To say that Google’s Pixel a series is one of the hottest smartphone segments in the industry would be an understatement. Google has consistently launched the “a” series devices that have almost always found the right spot for many people looking for upper mid-range devices. And with the same formula (or we hope so), Google is all set to launch the Pixel 8a next year. While we don’t have the exact release date of the Pixel 8a at this point, here are all the rumors about the specs and what to expect from the device.
Pixel 8a release date
There is currently no official date for the launch of the Pixel 8a. However, Google could launch it in May 2024 as the Pixel 7a was also launched in the same month last year.
Pixel 8a design
Some images have also been leaked by Abhishek Yadav, a prominent leaker on Then came the high-quality images of the Pixel 8a that leaked after the launch of the Pixel 8 series, courtesy of OnLeaks, some of the most reliable and prominent leaks in the smartphone industry.
The first set of leaked images matches the renders and could indeed be legit. The leak suggests that the Pixel 8a’s dimensions could be 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm, a marginal decrease in height and thickness over the Pixel 7a’s dimensions of 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm. It looks slightly smaller than the Pixel 8 due to its exaggerated round aesthetic, which also makes it look quite cute.
As with previous A-series devices, the camera visor on the Pixel 8a protrudes less and looks quite similar to the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8 series. However, unlike the Pixel 8 seriesThe bezels around the screen are thick, and by thick we mean pretty thick! The front camera’s hole-punch is in the center and both the power and volume buttons are on the right, in typical Google fashion.
Overall, without the visor, the Pixel 8a would look like an upscaled version of the Pixel 4a (?), perhaps with a tiny bit more curved edges.
Pixel 8a screen
Not much is known about the Pixel 8a’s display, but considering it’s a mid-range device, you can expect a Full HD+ panel with a peak brightness of around 1000-1200 nits under direct sunlight.
What’s also quite plausible is that the screen refresh rate will be capped at 90Hz, as Google would still want to keep the Pixel 8a below the Pixel 8 both in price and specs so that it doesn’t outshine the latter.
As for the screen size, it should be 6 inches diagonally. Again, the bezels are also quite large, probably larger than the 7a in the images, but it’s too early to talk about the same. I guess this isn’t the year of symmetrical bezels in mid-range devices either.
Pixel 8a processor
The Pixel 8a, like its predecessors, will be powered specifically by a Tensor SoC Tensor G3. Since the release of Pixel 6a, it has been the norm for the a-series device of the year to be powered by the same Tensor SoC used in the flagship Pixel series of the same year.
The Tensor G3 isn’t great. There are still throttling issues, as well as the disappointing performance numbers and heating issues, and we don’t see the Pixel 8a’s performance being any different. Performance isn’t usually the most important feature people consider when buying Pixels, which brings us to the most important thing Pixels are known for.
Pixel 8a cameras
Not much is known about the Pixel 8a’s camera specs, but since Google doesn’t like to play with camera hardware, we think the Pixel 8a will feature the same 64MP sensor as the Pixel 7a.
If they do choose the 64 MP sensor, it will be a Sony IMX787 sensor. The secondary camera will likely be an ultra-wide-angle camera with a larger field of view. The front camera will also likely be the same as the Pixel 7a, i.e. a 13MP sensor.
We recommend that you take what we said with a grain of salt as there is no concrete information yet on the Pixel 8a’s camera specs. While you consider how heavily the Pixels rely on Google’s heavy post-processing, the hardware shouldn’t matter.
Battery
We expect the Google Pixel 8a to have the same battery as the 7a. For those who don’t know, the Pixel 7a is powered by a 4385 mAh cell that charges at 18W. A battery capacity of over 4000 mAh is generally pretty good, but what we do want Google to increase in 8a is the loading speed.
Considering how lightning fast charging speeds are on mid-range devices from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Realme and OnePlus, the Pixel 7a’s current 18W is excruciatingly slow. The Pixel 8’s charging speed was boosted to true 23W speeds, which is still a significant jump considering previous Pixels charged 3W slower than marketed charging speed values. Therefore, Google should consider increasing the Pixel 8a’s charging speed to at least 23W.
Pixel 8a colors
From the leaked images, the device is expected to arrive in two color options: Bay and Porcelain. Google might end up calling them different names, but you get the gist.
Pixel 8a prices
Overall, if our predictions come true, we expect Google to price the Pixel 8a the same as the Pixel 7a’s healthy price of $499. With a 90Hz max resolution screen, a plastic back, and dated hardware, it seems the price of $499 a fair deal.
