7 Reasons Why the Pixel 8a is Google’s Biggest Mistake The Pixel 9 series has been a resounding success for Google, partly due to the company finally addressing its major past smartphone issues.

In Google’s early Pixel models, the brand struggled with some critical flaws that held back the lineup. The first Pixel delivered a great software experience and camera but lacked a competitive design. The Pixel 2 series split its lineup with the smaller model looking outdated, while the larger Pixel 2 XL had major display issues. Pixel 3 improved on many fronts but introduced a prominent notch that received mixed reactions.

The Pixel 4 series impressed with its unique design and innovations like the IR face unlock and “Soli” radar, yet its smaller model’s poor battery life left a negative impact. In the Pixel 5, while being a solid device, the lack of a larger option disappointed some users.

The “Tensor era” began with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, introducing Google’s custom chipset. However, issues with Tensor’s cell reception and a subpar fingerprint sensor dampened the excitement. Pixel 7 saw improvements but left some users disappointed due to lingering concerns from its predecessor.

The Pixel 8 series finally delivered two strong, nearly compromise-free devices, boasting stable performance, excellent displays, and minimal overheating. However, the mixed reputation of prior models still deterred some buyers.

7 Reasons Why the Pixel 8a is Google’s Biggest Mistake  With the Pixel 9 series, Google appears to have fully broken free from past setbacks. These devices excel in all fundamental areas—display quality, camera performance, and software simplicity. Google has also succeeded in attracting iPhone-alternative seekers, partly thanks to RCS compatibility with iOS, a significant move for Android adoption in the U.S. This success is reflected in strong Q3 2024 sales, Google’s best-ever quarter, with a 20% year-over-year increase. The Pixel 9 Pro XL even ranks among the top 10 premium smartphones in the U.S., alongside heavyweights like Apple and Samsung.

A striking detail: Google Pixel devices now represent over 14% of U.S. web traffic, a figure nearly three times higher than a month prior, indicating notable traction for Google in the smartphone space.

7 Reasons Why the Pixel 8a is Google’s Biggest Mistake When Google launched the Pixel 9 lineup, the Pixel 9 Pro quickly stood out to me. The standard Pixel 9 felt a bit too simple, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was beyond my budget. Although it wasn’t initially my first choice, I spent a month with the Pixel 9 Pro XL and was genuinely impressed by its performance and overall feel.

Recently, I tried Google’s new compact flagship, the Pixel 9 Pro, which has the same body size as the standard Pixel 9 but with all the Pro model features. After a week with the Pixel 9 Pro, I can confidently say I won’t be returning to the XL.

The Pixel 9 Pro strikes the perfect balance. I’ve always leaned towards larger phones, enjoying devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and OnePlus 10 Pro, both of which have 6.7-inch displays. Although I’ve compromised on one-handed usability for screen size, which is ideal for watching content and extending battery life, the Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.3-inch display feels just right. It strikes a balance between being big enough for an enjoyable viewing experience yet compact enough for comfortable one-handed use and easy pocketability.

Despite its smaller size, the Pixel 9 Pro retains the premium features of the XL’s display, including a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness, HDR10+ support, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The smaller screen even gives it a slightly higher pixel density at 495 PPI compared to the XL’s 486 PPI, though the difference is hardly noticeable.

7 Reasons Why the Pixel 8a is Google’s Biggest Mistake  One big appeal of the Pixel 9 Pro is that, unlike previous models, it includes the same advanced camera setup as the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. The compact model has a 50MP primary camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This made a real difference when I took it to a concert—the telephoto lens delivered fantastic close-up shots.

Switching to a smaller phone, I was concerned about battery life, as the Pixel 9 Pro has a smaller battery than the XL. However, the Tensor G4 chip appears to have resolved previous overheating issues, and the Pixel 9 Pro performed impressively, lasting an entire day. Even on a day of heavy use with 5G, it ended the day with 32% battery left. The only downside is its slower 27W charging, compared to the XL’s 37W, but the solid battery life on the smaller model more than compensates for this.

The Pixel 9 Pro offers all the Pro model features without the higher price tag of the XL. It’s $100 less and includes the latest AI features, such as “Add Me” in the camera app, Reimagine in Magic Editor, Pixel Studio, Pixel Screenshots, and Clear Calling. With the savings, you can invest in essential accessories like a quality case, a charging adapter, or a screen protector.

7 Reasons Why the Pixel 8a is Google’s Biggest Mistake Six months after its release, the Google Pixel 8a feels like a phone from a different era of Pixel devices. When Google launched the Pixel 8a, I had no idea it might be the last of its kind. Much has changed, and while I sometimes miss elements like the rounded design and rear fingerprint sensor from older Pixel models, the 8a seems almost nostalgic now.

The Pixel 8a may have only launched recently, but it already shows how fast Google has redefined what it means to be a Pixel device. The 8a now feels like a throwback, with Google setting new standards for design and functionality in its flagship Pixel 9 series.

After switching to the Pixel 8a following weeks with the Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro, the differences were immediately apparent. The Pixel 8a’s rounded, pebble-like aluminum frame and composite back feel noticeably different from the sleeker, more premium materials and straighter side rails of the Pixel 9 lineup. This design choice brings a slightly thicker bezel around the 6.1-inch AMOLED display, with an older layout for buttons and ports that accommodated its frame’s curved design.

One of the most noticeable changes is the camera design. Google’s camera bar, introduced with the Pixel 6, has been a defining feature, stretching across the phone and giving a unique look. On the Pixel 9, Google shifted to a more compact, protected camera island. While the new look is polished, I miss the wider visor style with its split color scheme that added character to the Pixel 8a. But in terms of durability, the Pixel 8a’s composite back and Gorilla Glass 3 display seem to pick up scratches more easily than expected.

7 Reasons Why the Pixel 8a is Google’s Biggest Mistake  Switching back to the Pixel 8a also highlighted software gaps. Both it and the Pixel 9 run Android 15, but the Pixel 8a lacks some of the advanced AI features available on the Pixel 9, like Pixel Weather, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Screenshots. The Pixel 8a offers basic Gemini-powered AI features, like Gemini Live and Circle to Search, but misses out on more dynamic options, like advanced panorama modes and some of the AI tools that enhance daily interactions on the Pixel 9.

Even with these limitations, the Pixel 8a still has valuable features. It received Android 15’s improved security options, like Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock. While these upgrades make the phone safer, they’re available on many other Android devices, so they don’t entirely compensate for missing Pixel-exclusive software perks.

Despite the Pixel 8a’s gaps, it remains a strong mid-range option, particularly with the Pixel 9 series’ price increase. Priced at $499, it’s $300 cheaper than the Pixel 9 and offers an experience that was initially an easy recommendation for value. Although the Pixel 9 series now justifies its higher cost with advanced materials, refined designs, and a leading AI suite, the Pixel 8a still gives budget-conscious users plenty to appreciate.

Looking forward, the Pixel 9a is expected to adopt the flagship design and may even include more advanced AI features, though likely at a slightly higher price. The changes in Google’s approach to design, performance, and AI suggest that the Pixel 8a represents the end of an era, with future mid-range models positioned to rival competitors like Samsung’s Fan Edition lineup.