*the image above is the Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 8a Intro
The series has enjoyed tremendous success to this day, and the next model we’re eagerly expecting is the Pixel 8a. The phone is just around the corner, and it will give all midrangers a serious run for their money.
We expect the Pixel 8a to launch sometime in May, so there’s still time, but today we’re going to offer you a little preview and summarize everything we know about the Pixel 8a. This piece will expand to a full-blown review as soon as we lay our hands on the Pixel 8a, so stay tuned for that as well.
Table of Contents:
Google Pixel 8a Specs
AI magic for the masses
Let’s start with an overview of the expected Google Pixel 8a specs:
| Specs | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|
| Size and Weight | 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm |
| Display | 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Tensor G3 |
| Software | Android 14 |
| Cameras | 64 MP OIS main 13 MP ultrawide |
| Battery Size | 4,500 mAh |
| Charging Speeds | 27 wired charging 7.5W wireless |
| Prices | 8/128GB for $499 |
* expected specifications
Google Pixel 8a Design and Display
120 Hz for everyone!
According to the latest info, the Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED with a peak brightness of 1,400 nits. The usual camera cutout sits at the upper center of the display. We’ll have to test this claim, so stay tuned for our display tests.
Regarding the design and the overall materials of the Pixel 8a, there’s nothing groundbreaking; the model follows in the footsteps of the design philosophy started with the Pixel 6, and overall looks very similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 7a. Looking at the shape of the phone, it’s a little more rounded on the back and also on the sides.
The camera bar is still present, with an oval cutout for the two cameras. The overall shape and button layout scream Pixel, so you’re getting a very distinct design in a world where smartphones all kind of look the same, which is a bonus.
As far as colors are concerned, the phone is available in bay (light blue), mint (light green), obsidian (black), and porcelain (beige), and they all look very hip, especially the blue version that will further make the Pixel 8a pop up in the crowd.
The Pixel 8a relies on the same under-display biometric tech as its predecessors. There have been some issues with the fingerprint scanner of the early Pixel 6 models, but Google has addressed all of these, so you’ll be fine. Face unlock was introduced on the A-series Pixels with the Pixel 7a, and it’s onboard here as well.
Google Pixel 8a Camera
It’s all in the algorithms
We don’t have any samples to show you yet, but if you want to get a little taste of what’s to come, you can check out the Pixel 7a review and scroll down to the camera section.
Of course, we expect major AI features to come to the Pixel 8a that will improve image and video quality drastically (Gemini Nano), so we have to wait and snap some pics and videos ourselves before we make our final comments on the Pixel 8a camera (and post our camera score).
The selfie camera is expected to be carried over as well—a 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm equivalent ultrawide snapper.
Google Pixel 8a Performance & Benchmarks
Third generation Tensor
The storage and RAM situation is pretty standard, with two main storage options – 128GB and 256GB, both coupled with 8GB of RAM. There are no bonus features, such as a microSD card slot or a 3.5mm audio jack, but we’re all used to not having those by now.
We might see better thermal performance and efficiency, as Google now has some data and feedback from the Pixel 8 series, and the dimensions and cooling system of the Pixel 8a might contribute to slightly better benchmark scores compared to the first iteration of the Tensor G3 inside the flagship Pixel 8, but we’ll have to wait and run those benchmarks to see if this hypothesis holds true.
Google Pixel 8a Software
You can get a sense of what’s to come by checking out this piece on the expected AI features Google is cooking up for its next phones, but all in all, we might get the new AI-driven Pixie assistant on the Pixel 8a, managing all AI features, such as live translation and transcription, contextual AI search in images, text summaries and suggestions, and many more.
The software support cycle is another hot topic that actually Google started with the seven-year OS updates promise for the Pixel 8 series, so we expect all Pixel phones from now on to offer the same lengthy support, Pixel 8a included.
Google Pixel 8a Battery
A welcome increase
When it comes to charging, we have more good news: the Pixel 8a will inherit the 27W fast charging support from the Pixel 8 series, upgrading the 18W charging we had on the Pixel 7a. There will be wireless charging onboard as well, but we’re still not sure whether it will support 7.5W or double that power and offer 15W.
Google Pixel 8a Audio Quality and Haptics
There’s the usual stereo speaker setup found on the Pixel 8a, where the earpiece doubles as a second speaker, while there’s a bigger bottom-firing loudspeaker doing the heavy lifting. Judging from the Pixel 7a, this setup does the job, and we don’t expect major changes in that regard. The same goes for the haptic motor inside.
Should you buy it?
However, there aren’t many models at that price point to offer a sophisticated AI built inside, and other companies will have to play catch-up in order to be competitive.
