Pixel 8a: Price, release date & where to buy
GoogleThe Pixel 8a has been officially launched for $499. Here is everything you need to know about its availability, where to buy it, and more.
While everyone was busy with Apple’s Let Loose event, Google silently announced its mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 8a.
This is the cheapest phone in the Pixel 8 lineup, which includes the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. This new and affordable Pixel 8a will build on the excellent Pixel 6a and 7a.
The Pixel 8a comes with Google’s flagship Tensor 3 SoC alongside a new, rounded design, and a much better display than its predecessors – meaning it has all the ingredients to become one of the best mid-range devices for 2024.
Where to buy the Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a can be pre-ordered from the Google Store. The phone has also been listed up at Amazon and Best Buy, with more stores and carriers to come as the phone ekes closer to release.
Pixel 8a release date
The Pixel 8a will debut on May 14, 2024. The phone was initially revealed on May 7, 2024. The initial reveal was a surprise, as the phone was expected to be announced at the Google I/O 2024, which will begin on May 14.
How much is Pixel 8 at?
The Pixel 8a has been priced at $499. It comes in four colorways – Aloe, Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay and is available in a 128GB variant. The 256GB variant is only available in the Obsidian color option and is priced at $559.
Amazon and Best Buy will also offer a $100 gift card with each device once it starts retailing.
Pixel 8a: Specifications and features
GoogleThe Pixel 8a was heavily leaked before its launch, so we knew almost everything about the device and what to expect. The phone retains the compact form factor and has a 6.1-inch OLED display that Google calls an “Actua” display.
That said, this display is better than the one found on Pixel 7a as it offers a peak brightness of 2000 nits (1400 nits with HDR) and even sports a 120 Hz refresh rate. The protective glass on the display is a Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This protective glass was announced in 2013 and has been used to cut costs.
The phone has an IP67 rating, enough to keep it safe from a dip in the pool or a dusty hike. The Pixel 8a has a matte plastic rear panel, while the camera island on the back is made of a 100% recycled Aluminum frame.
Under the hood, the Pixel 8a has the same Tensor G3 SoC found on its premium siblings – Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The phone comes in 8GB and 128GB storage and memory variants. There is a 256GB storage option for the first time, but it’s only available in the Obsidian colorway.
Like all other Pixel devices, the Pixel 8a relies heavily on Google’s software prowess. While the phone runs on Android 14 out of the box, Google’s promise of seven years of software updates makes this phone of its kind in the price segment.
Powering the phone is a 4,492 mAh battery that supports charging at 18 watts, which is extremely slow compared to most other mid-range devices. The Pixel 8a can also be charged wirelessly, thanks to its compatibility with the Qi standard.
Google has not tinkered with the camera specs on the Pixel 8a, and these have remained unchanged from the 7a. This means you have a 64-megapixel primary sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens. On the front is a 13-megapixel sensor.
Is it worth updating from Pixel 7a to Pixel 8a?
GoogleThe Pixel 8a offers iterative updates over the Pixel 7a. There is little to write about besides the updated SoC and the design. Even the camera hardware has remained unchanged.
Since both devices are from the Pixel family, they’d be the first in line to get all the new software updates and features – making the score even here.
If you already have the Pixel 7a and feel the need to upgrade, getting a Pixel 8 would be a better idea, as the phone will offer a flagship experience, better camera specs, and a great display. Since the Pixel 8 is a few months old, you might get a discount, further reducing the price gap between the Pixel 8a and the Pixel 8.
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