You may have heard that Gastrobeats is happening throughout the whole of June alongside iLight across the Marina Bay area. Well, I wanted to go and enjoy a night filled with good music and food after a day at work. Not to mention, create memories with friends who I have yet to meet for the past few months. Google was kind to share their latest launch, the Google Pixel 8a with me to capture any memories I might have.
The Google Pixel 8a is the latest addition to the Google Pixel family. Like its counterparts – Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it boasts a host of AI features fueled by the Google Tensor G3 chip. Most importantly, it is more affordable than its counterparts without lacking much. In this review, I’ll cover my experience using the Google Pixel 8a at GastroBeats.
For those who have not heard about GastroBeats. It’s a vibrant festival offering a diverse culinary experience with street food, gourmet dishes, and sustainably produced options, including organic, locally-grown, and ethically sourced ingredients. Visitors can indulge in a variety of international cuisines such as Mexican tacos, Russian dumplings, and prawn noodles. Not only that, there are daily live music performances to keep the festival alive.
As for the Google Pixel 8a, its sleek design and vibrant colour options made it a stylish accessory that fits right in with the festival’s lively atmosphere. I didn’t have to worry about it slipping out of my hands or getting damaged in the bustling crowd, thanks to its durable build and excellent grip from the silicon phone cover.
Capturing the essence of GastroBeats was effortless with the Pixel 8a’s impressive camera. The 64-megapixel main lens and 13-megapixel ultrawide lens beautifully captured everything from the intricate details of gourmet dishes to the wide, colourful scenes of the festival. Taking selfies with friends in front of the food stalls was a breeze with the 13-megapixel front camera, which ensured everyone fits perfectly into the shot.
The AI-powered tools like Best Take and Magic Editor were game-changers. Best Take helped me get the perfect selfie every time by allowing me to choose the best expressions from a series of photos. Magic Editor made it simple to tweak photos on the go, whether it was repositioning subjects or enhancing backgrounds. And let’s not forget the Audio Magic Eraser, which was fantastic for removing background noise from videos, making sure I captured clear, crisp audio of the live performances.
Navigating through the festival with the Pixel 8a was seamless. The bright Actua display with its 120Hz refresh rate made scrolling through TikTok for the best food options. The built-in Google AI assistant, Gemini, was incredibly useful for quick searches, especially checking if the weather is going to be decent in the midst of rainy days, allowing me to find information without switching apps.
Security and battery life were also on point. The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chip, Titan M2 security chip, and built-in VPN provided peace of mind, keeping my data secure throughout the day. Even with heavy usage, the phone’s battery life was impressive, lasting me well into the night without needing a recharge.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 8a enhanced my GastroBeats experience in every way possible. From capturing stunning photos and videos to helping me stay organized and secure, it truly proved to be an indispensable companion to craft memories. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone to accompany you on your adventures, the Pixel 8a is worth considering.
The Google Pixel 8a is currently available at Google’s online store and is now retailing from $799.