The existence of the Google Pixel 8a isn’t confirmed yet, and there are uncertainties about whether it will ever become a reality. Some sources suggest that Google might decide to skip the Pixel 8a and switch to releasing affordable A series phones every two years, following a pattern similar to Apple’s iPhone SE program. This could mean waiting until 2025 for the next budget-friendly Pixel phone, possibly named the Pixel 9a.
However, there are also indications that hint at the ongoing development of the Pixel 8a, including leaked benchmarks and images. If the Pixel 8a does indeed become a reality, we expect it to be officially announced in May 2024, as the previous two models were revealed in May of their respective release years. The expected price tag for the Pixel 8a will likely be around $499 / £449 / AU$749, mirroring its predecessor’s cost.
Design and display
The images that have surfaced of the Pixel 8a reveal a design that closely resembles that of the Google Pixel 7a. It features a plastic back, a fingerprint scanner on the rear, and a square-shaped camera module. The primary distinction lies in the color scheme, which appears to be a light blue hue with a darker blue accent adorning the power button.
We anticipate the Pixel 8a to sport a 6.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. We expect it to offer a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. Additionally, the screen will likely incorporate a hole-punch cutout in the top left corner to accommodate the selfie camera.
Camera and battery
The camera on the Google Pixel 8a is a key attraction of the A series phones, delivering similar performance to the top-tier models but at a more budget-friendly price point. We anticipate equipping the Pixel 8a with a dual rear camera. 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide) and 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) featuring optical image stabilization. Additionally, it will sport a 13MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The camera will also offer functionalities like Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Astrophotography.
We expect to equip the Pixel 8a with a 4,680mAh battery unit, which supports 18W fast charging through USB-C. The phone will also come with wireless charging capabilities and the ability to reverse wireless charge other devices.
Performance and software
We anticipate the Pixel 8a to deliver enhanced performance compared to the Pixel 7a, thanks to a fresh chipset and increased RAM. We expect the phone to be driven by the Tensor G3 processor, Google’s custom-made chip introduced with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Tensor G3 promises superior AI and machine learning capabilities compared to previous Snapdragon chips.
Moreover, the phone is expected to come with 8GB of RAM and storage options of either 128GB or 256 GB. It will come pre-loaded with Android 14, and Google ensures updates for seven years from the initial release.
Other features
The Google Pixel 8a will come with several standard features found in most mid-range phones, including a headphone jack, stereo speakers, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, and a dual-SIM slot. Additionally, it will boast an IP67 rating, ensuring resistance to water and dust.
However, the phone won’t include certain features that are exclusive to flagship models, such as an ultra-wide or telephoto camera, a high-end display with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, or face unlock capabilities.