Google has officially launched the Pixel 8a, a value-focused smartphone priced at $849. The unveiling showcases Google’s commitment to offering premium features at a more affordable price point, with the 8a boasting additional updates over last year’s model.
Despite the budget-friendly tag, the Pixel 8a shares a striking resemblance with its predecessor, the Pixel 8, in terms of design. However, beneath the surface, Google has packed the 8a with several enhancements aimed at providing users with a superior experience from the Pixel 7a.
Notable among these upgrades are the inclusion of a high-refresh display, improved camera system, IP67 protection and the same seven years of security and operating system upgrades and feature drops that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will receive — which is unheard of at this price point.
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Built from recycled aluminium, glass and plastic, the Pixel 8a is powered by the same Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. This enables similar performance and access to software features such as Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take and Real Tone. There are also many AI features coming to Pixel 8a with Gemini and Circle To Search being made available on the device.
The device retains the same sized 6.1-inch display as the previous Pixel 7a from last year; however, it now supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz, offering smoother animations and competing favourably with rival offerings from Samsung, Motorola and the newly launched Nothing range of phones.
With 128GB of storage, the Pixel 7A comes in three colour options for the Australian market: blue, white and dark grey. Unfortunately, Australia will miss out on the new green colourway called Aloe.
The Pixel 8a comes with the same 64MP main camera and 13MP ultrawide lens that was included on the 7a. There’s also a 13MP selfie camera. Google hasn’t really focused too much on the hardware specs, but rather the features that come from using the latest Tensor G3 processor and Google AI on photos and video — something that was previously only available on the more expensive Pixel 8 models.
The release of the Pixel 8a comes at a time when Google continues to reposition its product lineup, with steep discounts being made available on the Pixel 8 in the last couple of months. Earlier this week, the Pixel 8 was available for as low as $799 at some retailers, $50 cheaper than the Pixel 8a’s launch price.
This price isn’t further helped with the $100 price jump of the Pixel 8a over last year’s A-series model which puts Google’s latest release in a rather confusing situation.
The Pixel 8a launches at $849 and is available for pre-order starting today. It’ll be on sale starting May 14 from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Telstra, Optus, Officeworks and Harvey Norman. It’s available in Obsidian (dark grey), Porcelain (white) and Bay (blue).