption keys.

There is no card slot; the 256 GB option is not offered in every country.

Storage options vary by region and channel; there is no memory card slot.

Super Res Zoom up to 8x is software magnification; there is no telephoto camera.

The standard Pixel 8 has a fixed-focus front camera; the autofocus on the 8 Pro keeps close selfies sharp.

Video Boost uploads video to Google’s servers to reprocess colour, lighting and stabilisation; it needs the Google Photos app and the result is not instant. Night Sight Video uses this processing in low light.

According to Google, average battery life in testing was at least 31 hours; figures are based on a median user profile.

No charger is included; the box contains a USB-C cable and a Quick Switch adapter for transferring data from an old phone.

Wi-Fi 6E is listed in Japan and Wi-Fi 6 in Taiwan, Singapore and India. Ultra-Wideband measures direction and distance to compatible devices.

eSIM support depends on the operator.

The seven years count from the first sale date on the US Google Store; this was the first A-series phone with the promise.

The matte back shows fewer fingerprints; the standard Pixel 8 has a polished back and a matte frame.

Optical and electronic stabilisation work together on the wide and telephoto cameras. Zoom beyond 5x is digital. Pro controls allow manual shutter, ISO and focus and high-resolution (50 MP) shots. A multi-zone laser autofocus sensor helps focus in low light.

Google says the sensor can measure the temperature of an object, such as a pan or milk in a baby’s bottle. Google said it applied to the FDA for body-temperature use; that use depends on the country.

Google quotes beyond 24-hour battery life and up to 72 hours in Extreme Battery Saver (many features including 5G off). Figures use the separately sold Google 30 W USB-C charger (USB-PD 3.0 PPS). Battery Share significantly reduces the phone’s battery life.

The bundled cable runs at USB 2.0 speed. There is no headphone jack. A Quick Switch adapter is in the box.

The period counts from when the device first became available on the US Google Store (12 October 2023).

Colour availability varies by region.