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I was immediately able to start using Gemini exactly how I wanted. After downloading the Gemini app, I could choose how to activate the feature \u2014 personally, I found I prefer the ease of just holding down the power button. Now, I can ask Gemini to do simple tasks like summarize my inbox or surface info from my Google Drive, or I can get more creative help, like assistance with writing a note or coming up with a meal plan. Gemini also allows me to attach images to a question, so I can get more info about something in my photo gallery or something I saw online or took a photo of in real-time. Then Gemini provides responses and answers \u2014 which I also like to ask Gemini to read out loud to me. Sometimes I feel high maintenance with how much I\u2019m asking Gemini on my Pixel 8a to do but\u2026that\u2019s kind of the idea, right?<\/p>\n
Pixels always take excellent photos, but now, because Pixel 8a has the same chip as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it\u2019s the first A-series phone that can do a lot of the impressive photography and editing features that use AI, like Best Take and Magic Editor. And the AI editing isn\u2019t for photos only: Audio Magic Eraser, previously only available for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, removes unwanted background noise from videos \u2014 so, for example, when I wanted to create a video featuring my foster dog for her adoption page, I was able to reduce the sound of background barking coming from my other pups.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how much I trust the durability of the Pixel 8a: I haven’t even ordered a case for it yet. I just slide it into my pocket and go. The engineering team wanted the 8a to be the most durable, sustainable A-series yet so it lasts for as long as possible \u2014 excellent news given the A-series phone now comes with seven years of software support. The upgraded matte back feels very secure in my hand (and my fingerprints don\u2019t leave a mark!). The smaller size helps with this, too. The 6.1-inch phone feels just right in my hand and slides nicely into my pocket, so I don\u2019t need to worry about it falling out.<\/p>\n
Generally speaking, when you opt for an A-series phone, you\u2019re getting a smaller, less expensive phone with less storage. That\u2019s a problem for me, because I do indeed like a pocket-friendly phone (see above!) but<\/i> I also take way too many photos and videos. Now that the Pixel 8a comes in a new 256GB option in Obsidian, the many, many timelapse videos and astrophotography photos I take (and can\u2019t bring myself to part with or forget about) don\u2019t have to get deleted just to save some room.<\/p>\n8. It makes scanning so, so easy.<\/h2>\n
No scanner, no problem. During my first week with the Pixel 8a, I found myself using it as a scanner quite a bit to photograph receipts, financial documents, passport photos and beyond, then save them as text or PDF documents (and this feature was added relatively recently in a Feature Drop). Once I point the camera at whatever it is I want to scan, the scan option automatically pops up to take a photo and separates the document itself from whatever is behind it. Then I can use the Clean tool and drag my finger over areas I want to fix. There\u2019s also an option to remove shadows, which I think makes it look more official. Then I can save it to my Drive folder, download it or share right away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n