You Can Now Pre-Order the Pixel 8a
Google’s annual budget phone update is here, this time making the Pixel 8 a little more affordable. Today, the company announced the Pixel 8a, which has almost all the features of the standard Pixel 8, but at a discount.
Like previous A-series Pixel phones, the Pixel 8a can be considered a near-complete replacement for the Pixel 8. It features the same Tensor G3 processor as the Pixel 8/8 Pro, a similar 6.1-inch 120Hz Actua screen. ยป display (up from 6.2 inches on the regular Pixel 8) and a camera system that’s several megapixels better, although it may suffer from weaker sensors. The 8a also gets support for Google’s Gemini Nano thanks to a post-launch feature disabling something Google initially said the Pixel 8 wouldn’t be able to handle before releasing it for that phone.
It also has two additional color options that were introduced in the 8. Buyers can purchase the phone in Aloe (lime green) or Bay (blue) instead of being limited to Porcelain (white) or Obsidian (black).
Like Google’s main phones, the Pixel 8a comes with seven years of security, OS and feature updates. However, you don’t lose any Pixel-exclusive features other than those reserved for the Pro. Pixel 8a has many out-of-the-box AI features, including best take, magic editor, magic audio eraser, call assist, live translation, search circle and more.
The biggest sacrifice in a cheaper model is a slight reduction in durability, and even that is relatively minor. The Pixel 7a is IP67 rated, which means it can withstand up to 3.3 feet of water and dust for 30 minutes. The 8 and 8 Pro are IP68 rated, meaning they can be submerged a little deeper and for a little longer.
Otherwise, the Pixel 8a is in many ways a lateral move and a price cut. The camera is the biggest change over the regular Pixel 8, as the new device uses the Pixel 7a’s camera setup, which is actually a bit better on paper. The 8a’s main camera is 64 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide-angle at the back and 13 MP at the front. In comparison, the regular Pixel 8 has a 50-megapixel main, 12-megapixel rear ultra-wide, and 10.5-megapixel front. However, due to its improved light sensitivity and pixel size, the Pixel 8 camera may be a better choice for some. Certain qualities, such as color temperature, depend on the eye of the beholder.
The Pixel 8a starts at $499 for the 128GB version, while the regular Pixel 8 starts at $699 for the same version. For the first time, the Pixel 8a can be upgraded to 256GB of internal storage, which will set you back $559.
Pre-orders are available now .
The Pixel 8a is a budget update to the Pixel 8 lineup. Check out the original Pixel 8 phones below: