Nice hardware but the software needs to be improved. It glitches all the time. Apps need to be opened twice, the first time they don't stop loading and the second time they actually open. Audio recordings will cancel instead of stop. My google assistant doesn't work. My truck drops the phone from Bluetooth - all 5 other phones connected do not have this problem. All the software is up to date. Super frustrating.
Very impressed with my new Google 8a. I switched from an Apple XR and changed phone numbers at the same time. Much to my surprise the 8a can port over contacts, apps, notes, pics etc from Apple to Android. I connected a cable between phones when instructed during the change -over and it just worked. Apart from re-entering passwords, it was a seamless transition. The new phone has the same swipes for app management as Apple, so there was no learning curve on operating the new phone. Access by finger on the screen is really fast and reliable. It also has the backup of face recognition, or pin. Of course the camera is great. It has a cool feature, where you can paint out small things in picture that you want to remove from the picture. Overall, it's a well thought out, well built, quality phone. Don't see the reason to send more money on an Apple or Samsung.
If you are thinking about buying a good phone with good price, this is it!!!! I do prefer to buy online as Bestbuy gives you cash back cuopon or gift card options, I chose cash back discount option. So look for specials from Bestbuy from time to time.
Being a Google phone set up was quick and easy. What was a nice surprise was the ease with which it was able to transfer data from my old Samsung phone. All my apps installed seamlessly with the only requirement being I had to log back into each of them on first use with the new phone. It works perfectly as a digital key for our car it takes very nice photos. I especially like how it's lightweight and not as cumbersome as larger phones. A more comfortable fit in the pocket. Also excellent battery life, even when streaming. Only reason for a 4 rating is it lacks a slot for an SD card. Not a big issue as things like photos are all backed to the cloud, but having it would have been the added convenience to make it a perfect fit. I'm very happy with the purchase.