Google Pixel 8 Series: AI Features at Bargain Prices During Amazon Prime Day

Want AI features on the cheap? The Google Pixel 8a just hit a new low price at Amazon

Attention, upgrade hunters! Amazon has discounted the Google Pixel 8a to just $379.05 (was $499.99) in the US and £399 (was £499) in the UK. This is all thanks to the second Amazon Prime Day sales event of 2024, which marks a great time to secure a cut-price Android phone. Perhaps most importantly, the Pixel 8a is the top AI bargain on our newly minted best AI phones list - so it's absolutely worth picking up if you're keen to try AI features without breaking the bank. There's a reason why the Google Pixel 8a appears in so many of our buying guides: it's a great all-rounder for a now-even-more-affordable price. Its rear cameras rival those of the more expensive Google Pixel 8 Pro, its 6.1-inch OLED display is just as vibrant as the Google Pixel 8's display, and its curvaceous design is as modern-looking as it is comfortable to hold. Best of all, though, is the Pixel 8a's AI capabilities, which match those of Google's latest and greatest flagships. As noted in our Google Pixel 8a review, "you won't find so much of the future in any other phone that's this affordable," and it'll continue to be supported for at least another six years, too. What's not to like? For more phone-related discounts, check out our dedicated best phone deals, best iPhone deals, and best Samsung phone deals pages.

Amazon Prime Day discounts all three Pixel 8 phones -- here's what they'll cost you

Amazon Prime Day is upon us, and there's never been a better time to grab one of Google's smartphones. While many might argue that the Google Pixel series falls short of brands like Apple or Samsung, that isn't true as there is plenty to love about Google's smartphones. One of the biggest benefits to Google's smartphones is that they are often cheaper than the other two main competitors, while also offering near identical features. For instance, the Google Pixel 8a is currently only $379 at Amazon, making it the cheapest it's ever been. Meanwhile, you can grab the Pixel 8 for as little as $402 at Amazon as well. As Prime Day has seen the price drop we have gathered all the current Google Pixel 8 deals here to make it easier for you. The Google Pixel 8 series of phones offer customers decent, AI-capable smartphones without breaking the bank. Each of the Pixel 8 series can compete with comparable phones from other companies, for instance, the iPhone 15. The Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro both offer a decent camera setup for their price, with the Pixel 8 Pro standing at the forefront. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8a offers some great cameras for the price. Meanwhile, the big strength for all three is the suite of AI features available with Google Gemini. The Google Pixel 8 and the Google Pixel 8a will both have access to a version of Gemini Nano, which includes features like Audio Magic Eraser and summary as well as a host of AI image editing options. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro has everything from Magic Editor to Video Boost as well as the same Google Gemini AI features. Buying an AI capable smartphone doesn't have to be expensive, and this Prime Day has seen Google massively drop the price of its prior smartphones. As such, now is a great time to buy one before the sale ends.

The Google Pixel 8 just got crazy cheap for Prime Day deals -- this is the lowest price ever

Amazon Prime Day is upon us and there are some great deals on smartphones to be found. The Google Pixel 8 is no longer be the latest model, but the discount is deep enough that we have to recommend it. Currently, you can pick up the Google Pixel 8 for only $402 at Amazon, a 42% drop from the usual price. This is astounding simply because we have never seen the Pixel 8 cost this much in the past, with the historical lowest price before now standing at $424. This deal is only available for the Obsidian model with 128GB of storage. While the Pixel 8 might not be quite as powerful as the more recent Google Pixel 9, there's still plenty here for the average user. In our Pixel 8 review, we praised the improved brightness brought by the new Actua display, and also the design's rounded corners that made it even more comfortable to have both in hand and in your pocket. The Google Pixel 8 comes with a 50MP main camera with 8x super res zoom and a 12MP ultrawide camera. While it might not be able to compete with devices like the iPhone 16, it's still a strong setup. However, the real strength of the phone is the wealth of AI features that help to get the best images possible. For instance, you'll have access to features like Best Take and Magic Editor. The Pixel 8 doesn't just offer AI when editing images; you also get access to features like Proofreading. The Pixel 8 will also have access to all the Gemini Nano features, including Summarize and Smart Reply. It's all powered by the Tensor G3, which is a decent chip at this price. Overall, this is a fantastic deal for anyone looking for a new device, but not wanting to break the bank.

The Google Pixel 8a falls to a new record low of $379 for Prime Day

Google's A-series Pixel phones are a great option for those looking to upgrade without spending a ton of money. Now thanks to Prime Day deals, you can get the Pixel 8a for the best price we've seen. It's down to $379, which is $120 off its usual price. The Pixel 8a is our pick for the best midrange smartphone you can buy right now. We gave it a score of 90 in our review in May. It has some excellent hardware for a phone in this price range, including terrific cameras, a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and great battery life (it lasted for 20 and a half hours on our video rundown test). What's more, the Pixel 8a runs on the Tensor G3, which is the same chipset found in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. As such, it can run the same AI features as the flagship handsets, including Magic Eraser and other camera trickery, web article summaries and narration via Google Assistant, wallpaper generation and faster Face Unlock. Elsewhere, features like IP67 dust and water resistance are very welcome. On the downside, the bezels are a little thicker than some may like. Qi wireless charging is slow too at a rate of 7.5W. Still, those are minor quibbles for an otherwise great midrange phone.

The Google Pixel phone I most recommend is not a flagship - and it's 42% off for October Prime Day

Compared to similarly priced phones, like the Nothing Phone 2, the Pixel 8 is a far better value. The Google Pixel 9 might be getting all the attention nowadays (especially with its access to Google's new Gemini AI model), but the standard Pixel 8 is still impressive among Google's lineup this year. Also: Best Prime Day phone deals to shop in October 2024 That's because the Pixel 8 offers one of the best combinations of specs, features, and premium design at a price considerably lower than the competition. What's more, for the past few months, Pixel 8 deals have been hovering around $500. At that price, the Pixel 8 is not only difficult to ignore but perhaps the only phone you should consider if you're shopping on a budget. You won't find another phone like it under $500, and it's only when you sift through the $800-$1,000 options that you find commendable competition. A big reason why this is such a compelling option is the Tensor G3 chip, Google's latest in-house processor that powers all of the Pixel 8's AI and machine learning features. It's not just a solid Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 alternative but a monumental reason why the Pixel 8 is such a great phone. Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro: This phone sold me on an AI-powered future The chip powers all the Google Pixel-ness of the Pixel 8, from transcribing voices in the Recorder app to letting you edit photos to your heart's content with the AI-powered Magic Editor. The Google Assistant also takes advantage of the G3 to process your voice quicker and even summarize web pages for quickly consuming information. Alongside powering Google's HDR pipeline for photography, ensuring Android 14 is slick and smooth, the G3 is one of the most capable smartphone chips on the market. And when paired with 8GB of RAM, you'll never have a slow day. The display is another huge reason to get this phone. The Pixel 8's 6.2-inch Actua display is a bit smaller than the screen on the Pixel 7, but that makes it easier to hold in one hand. It's also stunning to look at; with a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits of peak brightness, it's one of the brightest and clearest displays on the market. Plus, it's OLED, so colors are vibrant, and inky blacks are plentiful. Look beyond the display, and you'll find a good-looking phone crafted out of aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. Featuring Google's signature camera bar on the back and thin bezels around the display, the Pixel 8 is a stunner among other sub-$700 phones. It's also IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, and it comes in three nice finishes: Obsidian (black), Hazel (kinda green), and Rose (more of a golden peach, in my opinion). When it comes to Pixel phones, there are two areas you have to talk about: cameras and software. On the camera front, Google knocked it out of the park. The rear 50MP main shooter and 12MP ultra-wide are both excellent performers in broad daylight and at night. The cameras easily match or outpace what you'd get with an iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra in terms of clarity, detail, and sharpness, while colors are often far more accurate than they ever have been on a Pixel phone. Also: I upgraded to the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and its most impressive feature was not the software You also get all of the camera chops that the Pixel name carries like astrophotography, Super ResZoom, dual exposure controls, and Ultra HDR. That's on top of other features like Best Take and Magic Editor that make these cameras the smartest you'll find. Plus, video quality has been vastly improved over previous Pixels -- it's flat-out comparable to the iPhone. On the software side, Google's Pixel experience atop Android 14 remains my favorite way to interact with Android. It's clean and minimal and gives you a warm, inviting feeling that no other Android skin can mimic. You get all the features of Android 14, like customizable lock screens, better security, larger fonts, and improved notifications, along with all of the Pixel features you could ask for, such as Call Screen, Now Playing, Direct My Call, AI-generated wallpapers, and --of course --the Pixel Launcher. But the real kicker in the software department is Google's extended support. The company is guaranteeing seven full years of software support, which means you'll get updates until 2030 if you buy this phone. That's unheard of for an Android phone, and it gives devices like the iPhone a run for their money. Also: Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which model should you buy? The Pixel 8 can also last all day on a charge thanks to the 4,575 mAh cell inside. With my medium to heavy usage, I typically end days with 30-40 percent in the tank, which means anyone using the phone a bit less could stretch it out to last a day and a half. Plus, you get 30W fast charging to juice back up as well as Qi wireless charging. So, what are the downsides? Honestly, there aren't a lot. The Pixel 8 still gets pretty warm after using it for a while, but that's typical with Google's Tensor processors. I also wish there was a proper telephoto camera on the back; Super Res Zoom is handy for upscaling digitally zoomed photos, but it can only take you so far. Oh, and I still don't trust Face Unlock; Google lets you use it to pay for things now using Google Pay, but it still relies on a flat image of your face to authenticate you. You're not going to find a much better value than the Pixel 8 - especially at such a deep discount. From the gorgeous display and design to the speedy performance and amazing cameras, Google's standard flagship phone stands on its own with an impeccable balance of high-end features for a lower price than other flagships. Also: Google Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold: Specs, features, and everything else we know so far With its sale price of $402, the closest competition happens to be the Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Phone (2), two devices that are perfectly worthy of a spot in your pocket but don't offer the same value as the Pixel 8. Google's phone is a proper flagship with seven years of software support, the latest AI features, and the company's latest camera tricks. The Phone (2) and S23 FE are high-end mid-rangers that balance specs and price well but don't feel as high-end as the Pixel does. Anyone shopping for an Android phone under $600 -- let alone under $700 -- should look to the Pixel 8. The value is simply incredible, and it's by far one of the best phones of the year.

The Google Pixel phone I recommend to most people is not a flagship - and it's $300 off right now

Compared to similarly priced phones, like the Nothing Phone 2, the Pixel 8 is a far better value. The Google Pixel 9 might be getting all the attention nowadays (especially with its access to Google's new Gemini AI model), but the standard Pixel 8 is still impressive among Google's lineup this year. Also: Best Prime Day phone deals to shop in October 2024 That's because the Pixel 8 offers one of the best combinations of specs, features, and premium design at a price considerably lower than the competition. What's more, for the past few months, Pixel 8 deals have been hovering around $500. At that price, the Pixel 8 is not only difficult to ignore but perhaps the only phone you should consider if you're shopping on a budget. You won't find another phone like it under $500, and it's only when you sift through the $800-$1,000 options that you find commendable competition. A big reason why this is such a compelling option is the Tensor G3 chip, Google's latest in-house processor that powers all of the Pixel 8's AI and machine learning features. It's not just a solid Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 alternative but a monumental reason why the Pixel 8 is such a great phone. Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro: This phone sold me on an AI-powered future The chip powers all the Google Pixel-ness of the Pixel 8, from transcribing voices in the Recorder app to letting you edit photos to your heart's content with the AI-powered Magic Editor. The Google Assistant also takes advantage of the G3 to process your voice quicker and even summarize web pages for quickly consuming information. Alongside powering Google's HDR pipeline for photography, ensuring Android 14 is slick and smooth, the G3 is one of the most capable smartphone chips on the market. And when paired with 8GB of RAM, you'll never have a slow day. The display is another huge reason to get this phone. The Pixel 8's 6.2-inch Actua display is a bit smaller than the screen on the Pixel 7, but that makes it easier to hold in one hand. It's also stunning to look at; with a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits of peak brightness, it's one of the brightest and clearest displays on the market. Plus, it's OLED, so colors are vibrant, and inky blacks are plentiful. Look beyond the display, and you'll find a good-looking phone crafted out of aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. Featuring Google's signature camera bar on the back and thin bezels around the display, the Pixel 8 is a stunner among other sub-$700 phones. It's also IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, and it comes in three nice finishes: Obsidian (black), Hazel (kinda green), and Rose (more of a golden peach, in my opinion). When it comes to Pixel phones, there are two areas you have to talk about: cameras and software. On the camera front, Google knocked it out of the park. The rear 50MP main shooter and 12MP ultra-wide are both excellent performers in broad daylight and at night. The cameras easily match or outpace what you'd get with an iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra in terms of clarity, detail, and sharpness, while colors are often far more accurate than they ever have been on a Pixel phone. Also: I upgraded to the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and its most impressive feature was not the software You also get all of the camera chops that the Pixel name carries like astrophotography, Super ResZoom, dual exposure controls, and Ultra HDR. That's on top of other features like Best Take and Magic Editor that make these cameras the smartest you'll find. Plus, video quality has been vastly improved over previous Pixels -- it's flat-out comparable to the iPhone. On the software side, Google's Pixel experience atop Android 14 remains my favorite way to interact with Android. It's clean and minimal and gives you a warm, inviting feeling that no other Android skin can mimic. You get all the features of Android 14, like customizable lock screens, better security, larger fonts, and improved notifications, along with all of the Pixel features you could ask for, such as Call Screen, Now Playing, Direct My Call, AI-generated wallpapers, and --of course --the Pixel Launcher. But the real kicker in the software department is Google's extended support. The company is guaranteeing seven full years of software support, which means you'll get updates until 2030 if you buy this phone. That's unheard of for an Android phone, and it gives devices like the iPhone a run for their money. Also: Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which model should you buy? The Pixel 8 can also last all day on a charge thanks to the 4,575 mAh cell inside. With my medium to heavy usage, I typically end days with 30-40 percent in the tank, which means anyone using the phone a bit less could stretch it out to last a day and a half. Plus, you get 30W fast charging to juice back up as well as Qi wireless charging. So, what are the downsides? Honestly, there aren't a lot. The Pixel 8 still gets pretty warm after using it for a while, but that's typical with Google's Tensor processors. I also wish there was a proper telephoto camera on the back; Super Res Zoom is handy for upscaling digitally zoomed photos, but it can only take you so far. Oh, and I still don't trust Face Unlock; Google lets you use it to pay for things now using Google Pay, but it still relies on a flat image of your face to authenticate you. You're not going to find a much better value than the Pixel 8 - especially at such a deep discount. From the gorgeous display and design to the speedy performance and amazing cameras, Google's standard flagship phone stands on its own with an impeccable balance of high-end features for a lower price than other flagships. Also: Google Pixel 9, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold: Specs, features, and everything else we know so far With its sale price of $402, the closest competition happens to be the Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Phone (2), two devices that are perfectly worthy of a spot in your pocket but don't offer the same value as the Pixel 8. Google's phone is a proper flagship with seven years of software support, the latest AI features, and the company's latest camera tricks. The Phone (2) and S23 FE are high-end mid-rangers that balance specs and price well but don't feel as high-end as the Pixel does. Anyone shopping for an Android phone under $600 -- let alone under $700 -- should look to the Pixel 8. The value is simply incredible, and it's by far one of the best phones of the year.

These are the only 4 Android phones I'd recommend buying on sale during Prime Day

Even in a market dominated by ecosystems, picking out a new smartphone can be tricky. Sure, it's tempting to stick with whatever seems familiar -- like, say, jumping up from a Galaxy S21 to a Galaxy S24. But when you factor in price, design, refresh cycles, and the ability to jump from one Android OEM to another without breaking a sweat, things get a whole lot more complicated. Here's the good news: every major Android phone for 2024 is on the market well ahead of the holiday shopping season, and with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, finding a discount on a new smartphone right now is really, really easy. Whether you're looking for the biggest, best display money can buy or you're ready to jump into the world of foldables, there's something here for you. As Android Police's resident Phones Editor, I'm here to help you tell the difference between a good deal and a great deal. Here's the four phones I recommend during Prime Big Deal Days. At $600, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth every penny Don't even think about the Pixel 9 Pro XL Google's latest hardware isn't on sale quite yet -- you'll probably have to wait until Black Friday to see the first meaningful discounts on the Pixel 9 lineup -- but that doesn't mean you can't save some cash on last year's collection. The entire Pixel 8 series is on sale for Prime Big Deal Days, but it's the high-end Pixel 8 Pro that deserves your attention. At just $600, you're looking at a phone that delivers a similar experience to this year's Pixel 9 Pro XL at nearly half the price. This phone should be familiar to any Android Police reader, but in case you forgot what made the Pixel 8 Pro so special, here's a reminder. With a 6.7-inch Super Actua display, frosted matte glass, and a trio of excellent sensors, the base experience isn't all too far off from what you'd find on Google's latest flagship. It's supported for seven years of OS and security upgrades, so despite its one-year anniversary falling next week, you're still guaranteed support until October of 2030. And plenty of Google's best AI tools, including Gemini and Magic Editor, are ready to go right out of the box. If you're looking for something cheaper, the Pixel 8 is a steal at $450, while the Pixel 8a is back down to just $400. Both of those phones offer great experiences in their own right, but in my eyes, you can't beat the value provided by the Pixel 8 Pro at $600. As long as you're okay with using a device as large as this, it's the flagship to get during this week's two-day sale. Google Pixel 8 Pro $600 $999 Save $399 The Pixel 8 Pro might not be Google's latest smartphone, but it's still a great buy in 2024. With an excellent trio of lenses, a bright 6.7-inch display, and plenty of AI features, this could be the steal of Prime Day at just $600. $600 at Amazon Upgrade to a foldable with the $1,140 OnePlus Open Even with an older processor, it's a steal If there's one thing that keeps Android fans away from upgrading to foldables, it's the price tag. As futuristic as they may feel, the usual $1,800 price point is a tough pill to swallow for an experience that is more fragile and more finicky than any other smartphone. If you've been holding out, the OnePlus Open is down to just $1,140 for Prime Day, making it one of the cheapest current-gen foldables we've ever seen in the US. A year on from its launch, the OnePlus Open remains in contention for my favorite foldable ever. While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has given it a solid run for its money, it's undeniable that OnePlus blazed a path for the future of folding phones -- and, I hope, the future of multitasking on Android. Open Canvas is a game-changer of an idea, one that turns the 7.81-inch inner display into a series of expansive apps, all at your disposal. Now, there are a couple of caveats for this deal. This is 2023 hardware, which means it's not as thin as Google's latest folding phone. That said, it's aged particularly well over the last 12 months, and its internals -- including a beefy battery and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 -- still feel flagship worthy in 2024. Its software support also isn't quite up to par with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's seven year promise, but with four promised OS upgrades, you'll at least get Android 17 before updates begin to peter out. Finally, this deal isn't on the recent 1TB Apex Edition launched by OnePlus as, seemingly, a placeholder model ahead of the OnePlus Open 2, but it is good for both the black and green models that include up to 512GB of storage. OnePlus Open $1140 $1800 Save $660 OnePlus' first foldable packs an impressive specs sheet and boasts some equally remarkable features. The lightweight design, the super-bright cover and folding screens, the high-end internals, and the triple-camera setup make the OnePlus Open a great alternative to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold lineup. $1140 at Amazon Pick up Samsung's Galaxy S24 for just $600 Take note, Google -- this phone actually feels small To plenty of smartphone shoppers, Samsung is practically synonymous with Android, despite it being the real brainchild of Google. The Galaxy S24 isn't the most exciting phone on the market, but it might just be the default Android experience at the moment, and for $600, it's tough to beat, particularly if devices like the Pixel 8 Pro are just too big for you. While I'd hesitate to call the Galaxy S24 truly "small," it is noticeably more compact than the vast majority of modern smartphones. It's much smaller than the Pixel 9 Pro, despite that being Google's "small" flagship for this generation. It's smaller than Apple's iPhone 16, despite having a larger display. Despite this, there's no obvious downside to choosing the Galaxy S24. While a couple of its specs are downgraded compared to its larger siblings, there's nothing here that'll make an impact on daily use. It's a good, solid phone that'll fit in your pocket, and at $200 off, it's hard to pass up. Samsung Galaxy S24 $600 $800 Save $200 The smallest of Samsung's 2024 flagships packs possibly the most significant upgrades of the series, with a significantly brighter and 1-120Hz adaptable refresh rate screen, cameras that finally match the S24+, and an even more polished build than the last two years. $600 at Amazon Grab our favorite of the Galaxy S24 trio for $750 The Galaxy S24 FE should feel like an afterthought If you want something bigger and more powerful than practically anything on this list, allow me to recommend the Galaxy S24+. At $750, it's not quite the steal that I think the Pixel 8 Pro is, but it's not far off. This is still part of Samsung's most recent flagship trio, and although it's due for a refresh in January, I wouldn't expect enough to change for any buyer's regret to set in. Whether you're looking to As AP's Google Editor Taylor Kerns wrote back in January, the Galaxy S24+ feels like the one to buy. It's a little smaller than the Galaxy S24 Ultra -- which, if you're interested, is on sale for $1,000 right now -- and its curvier design makes it a lot more comfortable to hold. You don't get the 5x telephoto lens seen on the Ultra, but cameras aren't exactly Samsung's forte at the moment anyway. The end result is an S Pen-less flagship available at a pretty reasonable price, but this sale only gets better the closer you look. At the end of last month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 FE, a budget-friendly take on this exact smartphone. While its $650 price tag looks pretty appealing when the S24+ is at full price, for just $100 more, you get a better display, a more premium build, larger sensors, a much faster chipset, and double the storage. With One UI 7 due to launch in 2025, expect plenty of new features coming to this phone in just a short few months. Samsung Galaxy S24+ $750 $1000 Save $250 With a plethora of AI-powered tools, a brighter screen, and a sleek one-piece design, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers the big screen and fuller features of the S24 Ultra without its price tag being nearly as much of a gut punch. Seven years of updates and the continued revisions of One UI 6.1 help the software shine on a phone with largely the same hardware. $750 at Amazon There are plenty of good deals to be had Right now and through the rest of 2024 While we're bound to see plenty of mobile discounts between now and the end of the year, Amazon's two-day sale represents our first taste at some really tantalizing sales. Whether you're opting for generation-old hardware with the Pixel 8a and OnePlus Open or scooping up a Galaxy S24 a few months before its successors arrive, this is as good a time as any to buy a new smartphone. And if these deals aren't doing it for you, Prime Big Deal Days has plenty to offer everyone else. Related Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2024: Don't miss the best deals on Day One Our pick of the Prime Day promotions 4