A week before its annual developers’ conference, Google has released the Google Pixel 8a, a new budget-friendly phone in its Pixel-A series. The Pixel 8a maintains the series’ distinctive look with a horizontal camera island on the back, but it comes in a more compact and lightweight package with rounded corners.
The most significant changes are in the display, processor, and battery. The OLED screen retains its 6.1-inch size and 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution, but the refresh rate has been increased to 120Hz, up from 90Hz on the Google Pixel 7a. This HDR-ready screen provides a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Google has equipped the Pixel 8a with a larger 4,492 mAh battery, which is expected to last 24 hours on a single charge and supports wireless charging. The RAM remains at 8GB, but storage options now include 128GB and 256GB, an upgrade from the Pixel 7a’s sole 128GB storage configuration.
Powering the Pixel 8a is the third-generation Tensor G3 chip, which also drives the flagship Pixel 8 series smartphones. However, the camera hardware remains unchanged, with a 64-megapixel primary sensor accompanied by a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens on the rear and a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.
The feature set is largely similar, with the addition of new AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser. The Pixel 8a surpasses the Pixel 7a in terms of software support, receiving seven years of Android OS updates and security patches, matching the mainline Pixel phones.
Despite this extended software support, it’s important to note that hardware limitations may prevent the Pixel 8a from accessing all features available on the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, particularly those centered around AI and camera capabilities.
The Pixel 8a comes in obsidian, porcelain, bay, and a new aloe color, with an IP67-certified build protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and an aluminum frame. Preorders are now available, and the phone will begin shipping to customers on May 14, starting at the same $499 price point as its predecessor.
