Alright, so I got my hands on the Pixel 8a, and let me tell you, this phone is all about Google’s AI smarts, even though it’s not their top-of-the-line model. Sadly, it’s not officially available in Hong Kong yet, but I’m sure we’ll see it pop up soon enough. I managed to snag one from Taiwan, where it’s already up for pre-order and launching on May 14th.
First impressions? I love the new colors! They’ve got Obsidian Black, Ceramic White, and Sea Bay Blue. Personally, I was really hoping for that cool Mint Green they were teasing before the launch, but it seems they scrapped it. Bummer. On the plus side, if you’re going for the black one, you only have one storage option: a whopping 256GB.
The screen is a definite upgrade from the last generation. Google calls it the Actua display, and it’s noticeably brighter (like, 40% brighter!) and more scratch-resistant. Trust me, I could actually see what was on the screen even under the blazing midday sun. Plus, it’s got a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling through websites and switching between apps a breeze.
The design is sleek and modern, with a matte aluminum frame and a matte back cover. It feels really good in hand, not too slippery. And good news for clumsy folks like me: it’s IP67 water and dust resistant, so it can handle a few splashes and bumps.
Now, let’s talk about the camera. Pixel phones are known for their awesome cameras, and the 8a doesn’t disappoint. You’ve got a 64MP main lens, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP front-facing camera. It captures stunning photos, even in low light thanks to the Night Sight mode. The Super Res Zoom is also quite impressive, letting you zoom in on distant objects without losing much detail. And of course, all the cool photo editing features like Magic Eraser and Unblur are here to play with.
But here’s where it gets really interesting: the AI features powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip. The new Gemini AI assistant is a game-changer. You can use text, voice commands, or even share images to get help with all sorts of things. Need help brainstorming ideas, planning a trip, or even writing a funny birthday message? Gemini’s got your back. However, there’s a catch: it’s not available in Hong Kong yet. You’ll probably need a VPN to get it working.
Another cool AI trick is the new ‘Circle to Search’ feature. You can literally draw circles, lines, or scribbles on your screen to select and search for information within any app. It’s like magic!
Overall, the Pixel 8a is a fantastic mid-range phone packed with Google’s latest AI innovations. It might not be available in Hong Kong officially, but if you’re looking for a phone that can do it all and keep up with your busy life, the Pixel 8a is definitely worth considering.