1. Turn on Smooth Display
The Pixel 8a is the first device in the Pixel A-series to offer a 120Hz refresh rate on the display. This will make scrolling, animations, and overall performance feel smoother. To turn on Smooth Display, go to Settings > Display > Smooth Display and make sure that the toggle is on.
2. Enable Notification History
Notification History allows you to go back and check on recently dismissed notifications, as well as the past 24 hours of notifications. This can be useful if you accidentally dismiss an important notification. To turn on Notification History, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification History and make sure that it’s on.
3. Play around with the wallpapers and style
The Pixel 8a comes with a number of new wallpapers, clock styles, and other fun stuff that you can tweak to make the phone feel more like “you.” To check out the new wallpapers and style settings, go to Settings > Wallpaper and Style.
4. Turn on Palm Timer in the Camera app
Palm Timer lets you take a selfie by showing your palm to the camera. This can be useful if you want to take a selfie without having to tap the shutter button. To turn on Palm Timer, go into the Camera app, select the Photo Settings, and then select More Settings. Then look for Palm Timer and change the setting to Always On.
5. Set up your Do Not Disturb mode
Do Not Disturb mode can help you silence unnecessary notifications and focus on what’s important. To set up Do Not Disturb mode, go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing and parental controls > Do Not Disturb.
6. Toggle Flip to Shhh
Flip to Shhh is a feature that automatically turns on Do Not Disturb mode when you place your phone face down on a flat surface. To turn on Flip to Shhh, go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing and parental controls > Flip to Shhh and turn the toggle on.
7. Check out Magic Editor and other photo-editing tools
The Pixel 8a comes with a number of powerful photo-editing tools, including Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Photo Unblur. Magic Editor uses generative AI to help you reposition subjects and other objects, fill in the original space, and turn a dreary gray sky into something more appealing. Magic Eraser helps you get rid of unwanted objects and people in the background, while Photo Unblur uses machine learning and facial recognition to sharpen images and clarify facial features.
8. Turn on Circle to Search
Circle to Search is an AI feature that lets you easily look up anything that is currently on the screen by circling it, tapping it, or selecting it. This is fantastic when you see something that you’re curious about, and you want to look up where to buy it or get more information on something.
9. Switch Google Assistant to Gemini
Gemini is Google’s newer, AI-powered assistant. It can help you get answers to your questions, complete tasks, and more. To switch to Gemini, go to Settings > System > Gestures > Press and hold power button and change it to Digital assistant.
10. Explore other features
The Pixel 8a has a number of other great features, including a long battery life, wireless charging, and a refreshed design with some fun new colors. Take some time to explore these features and find out what your favorite features are.
