Google Pixel 8A

The Google Pixel 8a earns its spot in the Top 10 for delivering a genuinely compact and clean Android experience with a healthy dose of AI smarts. Digit’s overall rating of 7.1 reflects a phone that excels where it counts, especially in design, camera quality, and software longevity, while making a few compromises along the way. At 6.1 inches, the Pixel 8a is one of the rare mid-range phones that still respects smaller form factors, which makes it a solid choice for users who prefer one-handed comfort without sacrificing modern features. The build feels thoughtfully crafted, with a smooth, fingerprint-resistant back and metal sides, though it’s a bit on the thicker side. The display is vibrant and sharp, with the welcome addition of a 120Hz refresh rate, but the thick, uneven bezels keep it from feeling fully premium, something that clearly influenced its modest 7.1 score in build and design. Powered by the Tensor G3 chip, the phone handles daily tasks smoothly and benefits from Google’s clean Android 14 with seven years of guaranteed updates, a strong point that elevates the user experience beyond specs alone. Its AI-powered camera tools, like Magic Eraser and Best Take, continue Google’s tradition of computational photography excellence, delivering consistently impressive shots, particularly in good light. Performance and thermal management, however, are weaker links. The phone tends to overheat under heavy loads and throttles quickly, making it less suited for gamers or power users compared to competition like the iQOO 12 or OnePlus 12R. Charging speeds are also disappointingly slow, which somewhat dents its value-for-money appeal. All told, the Pixel 8a is a thoughtful, software-focused device for those who value compact design, reliable cameras, and long-term support over raw power or cutting-edge hardware. Its Digit score of 7.1 for features, performance, and value reflects this balanced reality, strong where it matters most, but with compromises that are important to keep in mind.