Pixel 8a Hands-On Review – Camera & Display
I finally got to try the Google Pixel 8a, and I was excited to see how it performs. I tested the camera and display carefully since these are the features many people care about most. In this review, I’ll share what I saw and what you can expect from this mid-range Pixel.
Google Pixel 8a Specs (Camera & Display Focus)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Brightness | Up to 1400 nits |
| Main Camera | 64MP (OIS, Quad Bayer) |
| Ultra-wide Cam | 13MP |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30/60fps (rear & front) |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 |
| OS | Android 14 |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB |
| Battery | 4492 mAh |
| Price in Canada | Starts at CAD $679 (Expected) |
Camera Experience – Sharp, Smart, and Simple
The 64MP main camera really impressed me. It uses smart image processing with the help of Google’s Tensor G3 chip, and the results are clear and colorful. Even in low light, the photos came out bright and full of detail.
What I liked most? The camera is simple to use. I just opened the app, pointed, and tapped. No need to adjust anything. Google’s AI camera tricks, like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom, worked automatically and gave sharp results.
The 13MP ultra-wide camera is also good. It fits more into the frame without making things look stretched. The selfie camera also performs well, especially with background blur and face tone controls.
Both the rear and front cameras can shoot 4K video, which is rare at this price. Videos looked steady, thanks to built-in stabilization.
Display Experience – Bright and Smooth
The screen on the Pixel 8a is one of the best I’ve used in this range. It’s a 6.1-inch OLED display that feels smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling, watching videos, and gaming all looked sharp and fast.
Colors look bold, and the contrast is deep. Even under sunlight, I could read the screen clearly. The brightness goes up to 1400 nits, which is great for outdoor use.
The screen size feels just right—big enough to enjoy content, but small enough to use with one hand.
Is the Pixel 8a Worth It for Canadians?
Yes. If you care about a good camera and a great screen, the Pixel 8a is a strong choice. You get Google’s camera software, a high-quality OLED display, and long software support, all at a fair price. Plus, it’s compact and easy to carry.
Pixel 8a Price in Canada
The official price hasn’t been confirmed yet, but based on past Pixel pricing, here’s what I expect:
- 128GB model: CAD $679
- 256GB model: CAD $749
It should be available through Google Store Canada and major carriers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s excellent for the price. The 64MP sensor captures detailed photos with strong colors and brightness, even in low light.
No, it doesn’t. But the Super Res Zoom gives sharp results up to 8x using software.
Yes. The 13MP selfie camera can record up to 4K video, which is rare in this price range.
Yes. The Pixel 8a’s display is brighter and smoother with 120Hz refresh rate, compared to 90Hz on the Pixel 7a.
Yes. It gets very bright—up to 1400 nits—so it’s easy to read in sunlight.
