I’m currently on the market for a new phone and I see stores selling a Pixel 8 for $500.
It’s on the higher end of what I want to pay, but I see it has extended support over the Pixel 7.
I also see the Pixel 8a is $400, which is a nicer price for me, but since my plan is to use the phone long term, I figure the mainline model has sturdier build quality. There is also the upcoming Pixel 9a for $500, if I’m willing to wait and get the cheaper model branch but with the most modern features.

Can someone with experience using these phones help me pick something? I’ve never owned a pixel and looking online it seems like they each have their own issues to contend with. But I like the custom rom support I see for these phones that would give it a far extended lifetime over most other brands out there.

EDIT (Dec24):
Thank you everyone for your opinions. I saw the support for the Pixel 7 and decided to buy one on swappa over the Pixel 8. And since support for the pixel 7 ends in less than 3 years, I’ll probably install GrapheneOS right off the bat. I also did research on Sub-6 vs mmWave as I saw both models were offered and decided on Sub-6 as the more practical technology. Looking forward to this.

  • VivianRixia@piefed.socialOP
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    3 days ago

    oh, I hate AI nonsense, that’s not even on the list of features I’m interested in. I heard the Pixel 9 had much better battery life and didn’t have overheating issues like the 8 did. Though the full pixel 9 is pricier than I am willing to spend at this time.

    • zipzoopaboop@lemmynsfw.com
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      3 days ago

      My battery does usually last 2 days so I’d say it’s pretty good. It does sometimes get hot sometimes and once refused to charge due to overheating. Had it less than a month