Google has recently launched the Pixel 8 Series smartphones globally. Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro will go on sale this coming week in India as well as around the world. However, even before the newest pixels could hit the market, details about the 3rd member of the Pixel 8 Series have been unearthed. Smartprix in collaboration with OnLeaks has exclusively come across a 360-degree video and design renders of Google Pixel 8a.
In this write-up, we will talk about what we know about Pixel 8a so far, what we expect Google would give, and what we would like to see in Pixel 8a. Before that have a look at the launch timeline and expected price of the smartphone.
Google Pixel 8a Launch Timeline
Considering the fact that Google Pixel 7a launched in 2023 itself, it might be 2025 when Google Pixel 8a actually sees the light of the day. In fact, earlier there were strong rumors that Google might be putting an end to making budget ‘a’ series pixel phones altogether, but seems like those weren’t true. Also since renders and details about Pixel 8a have started surfacing it indeed confirms that the smartphone will arrive sooner or later.
Considering the launch dates of previous Pixel A series devices, Google might launch the Pixel 8a in May next year during I/O 2024. If this has to happen, more details about the Pixel 8a will be out in 2023 itself.
Google Pixel 8a Expected price
Google has never launched a Pixel series phone that costs above $500 (approx Rs. 42,000). So, whenever the Pixel 8a launches, it might cost the same as its predecessor Pixel 7a, which is 499 USD. Since the aim of the ‘a’ series phones is to provide the Pixel experience at affordable prices, the Google Pixel 8a will also follow the trend and stay affordable.
For now, if you want to own a budget phone made by Google, Google Pixel 7a is your only bet.
ALSO READ: Google Pixel 8 will be available for as low as Rs. 64,999 on Flipkart: Here’s how to grab the deal
Google Pixel 8a What We Know So Far
Design
The renders shared above clearly show some minor design changes for Pixel 8a. The camera visor is intact and its dimensions coming in at 152.1×72.6×8.9mm mean that the phone will be a touch smaller, wider, and slimmer than Pixel 7a. Pixel 7a had dimensions of 152.4×72.9×9.0mm.
The rear panel has a camera visor that houses 2 camera sensors and on the front is a circa 6.1-inch flat screen design with a hole-punch camera cutout towards the top of the display, with relatively thin bezels on the sides and a small chin on the bottom.
Like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 8a will also have a redesigned body with rounded corners, departing from the boxy shape of its predecessor. The display is a 2.5D curved glass while the USB Type-C and stereo speakers are located on the bottom edge. The top edge has an ultra-wideband Antenna and earpiece while the right edge houses a power button and volume rocker. There is a Google logo at the back and a SIM tray on the left edge. Cellular antenna bands are visible in the top, left, and right-hand side edges of the smartphone.
Specifications
As for specs, Google Pixel 8a will be powered by an underclocked model of the Tensor G3 chipset with Mali-G715 GPU. The smartphone will come with 8GB RAM and runs Android 14. It has achieved a Geekbench score of 1218 for single-core and 3175 for multi-core performance.
Google Pixel 8a: What Google Might Upgrade
Historically Pixel A Series phones come with a design similar to other members of the Pixel family. This time around Pixel 8a is expected to have a design that is a fusion of Google Pixel 7a and Pixel 8. It might have an aluminum camera bar, iPhone-like corners, similar colorways, and more.
Pixel 8a might have a similar camera lens to Pixel 7a. Since the software on all Pixels will be the same, Pixel 8a would be able to do everything Pixel 8a can unless the hardware is unable.
Google might launch Pixel 8a with Android 14 out of the box. 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is also expected for Pixel 8a.
Google Pixel 8a: What we would like to see
While expecting anything from Google Pixel 8a, we have to keep in mind that though we would expect it to be better than Pixel 7a, it can’t be Pixel 8 as well as it will cost less.
Better Camera than Pixel 7a
While we can’t expect Pixel 8a to have Pixel 8’s camera setup Google can surely bring Pixel 7’s camera setup to Pixel 8a. This will be an improvement over Pixel 7a in terms of camera performance. Pixel 7 comes with a 50MP main and a 12MP ultra-wide lens at the back and a 10.8MP selfie camera at the front. Otherwise, if Google transfers Pixel 7a’s camera setup to Pixel 8a, it would be totally disappointing.
Better Thermal performance
Google’s Tensor processors particularly falter in terms of thermal performance when gaming. They get very warm during gaming sessions. This should be improved with Pixel 8a.
Faster Charging
Pixel phones support very slow wired charging as compared to competitors from other brands. We would genuinely like Pixel 8a to do better in terms of wired charging speed. While Pixel 7a had 18W capability, Pixel 8a having a 30W charging speed would be likable. As for wireless charging speed, a 10 or 15W wireless charging would be a decent upgrade.
OS & Security Updates
Google has announced 7 years of OS and security updates for its Pixel 8 Series. We would like the same to extend to Pixel 8a as well.
Larger Battery
Pixel 7a had a 4385mAh battery, so Pixel 8a packing a larger battery would be good. At least a 4500mAh battery will give a longer battery life.
WiFi 7 Connectivity
We would want Pixel 8a to support WiFi 7 for faster and better transmission of data.
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