After almost a decade and a lot of innovations, most of the smartphones hardly come with a differentiating edge. In this kind of market, you definitely want to have a device that will work for every type of activity — whether it’s gaming or photography. So, if you are looking for a smartphone with a perfect balance of all features, Google Pixel 8a should be the ideal pick.
Price and Availability of Pixel 8a:
There are four different models of pixel 8a. The price of the GKV4X and G8HHN models are $ 499.00 and £ 499.00, respectively. On the other hand, the G6GPR model is available at C$ 679.99. Besides, the G576D model costs € 549.00. The cost of Google Pixel 8a is three-tenths less than the price of Pixel 8. However, its pricing is nearly 25% higher than its 7a version.
Google debuted Pixel 7a on stage at an I/O 2023 event. So, people expected Google to repeat it this year. But the company could not wait. So, it launched Pixel 8a already on May 7th, 2024.
Design Of Pixel 8a:
This new model resembles Pixel 7a and Pixel 8, which are the closest predecessors of Google Pixel. The materials used in this model are the same as the A-series lineage. Besides, this device comes with more rounded corners, which were introduced in Google flagships 2023. This model is equipped with a rounded frame and comes in a more curved design.
However, the Pixel 7a’s boxy design is gone, while creating a gap between the Pixel 8 and the upcoming Pixel 9 series.
This model comes in the same colors as Pixel 8, including — Obsidian (black), Bay (blue) and Porcelain (white), however slightly modified. This model is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip. In addition, it is equipped with up to 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Moreover, the device has 18W wired and 7,5 watt Qi1 wireless charging.
Display:
This smartphone comes with a 1080p OLED display, which is 6.1 inches in size. In addition, the device comes with an in-display fingerprint sensor. It may sound quite similar to the Pixel 8’s Actua display and all the usual connectivity options that we expect from a modern smartphone model.
The display of this Pixel 8a is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Besides, the frame consists of aluminum, which protects the device from accidental drops and dings. Gorilla Glass 3 is much more brittle compared to the Gorilla Glass Victus ( used on Pixel 8 smartphones) or Gorilla Glass Victus 2 ( used on the Pixel 8 Pro smartphones).
This model comes with a plastic back, which can provide a matte finish and offers extra grip. However, using a durable case is recommended. This device’s IP 67 rating makes it resistant to dust and water.
Camera:
It is equipped with wide and ultrawide sensors, which are quite the same as the phone from the previous year. While the main camera is 64 MP, it comes with a 13MP camera and can provide you with a 120° field of view for group shots. This company is always working to improve its post-processing prowess. This new model is expected to come with the capability to capture great photos like the 2023 A-series device.
Software And OS Updates:
It runs Android 14. Later in this year, the device will be updated to Android 15 like other modern pixel smartphones. Google has recently rolled out several new AI features such as Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, and Circle to Search— all of which are available in the updates. However, the company is not expected to come up with anything new for this specific rollout.
But in this model you can see the Gemini Nano feature for on-device AI tools. However, the device may be limited behind developer access like the Pixel 8 smartphone.
A significant software change with this model is the updated policy of it. Google offers seven years of OS upgrades along with security updates like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro models.
This new model includes Feature Drops also. In addition, this model guaranteed software support until 2031. Thus, the smartphone has become the cheapest one that comes with such a long road ahead of it, as the A-series lineup of Samsung can offer a maximum of 5 years of security patches and four OS upgrades.
Important Features That Pixel 8a Is Available With:
-
Google One Included For Three Months:
This new model has 100 GB of cloud storage, which Google One provides for three months. Besides, it is capable of offering automatic phone backup for videos, images, contacts, etc.
-
Enjoy Three Months Of YouTube Premium:
This new model offers three months of YouTube Premium. Therefore, you can easily enjoy the YouTube videos you prefer and listen to more than a hundred million songs without any ads in the YouTube Music app. Moreover, you are able to play songs and videos in the background and when you are offline.
-
Enjoy Six Months Of Fitbit Premium:
You can enjoy Fitbit Premium for six months. This plan helps to motivate you by letting you access different wellness content like workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes, etc. Besides, the free app comes with several enhanced features that can be used to track steps and log activity on this model.
8 Things You Will Definitely Love About The Pixel 8a:
This most recent A-series model is the latest addition to the family of Pixel smartphones. Let’s see the eight things you would love about this model.
-
Excellent Screen:
You will find photos on this smartphone even better than you used to. This new Actua display of this smartphone is 40% brighter than the Google Pixel 7a. There is also an option to add text to your lock screen. You can announce who your phone belongs to, add a nice hello to yourself, write out your most favourite lyric, or leave a gentle reminder.
-
Setup Tips And Setting Prompts:
The thing you will definitely love about this model is how it helps through the setup process. You are able to start using your smartphone right away with the different prompts and suggestions. Once you buy this new model, you need to place it near the old Pixel phone. Then, you should allow it to transfer all important data wirelessly to Google Pixel 8a.
As soon as you complete the initial setup, you will be asked if you wish to enable any setting for different apps when you use them for the first time. You can even see various suggestions to trigger apps. Remember that these tips and prompts will not remain forever. These are just intros you get while using your device after setup.
-
Gemini— The Built-in Personal Assistant:
Once you download the Gemini app, you need to choose how to activate the feature. Hence, you can hold down the power button easily. Then, you can ask the app to do simple activities. For instance, the app can summarize inbox or surface info from Google Drive. You can also do creative tasks with the app, like writing a note or featuring a meal plan.
With the help of the app, you are capable of attaching images to a question. This app allows you to get more info about something you view online or in your gallery, or the photo you captured in real-time.
-
Incredible Photos And Image Editing:
Generally, Pixels can capture awesome images. It is the first A-series phone with outstanding photography and editing features using AI like Magic Editor and Best Take. Remember that AI editing is not only for images, this model comes with Audio Magic Eraser that was already available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models. This feature is capable of removing unnecessary background noise from videos.
-
Pixel Tips Are Front And Center During Setup:
Pixel Tips refer to a collection of suggestions available on Pixel to provide you with an idea of everything you have. The welcome screen of this new device during initial setup comes with a simple link directing to Pixel Tips with a “Tap for Tips” option. When you open Pixel Tips for the first time, you will get a pop-up which will ask you if you are willing to connect to any nearby Pixel device in order to get the most out of using the family of the device.
-
It Fits Perfectly In Pocket:
This model can get fitted in your pocket perfectly. The engineering team aimed to make the model the most durable so that it would last for a long time. The most incredible news is that the A-series phone has seven years of software support. The upgraded matte back of this model will feel very secure in your hand.
-
A Lot Of Storage:
Generally, when you buy an A-series phone, you get a smaller and inexpensive model with less storage. If you want to buy a pocket-friendly phone, then you will be glad to know that this latest model is available in a 256GB option. So, you are able to take many and many photos and videos.
-
Makes Scanning Simple:
You can use this smartphone as a scanner to photograph receipts, financial documents, passport photos, etc. After that, you are able to save the documents as text or PDF. You can get this feature available in a Feature Drop. As soon as you point your camera to scan the object or anything else, you will see the scan option automatically to take an image and separate the document from the thing, which is behind it.
After that, you will be able to use the Clean tool and drag your finger over areas you are willing to fix. In addition, you can see an option allowing you to remove shadows. Finally, you are able to save it to your Drive folder. Then, you can download or share it.
The Bottom Line:
In this article, we have covered almost all the features of Pixel 8a, like its design, software updates, display, camera, etc, while mentioning the eight things that you will definitely love about this model. We are assuming that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro would be the best Android smartphones that Google has ever released. If Google is able to replicate that success with this latest model, which is a mid-range variant within the Pixel 8 series, it can be one of the best devices that people can buy this year and save some cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will there be a Pixel 8a?
This model was announced on May 7, 2024, and set to ship on May 14.
- What is the body material of the pixel 8a?
The frame of this model consists of aluminium, and the back part is made of plastic. This model comes with Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
- Will the Pixel 8a have seven years of updates?
Yes, this device comes with seven years of updates from when it was first available in the United States on the Google Store. Besides, like other devices like Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a comes with OS and security updates for seven years. Moreover, the model could have new and upgraded features with Feature Drops.
