Google’s more affordable version of the Pixel has been a benchmark for mid-range phones in recent years.
But, as we look forward to the next iteration, some rumours are beginning to emerge that it might not appear at all.
So, what is Google up to? Here’s everything we know so far about the Pixel 8a.
When will the Google Pixel 8a be released?
Google has been reasonably steady with its release schedule for the Pixel A range recently. The company seems to have settled into a pattern where we see the new model unveiled at the event in May.
And indeed, it has just been announced that this year’s Google I/O will take place on 14 May 2024. It is expected that this is when the Pixel 8a will be unveiled alongside Android 15 and other updates from the company including Gemini AI.
However, there can be a slight delay before it reaches customers. Here’s when the last few generations were available to buy:
On the other hand, a report from Android Authority outlined a leaked roadmap for the next few years of Pixel phones, with a significant change to the A range. It seems that Google will be watching the sales of the Pixel 7a closely, with the possibility of it switching to biannual releases of the A range rather than the yearly rate we have at the moment.
This actually makes some sense, as many people hold onto their phones for more than just a year, plus it would mean that Google could make more impressive updates with each new model as two years would have passed since the last one.
If that proves to be the case, we might actually not see the Pixel 8a until May 2025. And by then, Google might call it the Pixel 9a instead, as leaker Yogesh Brar suggests.
How much will the Google Pixel 8a cost?
The Pixel A phones are pitched as an affordable alternative to the flagships, and sit firmly in the mid-range market. That’s unlikely to change on the Pixel 8a (if it arrives), though there could be some small price rises compared to previous generations:
- Pixel 7a – $499/£449
- Pixel 6a – $449/£399
- Pixel 5a – $449 (no UK release)
- Pixel 4a – $349/£349
However, as good as the Pixel A handsets are, there’s plenty of competition in Europe from the likes of Xiaomi, Motorola and Oppo. Google won’t want to increase in the price of the Pixel 8a too much to ensure it still remains competitive.
What specs and features will the Google Pixel 8a have?
With a potential launch not far away, there are plenty of rumours regarding what to expect with the Pixel 8a. Particularly promising is a recent report from Android Authority, which reveals the key features of this phone.
Design
The Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 were quite close in terms of specs, so a gently stripped back version of the Pixel 8 could be an indicator of what the Pixel 8a will look like. Its design will probably resemble that of the Pixel 8, just with a smaller overall size.
In September 2023, leaked images from Abhishek Yadav on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that the design of the Pixel 8a will incorporate elements from both the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8.
That means rounded corners, the aluminium visor camera bar, and a blue colour option that resembles the Sky Blue colour of the Pixel 7a. Of course, we can anticipate other colour choices, although it’s still too early to predict what these might be.
In October 2023, renders from OnLeaks (published by Smartprix) reveal the Pixel 8a in Rose/Pink colour with some minor design alterations. The images suggest the device will be more slender and compact than the Pixel 8. The display will supposedly be 6.1in, with the total dimensions of the phone at 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm.
On the rear panel, that camera visor accommodates two camera sensors, while on the front, you’ll find a flat screen design featuring a hole-punch camera cut-out near the top of the display. The device also boasts relatively thin bezels on the sides and a small chin at the bottom.
A leaked retail box image, posted by Chun Bhai on his X (formerly Twitter) feed, supports these leaks, revealing the Pixel 8a in black colour option with rounded edges.
Display
The Pixel 7a introduced a 90Hz display, addressing a major complaint about its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. According to source inside Google (via Android Authority), Google is taking it further with the Pixel 8a by upgrading it to a 120Hz OLED panel with 1,400 nits peak HDR brightness, matching the specs of the higher-end Pixel 8.
The display is likely sourced from BOE and Samsung. Additionally, the display’s corner radius has been increased to align more closely with the Pixel 8 series design.
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Performance
Given that the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7a received processors after their flagship counterparts, we’d expect the Pixel 8a to get the Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro.
According to the Android Authority report mentioned above, the newly installed chipset in the Pixel 8a boasts significant improvements, particularly in the CPU department. Google has replaced the older Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A55 cores with newer, faster, and more power-efficient 2022 cores, transitioning from a 2+2+4 setup to a 1+4+4 configuration, resulting in a notably faster chip.
Additionally, the Tensor G3 brings various enhancements over its predecessor, including a newer Mali-G715 GPU, a Samsung Modem 5300, AV1 encoding support up to 4K/60fps, an upgraded TPU, and a new DSP for image processing tasks.
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
However, unlike the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 8a utilizes a slightly different version of the G3, featuring IPoP (Integrated Package on Package) instead of FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging). While IPoP may be thicker and hotter, it is also more cost-effective, explaining the choice.
Despite these differences, the performance disparity between the chips should be minimal, with the Pixel 8a still enjoying a significant upgrade in processing power.
We’d also expect the 8GB/128GB configuration to remain standard on the Pixel 8a. Leaked Geekbench benchmarks of the “Google Akita” (which Android Authority believes is the internal codename for the Pixel 8a) seem to back this up.
Cameras
Cameras are always a big deal with Pixel phones, including the A series. Current setup in the Pixel 7a include a 64Mp main, 13Mp ultrawide and 13Mp selfie cameras.
It was also a significant upgrade last year, as the Pixel 7a replaced an outdated 12Mp Sony IMX363 sensor with a more contemporary 64Mp Sony IMX787 setup.
This year, according to source cited by Android Authority, the Pixel 8a will retain the same camera configuration, albeit with potential processing enhancements courtesy of the Tensor G3 processor, offering incremental improvements in picture quality.
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Battery & charging
According to a report from MySmartPrice, there’s a certification for an upcoming, unidentified Pixel model.
It has a battery capacity of 4942mAh, which would be a big increase compared to both the Pixel 7a (4385mAh) and regular Pixel 8 (4575mAh).
However, this could a certification for the upcoming Pixel Fold 2, instead.
Elsewhere, the 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are expected the remain the same as in the Pixel 7a. They’re not particularly quick, though.
Software
If it arrives before the end of the summer, the Pixel 8a will almost certainly run Android 14. But any later, and it’ll probably be the upcoming Android 15.
While Google offers seven years of both OS and security updates for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, there’s no guarantee that’ll also be available on the cheaper phone. But you can expect at least the Pixel 7a’s three years of OS and five years of security updates, which is still respectable.
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Dominic Preston / Foundry
Connectivity
The Pixel 8 series introduced DisplayPort output support, a feature eagerly awaited by power users. Although unused at launch, Google has recently enabled it in a limited form through a beta release of Android 14 QPR3.
This commitment is further evidenced by the inclusion of DisplayPort output support in the Pixel 8a, as claims the report from Android Authority. While not as comprehensive as some desired, such as a Samsung DeX-like desktop mode, this move indicates Google’s commitment to enhancing the feature’s utility over time.
That’s all we have at the moment, but we’ll be updating this article with more details as they become available. To see what the Pixel 8a will be up against, be sure to also check out our round-up of the best mid-range phones.
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