Review · Google
Google Pixel 8a Review: 2024 Best Value Runner-Up Is the Best Sub-$500 Phone
Runner-up Best Value at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. The Pixel 8a packs Tensor G3, Google's full computational photography pipeline, and seven years of updates into a $499 frame. The most rounded sub-$500 phone in 2026.
By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated
Pros
- Runner-up Best Value at MKBHD's 2024 awards
- Seven years of OS updates
- Best computational photography under $500
- Cleanest Android experience
Cons
- Tensor G3 isn't fast
- Plastic frame
- 60Hz refresh in low-power mode
- No telephoto camera
Why it placed at MKBHD's 2024 awards
Runner-up to the Nothing Phone 2a for Best Value. Google's headline pitch — the same Pixel UI, same camera pipeline, and same 7-year update commitment as the Pixel 9 Pro at half the price — is genuinely true and that's the differentiator.
Display & build
6.1-inch OLED at 120Hz, ~2,000 nits peak. Plastic frame (vs aluminum on Pro models). IP67 rated. Compact and one-hand-friendly.
Performance
Tensor G3 + 8GB RAM. Smooth for everyday use; sustained workloads reveal thermal limits. Most Pixel AI features supported.
Camera
Dual: 64MP main + 13MP ultrawide. Same fundamental computational pipeline as Pixel 8 Pro. Magic Editor, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser all included. No telephoto.
Battery & support
4,492 mAh battery. Real-world: 5–6 hours of screen-on time. 27W wired charging. Seven years of OS updates from launch — through May 2031.
Verdict · 4.0 / 5
If you want the best phone under $500 in 2026, this is the buy. Runner-up at MKBHD's 2024 Best Value, with 5+ years of remaining updates and Google's computational photography pipeline. Step up to the Pixel 9 Pro only if you specifically need telephoto camera or Tensor G4.
🛒 Buy the Google Pixel 8a on AmazonAlternatives to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pixel 8a the best phone under $500?
Yes — runner-up at MKBHD's 2024 Best Value awards and the most rounded sub-$500 pick in 2026.
Pixel 8a vs Pixel 9 Pro: is the $500 stretch worth it?
Only if you specifically need telephoto camera, faster Tensor G4, or larger display. Otherwise the 8a shares 80% of what makes Pixel great at half the price.
Does the Pixel 8a get Magic Editor?
Yes — Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser all work on the Pixel 8a. Same headline AI features as the Pixel 9 Pro.
How we rate
Our editorial score is anchored to outcomes from MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025), then refined for everyday usability. Phone of the Year winners earn 5/5; category winners 4.5/5; runners-up 4/5; otherwise we score on merit. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.