With one Google Pixel launch out of the way in which, it is time to begin trying ahead to the longer term. And whereas we’re certain there’s lots on the desk for Google’s future {hardware} lineup — new tablets, smartwatches, foldables, you identify it — there’s one machine we all know for certain is on its means. The Pixel 8a is ready to succeed final yr’s Pixel 7a, and assuming it will get the identical consideration and care we lately noticed with the Pixel 8, it could possibly be one of many greatest finances telephones of 2024.
Though we’re nonetheless a few months away from launch, we have began to see early glimpses of what the subsequent A-series telephone would possibly appear like. From a refined design to a brand new processor, here is every part we all know concerning the Pixel 8a.
Google Pixel 8a: Design and specs
A curvier tackle final yr’s Pixel 8 design
It may be early on within the hype cycle for the Pixel 8a, however that hasn’t stopped us from getting early glances at what Google’s subsequent midrange smartphone seems like. Earlier than the corporate even had the prospect to announce the mainline Pixel 8 sequence dwell on stage, we noticed early photographs of what seems to be a Pixel 8a caught within the wild.
These photographs, which it’s best to take with a grain of salt, appear to combine parts of your entire Pixel 8 sequence with the standard A-series compromises. This mannequin seems related in dimension and form to the Pixel 8 however with curved corners that go one step additional than something Google has performed up to now. In the meantime, the entrance bezels look thicker than what shipped on the corporate’s 2023 flagships, although that is nothing new for this midrange lineup.
Corroborating these photographs are renders from the ever-reliable Onleaks, offering photographs of a tool that appears practically similar to the leaked real-world mannequin. Whereas the colour has been swapped to a Pixel 8-matching shade of pink, nearly every part else is unchanged. It is a curvier, chunkier tackle the Pixel 8 design. From the entrance, it seems like older iPhone fashions.
These early seems are consistent with what we might anticipate from a value-focused tackle the Pixel 8, and it strains up with a leaked Pixel roadmap from late 2022. That report pegged the Pixel 8a’s launch as depending on the gross sales of its predecessor, and the Pixel 7a has seemingly been a success for the corporate.
Supply: SmartPrix
And hey, why not throw in another leak for good measure? The retail field for the Pixel 8a appeared on the net in late January, showcasing the smartphone in black and that includes the identical ultra-curvy aesthetic from earlier rumors. Maybe probably the most fascinating side of this leak is not the field itself, however what the official Google render might imply for the Pixel 8a’s design. The shine alongside the left facet of this picture appears to match how the Pixel 8 Professional is featured on its field, fairly than the reflection seen on the Pixel 8’s field. This might imply the Pixel 8a will ship with a matte end, however we’ll have to attend for extra concrete leaks — extra hands-ons, principally — to verify it.
As for the Pixel 8a’s specs, do not anticipate something out of the unusual. Google’s Tensor G3 SoC looks as if a lock — the corporate has but to distinguish the A-series with an older processor — as does 8GB of RAM. In most respects, the Pixel 7a was constructed to deliver Google’s midrange lineup nearer in energy to the mainline sequence, including a quicker 90Hz refresh charge and 5W wi-fi charging. Latest rumors forward of I/O recommend we’re transferring to a 120Hz panel this yr, alongside a peak HDR brightness degree of 1,400 nits. That is an enormous leap from the Pixel 7a’s 1,000 nits score, matching the Pixel 8’s panel useless on. Hopefully the general high quality of Google’s midrange display screen follows go well with, as I discovered the Pixel 7a had a fairly mediocre show in comparison with the remainder of the lineup.
Lastly, leaked retailer information suggests the Pixel 8a will are available in Obsidian, Porcelan, Bay, and Mint — no large surprises in comparison with the remainder of the Pixel 8 lineup. These shades match up with some leaked wallpapers for Google’s subsequent midrange machine, so anybody hoping for brand new colours to reach for Pixel should hold holding their breath for the Pixel 9.
Google Pixel 8a: Software program
It is all about AI, child
The Pixel 8a will ship working Android 14 — that a lot is definite. Because of its assumed Tensor G3 processor, we additionally anticipate to see it get Google’s similar seven-year OS improve promise, bringing assist for the corporate’s subsequent midrange telephone into 2031.
Nonetheless, issues get a little bit blurry from right here. Google started guaranteeing options unique to the Pixel 8 Professional final yr regardless of the Pixel 8 utilizing the identical processor. It is protected to say that instruments like Zoom Improve and Video Increase will not come to the Pixel 8a, simply as they don’t seem to be headed to the Pixel 8.
However might Google take this a step additional? As we have seen, the corporate now appears keen to divide options between {hardware}, even when methods like Video Increase are dealt with within the cloud. Might we dwell in a world the place one thing like Magic Editor is restricted to the flagship telephones, leaving A-series clients with out one of many firm’s marquee photograph instruments?
Nicely, most likely not. Till we hear concrete rumors about Google’s plans for the Pixel 8a’s software program, it is actually not time to panic. However in case you anticipate to see Professional-level options trickle right down to the A-series, you may be disenchanted.
Google Pixel 8a: Cameras
Follow the established order
Because of Google’s post-processing magic, the sensors within the Pixel 8a do not matter as a lot as what occurs after you faucet the shutter button. To that finish, we would not anticipate the corporate to vary a lot when it comes to {hardware}. The identical 64MP f/1.9 principal sensor because the final technology paired with an ultra-wide lens is what we’ll see this yr, in line with the identical studies that introduced us phrase of that brighter, quicker show.
This should not come as a lot of a shock. Till lately, Google had a behavior of utilizing the identical group of sensors for a number of generations at a time. Fortunately, new sensors aren’t the place the corporate’s images expertise shine anyway.
Google Pixel 8a: Value and launch date
You may be paying extra in your subsequent Pixel
Google delivered value hikes to the Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Professional all through 2023, and initially, our instincts steered that these numbers have been more likely to maintain, no less than for a technology. In any case, at $500, $700, and $1,000 respectively these present tiers made loads of sense for Google.
Sadly, which may not be the case. In line with German retailer leaks, the Pixel 8a might begin round 570 euros — seemingly $550 within the US. That is one more value hike for a telephone lineup that is imagined to be about affordability above all else. Contemplating the stiff competitors from equally priced units just like the OnePlus 12R, Google might need its work lower out for it. On the very least, it sounds prefer it’ll be in new areas, together with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Not too shabby.
As for the discharge date, pencil in a unfastened summer season schedule this yr. Though the A-series at all times sticks to a mid-year launch, that date has a behavior of flexing and transferring across the calendar. That mentioned, Google I/O is confirmed for Might 14th, and contemplating the Pixel 7a launched day-and-date with that occasion, do not be shocked if we see a repeat this yr. 4 totally different Google-made smartphone fashions lately handed via the FCC — seemingly varied Pixel 8a models designed for various areas or carriers — which strains up completely with a spring launch.
Google’s greatest Pixel options, however cheaper
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional are a few of the greatest Android telephones Google has ever launched, and we’re guessing it is solely the start. If Google can replicate that success on its subsequent A-series telephone, it may be the most effective units you should purchase this yr, all whereas saving you some money within the course of. Solely time will inform, however contemplating this can be a Pixel launch, anticipate to listen to lots concerning the Pixel 8a main as much as its inevitable arrival.
We have up to date this information with new details about the Pixel 8a’s show, availability, digicam specs, and potential launch at I/O.
If you’re in search of a brand new machine at a midrange value, the Google Pixel 7a checks off all of the containers. It has a incredible digicam system, sturdy energy, nice software program assist, and good battery life. It might be midrange in value however feels nearer to its flagship siblings total.
Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 is Google’s greatest telephone but, and it is probably the most distinct common mannequin when in comparison with the Professional model. It comes with an exquisite kind issue that matches properly within the fingers and has the standard software program prowess that you simply anticipate from a Pixel.
Google Pixel 8 Professional
The Google Pixel 8 Professional is the corporate’s newest flagship, boasting a brand new Tensor G3 chip, a brighter display screen, and a brand new digicam array able to capturing much more mild. As common, the true energy lies in Google’s Tensor chip, which affords much more photograph enhancement and picture modifying options.
