Some time ago it seemed that Google Pixel 7a would be the last smartphone of Google’s Pixel A series. However, recent rumors indicate that this may no longer be the case.
As a result, we are likely to see the release of the Google Pixel 8a in the coming year. What can we expect from this new budget phone in terms of its specs, design, price and more? Let’s take a closer look at everything we know (so far) about the Google Pixel 8a.
Google Pixel 8a: release date
It is well known that Google has a history of releasing new Pixel models every year, always with better features and improvements than the previous one. The latest addition to the Pixel A series, the Pixel 7a, was released in May this year, while the Pixel 6a debuted in July 2022. Pixel 5a, on the other hand, was launched in August 2021, and Pixel 4a was revealed. In August 2020.
According to previous release schedules, it can be assumed that the Pixel 8a will arrive in late spring or summer next year. If we had to guess, we’d probably see the Pixel 8a announced during Google’s annual I/O developer conference in May 2024.
Google Pixel 8a: price
Google has been inconsistent in the pricing of its A series smartphones compared to its regular Pixel series. For example, at launch, the Pixel 7a was priced at $499, while the Pixel 7 had a starting price of $599. The $100 difference in price between the two smartphones was enough to make the Pixel 7a a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
However, at one point, Google dropped the price of the Pixel 7a to $444 and the Pixel 7 to $449, making the prices much more comparable. This closeness in price is what led some to believe that the A series Pixels were no longer necessary in the Pixel lineup.
Fast forward to the present, we have Google’s latest release, the Google Pixel 8, which is priced at $699. That’s $100 more than the Pixel 7 when it first launched, and suggests that Google may have realized that the Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 were priced too similarly. As a result, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Pixel 8a priced the same as the Pixel 7a at $499, or a maximum of $549. Anything more than that will make it less likely that someone will want to choose the Pixel 8a over the Pixel 8.
Google Pixel 8a: Design
The regular Pixel lineup generally inspired the design of the A series. As a result, it is safe to assume that the Pixel 8a will be quite similar to the Pixel 8. In September, ahead of the release of the Pixel 8, a Pixel 8a leak showed a phone with noticeably rounded corners. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro also have more rounded corners than their predecessors.
Google will likely use a combination of materials for the Pixel 8a. Some materials may match those used for the Pixel 8, while others may be less expensive to bring down the price. You’ll likely notice thicker front bezels on the Pixel 8a than more expensive models.
The renders and hands-on photos above give a pretty good indication of what the Google Pixel 8a will look like – that is, similar to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
Google Pixel 8a: specs
The upcoming Pixel 8a is expected to be equipped with Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, which is also found in other devices in the Pixel 8 series. However, there is unlikely to be any improvement in its refresh rate (90Hz) or wireless charging (7.5 Watts) capabilities. For better performance in these areas you will have to spend a little more.
The display of the Google Pixel 8a is expected to remain the same size (6.1 inches diagonally), with some minor upgrades in terms of materials. Although the Pixel 7a uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for its cover glass, the Pixel 8a will likely feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, the same cover glass found on the Pixel 8.
Like the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a is expected to be available with only 128GB of storage. By comparison, the Pixel 8 offers 128GB or 256GB of storage.
Google Pixel 8a: cameras
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro come with various camera updates, some of which may be included in the Pixel 8a. However, consider that most, if not all, of these features will not make the jump.
Pixel 8a users may benefit from a larger ultrawide lens, which will improve macro focus. Additionally, the front-facing camera can now feature autofocus for the first time since it was introduced on the Pixel 8 Pro. Best Tech, a highly touted new camera software feature on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, may also be included in the Pixel 8a. Best Tech automatically blends similar images to make sure everyone in the photo looks their best. Another new feature is the Magic Editor, which is available on Google Photos. It uses AI to provide a unique and experimental editing experience.
It’s hard to say which of these features will come to the Pixel 8a, but it’s at least safe to assume Some? Will be among them.
Google Pixel 8a: Battery
The Pixel 7a is equipped with a 4,385mAh battery, which is actually slightly smaller than the one featured in the Pixel 6a. There may be similar size adjustments for the Pixel 8a, but overall battery performance is not expected to change.
Google promises a day of battery life with the Pixel 7a, and that’s likely to be the case with the next model. The Pixel 7a also supports 18W fast charging and 7.5W wireless charging via cable; These features are also expected to be retained.
Google Pixel 8a: Software and updates
A clean version of Android 14 is expected to grace the Pixel 8a, just like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It’s not known whether Google will promise seven years of operating system updates, feature drops, and overall support, as it does with these more expensive handsets.
Like the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 7a includes five years of software support, which includes three years of Android OS updates and five years of monthly security updates.
