Google phones are often known for leaking before launch, and the Pixel 8a is no exception. The tech giant is all set to unveil the upcoming budget phone at Google I/O 2024, which begins on May 14. Here’s everything we know about the Google Pixel 8a so far, from its curved design to its AI capabilities.
Curvier design
Google’s Pixel A series devices often take inspiration from the latest entry in the series, meaning the Pixel 8a will have more noticeable curves compared to its predecessor. We’ve already seen several renders of the upcoming device suggesting the same, which also suggests that the Pixel 8a will have a much more curved design compared to the rectangular Pixel 7a. It is also expected to offer the same IP67 water and dust resistance as the Pixel 8 series.
However, unlike the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which both have uniform bezels, leaked renders suggest that the Pixel 8a will have a shorter end. Google plans to differentiate its lineup by introducing a large bottom chin.
Faster processor and better display
The Google Pixel 8a is said to feature a slightly underclocked version of the Tensor G3 chipset backed by a Mali-G715 GPU. While Google’s proprietary chipset may not beat the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 when it comes to raw performance, we noted in our Pixel 8 review that it handles everyday tasks without lag or stuttering.
While the Pixel 8a will have the same 6.1-inch AMOLED screen as its predecessor, the tech giant is said to finally bump up the refresh rate from 90Hz to 120Hz, bringing the upcoming phone in line with other devices in its price range.
The device is also said to offer 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but some rumors suggest that the Pixel 8a could be Google’s first budget phone to offer up to 256GB of storage.
AI features
According to a recent report by Android Headlines, the phone will offer the same AI features as the Pixel 8 series, with a leaked ad suggesting that features like Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, and Night Sight will be available on the Pixel 8a. And for those wondering, the ad also hints that Circle to Search will be available on the upcoming device.
Dual camera settings
Over the past few months, several leaked renders and speculations have suggested that the Pixel 8a will have the same camera setup as its predecessor. This means that the upcoming device may feature a 64MP primary camera accompanied by a 13MP ultra-wide shooter.
7 years of security updates
When Google introduced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro last year, the tech giant promised that the devices would receive 7 years of OS updates and security patches. Nevertheless, it appears that the prominent technology corporation will not be providing equivalent assistance for its forthcoming cost-effective equipment.
The leaked ad suggests that while the Pixel 8a will get seven years of security updates, there’s no word on OS updates. This could mean that, like its predecessor, the tech giant may only offer 4 years of OS updates, but this is all just speculation at this point, and things could change when Google officially launches the phone.
Price and release date
Since Google often launches its budget phones a day or two after its annual developer conference, we could see the Pixel 8a hit the market somewhere around May 16, as confirmed by recently leaked promotional material for the phone.
As for the price, a recent leak from a Canadian retailer suggests that the Pixel 8a will cost more or less the same as the Pixel 7a, which means the phone is likely to be priced somewhere around Rs 50,000 at launch.
