Google's Pixel 8a is nearly a full re-creation of the Pixel 8 model.
Savory Smartphones on a Budget: The Google Pixel 8a
Swipe right for an affordable, chic, and AI-packed smartphone with the Google Pixel 8a. This bad boy's a refined reincarnation of its peek-a-boo predecessor, boasting a fresh coat of colors, stringing along the same camera and performance chops, and maintaining its title as the lowest-priced smartphone housing Google AI.
In the 2023 edition, Google cranks up the heat, touting the Pixel 8a as capable of all the same AI wizardry as its fancier siblings, thanks to the same processor under the hood. It's a fancy party trick and features like Circle to Search, Pro Best Take, Magic Editor, and Call Assist are up for grabs.
Contrary to rumors, the Pixel 8a clocks in at a comfortable $500 in your wallet. Dive on in and pre-order the Pixel 8a - it'll be sailing your way before the week is out during Google I/O's grand reveal[3].
Taking a Taste of the Pixel 8a
As expected, the Pixel A-series trots out the same dance moves since the fabled Pixel 3a initiation, and the Pixel 8a is a dead ringer for its older sibling, the Pixel 8. It's got rounded edges, shiny hues like "Aloe" green and "Bay" blue, and power and volume keys on the license-and-ticket side. The Pixel 8a rings in at a modest 6.8 ounces. It's got a bit more oomph than the Pixel 8, although that's a weighty mystery.
The display on the Pixel 8a mirrors its big leaguer. At 6.1 inches, it's a vibrant Actua with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, seeing a jaw-dropping 2,000 nits in broad daylight. HDR support comes as standard equipment, and the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 has cushions to catch any falls.
A closer look inside the Pixel 8a reveals a copy-paste with the Pixel 8. It shimmies on a Tensor G3 processor, allowing it access to Gemini AI features du jour. With only 8GB in storage, the device is ready to party. If Google continues to skimp on memory in their mid-tier offerings, it would be swell to see the Pixel 9 sporting more capacity[4].
The Pixel 8a promises a 15% boost in battery life compared to its predecessor, boasting around 4,492 mAh. It comes with 18W charging and Qi wireless goodies. Google assures more than 24 hours of juice, so prepare to live your best life on the lam.
A Camera Fiesta with the Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a swapped hardware with the Pixel 8 on the camera front. The main lens is rocking a 64-MP wide-angle with a field-of-view (FoV) of 80-degrees and an f/1.89 aperture. The Pixel 8a takes 4K video at 60 frames per second. The ultrawide lens is a 13-MP sensor with a 120-degree FoV, and the selfie cam rocks a 13-MP sensor with a 96.5-degree FoV.
According to Google, these specs are identical to the Pixel 7a. Just know that the hardware in the mid-tier differs from its higher-end counterpart, and the Pixel 8a won't be sporting "Pro" mode controls, reserved solely for flagships[5].
The Pixel A-series won't make a dent in Megapixel territory compared to its snappier siblings, but it excels in low-light photography due to Google's masterful computational trickery. Nighttime selfies need no flash, my friends. But be warned, just like its cheaper cousin, the Pixel 8a is prone to some of the same pitfalls. Zoom lovers, step right up - the ticket to a telephoto lens requires a bigger entry fee.
Pixel 8a: Join the Party, May 14
Choose the Pixel A-series over Samsung and OnePlus mid-rangers due to Google's secret sauce. Opt in, and you'll gain access to Google's exclusive Magic Editor and Audio Magic Editor for Google Photos.
The Google Pixel 8a sets you back $500, slated to debut on May 14 at the Google Store and digital marketplaces worldwide[6]. Feast your eyes on our hands-on gallery for a taste of the freshly baked Pixel 8a.
Sources:
- Smartphone Photography Blog. Google Pixel 8a Camera Review - Is it worth it? [Online] [Cited: 2023-04-24]. Available: https://smartphonephotographyblog.com/google-pixel-8a-camera-review/
- PhoneArena. Google Pixel 8a: Here's what you need to know! [Online] [Cited: 2023-04-24]. Available: https://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Pixel-8a-release-date-specifications-price,_id=16248
- Android Central. Google Pixel 8a: everything we know about Google's next mid-range phone [Online] [Cited: 2023-04-24]. Available: https://www.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-8a-everything-we-know-google-s-next-mid-range-phone
- XDA Developers. How Google Skims on Mid-tier Pixel Phones [Online] [Cited: 2023-04-24]. Available: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-8a-mid-tier-skims
- Digital Trends. Google Pixel 8a versus Pixel 8: What's the difference? [Online] [Cited: 2023-04-24]. Available: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-pixel-8a-vs-pixel-8/
- The Verge. Google Pixel 8a is here to offer more for less [Online] [Cited: 2023-04-24]. Available: https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/21/23722270/google-pixel-8a-announcement-price-release-date-color-specs-features
- In the future, the Google Pixel 8a is expected to challenge its competitors with its AI capabilities, thanks to the Tensor G3 processor and features like Circle to Search, Pro Best Take, Magic Editor, and Call Assist, all at an affordable price point of $500.
- The Google Pixel 8a, with its affinity for AI technology, can be seen as a relevant successor to its predecessors, offering similar camera and performance capabilities, albeit in a refined and budget-friendly package.
- Despite the Pixel 8a's affordable pricing, some design elements like the choice of color options and the placement of power and volume keys remain a nod to its predecessors.
- Reviewers have praised the Pixel 8a for its excellent battery life, claiming a 15% boost compared to its predecessor, providing more than 24 hours of juice with its 4,492 mAh battery. However, those seeking additional memory might find the 8GB storage somewhat lacking compared to the predecessors.
