Photo: Google
While leaks may have lessened the surprise factor, the Pixel 8A is officially here, packing Google's latest Tensor G3 processor and a slew of impressive AI features. The most exciting news? The 8A inherits the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro's phenomenal seven years of software support, an unmatched perk in the mid-range market.
The design remains familiar, but the 6.1-inch display boasts significant upgrades. The refresh rate jumps to a smooth 120Hz, and peak brightness reaches an impressive 2,000 nits, offering exceptional clarity even in bright sunlight.
This year's theme is AI innovation, and the Pixel 8A embraces it fully. It features the same AI-powered photo and video tools that debuted on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, like Best Take for flawless shots, Magic Editor for effortless edits, and Audio Magic Eraser for removing unwanted background noise. Additionally, Circle to Search for quick information retrieval and on-device AI model support via Gemini Nano (available as a future developer option) enhance the user experience.
While some specs remain unchanged (8GB RAM, 128GB storage), a welcome upgrade is the new 256GB storage option. The camera retains the dependable 64-megapixel main sensor with stabilization from the 7A. Durability is ensured with an IP67 water resistance rating, and battery life gets a slight boost to 4,492mAh (from 4,385mAh). Wireless charging remains at 7.5W via Qi 1.3.
Despite a modest price increase in Canada compared to the 7A, the 8A remains considerably cheaper than the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. It's now $679 compared to the Pixel 7a's $599 and features a $270 price difference between the 8a and the $949 Pixel 8. With the bonus $140 Google Store credit for pre-orders before May 19, the Pixel 8A offers exceptional value for a feature-packed mid-range phone.