Confused Between Pixel 8a, Galaxy S23 FE, and Nothing Phone 2a – Which One Should I Buy?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide on my next smartphone and I could really use some honest opinions from this awesome community. I’m currently using a mid-range Android phone that’s about 3 years old, and I’m finally ready to upgrade.

I’ve narrowed it down to three options: the Google Pixel 8a, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, and the Nothing Phone 2a. My budget is around $500–$600 and I’m not a heavy gamer, but I do use my phone a lot for social media, photography (especially in low light), video calling, and occasional work-related tasks like email and note-taking.

What matters most to me:

• Camera quality (especially low-light performance)
• Battery life
• Software experience and updates
• Performance for everyday tasks
• Build quality and design

I’m leaning slightly toward the Pixel 8a because of the camera and software, but I’ve heard it gets warm sometimes and the charging speed isn’t great. The Galaxy S23 FE looks like a balanced pick, but I’m worried about Samsung’s bloatware and battery life. The Nothing Phone 2a seems unique and fresh, but I’m unsure about long-term support and camera microstrategy training consistency.

If you’ve used any of these phones (or all of them!), I’d love to hear your experience. Also, are there any other options I should consider in this price range?

Thanks in advance for your input! Really appreciate it.