Google has just announced the next Pixel A - serial publication gimmick — the newGoogle Pixel 8a . The A - serial is the more budget - favorable Pixel alternative , and it comes out midway in the cycle to the next mainline Pixel twist .
This year , the Pixel 8a offer some adult rising slope over its harbinger , theGoogle Pixel 7a . It ’s also more likewise matched with the standardPixel 8andPixel 8 Pro , both of which came out in October 2023 .
So , what ’s the big quite a little with the Pixel 8a this year ? Here are the most important matter you need to know about the new Google Pixel 8a .
It has a new design (and new colors)
The Pixel 8a has some changes to its design when compare with the Pixel 7a . It follow closely in the footsteps of the Pixel 8 serial , which has more rounded corners on the gimmick that go nicely with the rounded frame .
Previous Pixel A - series devices also had glossy back , but the Pixel 8a changes that . While it is still a credit card back , it now features a matte finish , so it is less prone to fingerprints and blot . It has a satin aluminum frame , and the camera bar on the back is also made with the same atomic number 13 textile as the frame .
There are also some new color for the Pixel 8a . These include the arresting new Aloe green and Bay dreary color , in addition to the received Obsidian black and Porcelain white . I personally remember the Aloe looks stunning , as it ’s a skillful , concentrated green color that I think theMint Green of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Prowould be .
There’s an IP67 rating
Like its predecessor , the Pixel 8a also has an IP67 rating for junk and water resistance . That means that it is dust - soused ( no detritus should be able-bodied to get inside the physique ) , and it can live being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes . But this does not intend it ’s waterproof !
The IP67 evaluation is just below the IP68 evaluation for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 professional , both of which can be deluge up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes . While the Pixel 8a is a measure below the main Pixel 8 line , it ’s still moderately good , all thing look at .
You get a new 120Hz display
For the first clock time on a Pixel A - serial publication twist , the Pixel 8a will have a display with a 120Hz refresh rate . This is a large deal , as last year ’s Pixel 7a only had a 90Hz refresh pace , which was already an rise from the 60Hz panel on the Pixel 6a before it .
With a 120Hz refresh pace , you ’ll be capable to enjoy much still scrolling , animations , and overall better reactivity . The jittery scrolling experiences you might have picture with 60Hz or 90Hz display will be drop dead , and the dispute is noticeable , specially when you have them side - by - side . Google also added a lot of extra smartness , with the Pixel 8a supporting up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness ( up from the 1,000 - nit maximum of the Pixel 7a ) .
Other facial expression of the showing remain the same as the Pixel 7a . This includes the 6.1 - inch display size with a 1080 - by-2400 - pixel resolving and 430 ppi density , Corning Gorilla Glass 3 , and always - on display . Still , having a 120Hz refresh rate — and some excess brightness — is a gravid upgrade .
Google’s Tensor G3 chip
For its Pixel phone lineup , Google use an in - house Tensor G - Series fleck . So far , there have been three generation of the Tensor chip , and the first two had rampant with overheating and pitiable power efficiency , among other issue .
Thankfully , the Pixel 8a uses the young Tensor G3 chip instead of the G2 that was in the Pixel 7a . In our use of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro , the Tensor G3 had much effective processing power and did not overheat like the previous iteration . So , when you get the Pixel 8a , it will also have the new G3 processor for right carrying out and power efficiency . You should n’t have to worry about overheating , either . It ’s not the most performant mobile potato chip on the market , but as far as Google ’s Tensor chips are concerned , it ’s a very decent rise .
Longer battery life than the Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a has a 4,385mAh shelling . It ’s not the best , but it ’s generally enough to last all day with medium use . The Pixel 8a will take things a step above .
Inside the Pixel 8a is a 4,492mAh barrage fire , which is almost 100mAh more than the Pixel 7a . meld with the improved power efficiency of the Tensor G3 splintering that we mentioned above , the Pixel 8a is certain to have better battery spirit than the Pixel 7a that it ’s replacing . Plus , since the G3 does not overheat as much as the previous chips , this will help strain battery sprightliness , too .
Some of the Pixel 8’s AI features are here
One of the latest vogue in nomadic tech is the summation of AI feature . Google usher in some AI features on the Pixel 8 card , includingAI - bring forth wallpaper , Call Assist , Live Translate , and more .
Google promises seven years of updates
When you buy asmartphonethese days , you gestate it to last a while before you need to advance . Though Apple has typically been the leader in twist seniority , its challenger , including Google , are beating it these days .
Google has anticipate seven old age of Android o and security update for its former Pixel gadget , include the Pixel 8a . It transport with Android 14 , so it will last through Android 21 . And with Google ’s Pixel twist , you also get new lineament added in the monthly Feature Drops , which should avail keep the Pixel 8a feel new for the next several years to come .
Finally, there’s a 256GB storage option
Typically , mid - range , budget - friendly speech sound do n’t give you a lot of storage option compared to flagship devices . The Pixel 7a only came with 128 GB of storage , with no higher capacity . This was also the case for the Pixel 6a , Pixel 5a , and Pixel 4a . That changes with the Pixel 8a .
This year , Google is giving users a choice in terms of memory content on the Pixel 8a . It start with 128 GB of storage for $ 499 , but you’re able to go up to 256 GB of storage for $ 559 . If you design to have a lot of apps and games and take passel of photos and videos , then the 256 GB option just makes more sense .
It has the same $499 starting price
When you look at the spectacles , the Pixel 8a is a reasonably significant upgrade from last year ’s Pixel 7a . I mean , you get a 120Hz refresh rate display , a herculean and much more effective silicon chip , longer battery life-time , and even more storage .
But the best part ? The price is staying the same at $ 499 for the base 128 GB model . Last year’sPixel 7a was a snatch of an unmated pick at that toll stage , look at that it was more of an iterative upgrade from the Pixel 6a , and the Pixel 7 was not that out of range and had much practiced specs .
It ’s a bit surprising that Google is keeping the same $ 499 starting price , because it makes the Pixel 8a a terrific value . And it ’s one of the only earpiece the right way now that has the Gemini Nano AI model in it for less than $ 500 .
Preorders are open now
If you are interested in pick up a Pixel 8a this year , especially those delectable Aloe or Bay version , then you’re able to place your preorder mighty now immediately from the Google Store or your immune carrier . It officially launches on May 14 .
For those who have position their order , do n’t blank out to pick up a Google Pixel 8a case and silver screen defender for maximal aegis .