Google Pixel 8a hands-on: Flagship AI and a 120Hz OLED screen for $499
TLDRGoogle introduces the Pixel 8a, a budget-friendly smartphone priced at $499, featuring a Tensor G3 chip and a 120Hz OLED screen, an upgrade from the 90Hz panel of its predecessor. The device sports a 6.1-inch display, slightly smaller than the Pixel 8's 6.2-inch screen, with thicker bezels. Constructed from recycled plastic with a matte finish, the Pixel 8a offers water resistance with an IP67 rating and a battery of 4492mAh. It includes a 64-megapixel main sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor for photography, supported by the Tensor G3 chip for advanced AI features like Best Shot, Audio Magic Eraser, and Live Translate. The Pixel 8a is available in Bay Porcelain, Obsidian, and a new Aloe hue, with the latter being the exclusive color for the 256GB storage variant. It provides 7 years of software and security updates, surpassing the Pixel 7A's 3 years of Android patches and 5 years of security updates. However, it lacks Pro Camera controls, faster wireless charging speeds, and a dedicated zoom lens found in the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8a is a compelling mid-range option, offering excellent value for money.
Takeaways
- π± Google Pixel 8a is priced at $499, offering flagship AI features and a 120Hz OLED screen.
- π The device features a Tensor G3 chip and a 120Hz OLED display, an upgrade from the 90Hz panel on the previous model.
- π The screen size is 6.1 inches, slightly smaller than the Pixel 8's 6.2 inches, with thicker bezels.
- π The phone is made from recycled plastic with a matte finish that mimics the texture of cashmere.
- π§ It retains water resistance with an IP67 rating, though it's slightly lower than the Pixel 8's IP68.
- π The battery capacity is 4492mAh, and Google claims improved longevity due to power efficiency enhancements.
- π For 2024, the Pixel 8a introduces a 256GB storage variant, a first for the A series.
- π‘οΈ The phone will receive 7 years of software and security updates, a significant increase from previous models.
- π¨ New color options include Bay Porcelain, Obsidian, and a vibrant Aloe hue.
- π· The camera setup remains the same, with a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide sensor, known for excellent image quality in its price range.
- π€ AI features from the Pixel 8 are supported, including Best Shot, Audio Magic Eraser, and Live Translate.
- π Some flagship features are missing, such as Pro Camera controls, faster wireless charging (7.5W vs 18W), and a dedicated zoom lens.
Q & A
What is the price of the new Google Pixel 8a?
-The new Google Pixel 8a is priced at $499.
What chip does the Google Pixel 8a use?
-The Google Pixel 8a uses a Tensor G3 chip.
What is the refresh rate of the Pixel 8a's OLED screen?
-The Pixel 8a's OLED screen has a 120Hz refresh rate.
How does the Pixel 8a's battery capacity compare to the Pixel 8?
-The Pixel 8a has a slightly smaller battery capacity at 4492 milliamp hours compared to the Pixel 8.
What is the IP rating for water resistance on the Pixel 8a?
-The Pixel 8a has an IP67 rating for water resistance.
How many years of software and security updates does the Pixel 8a receive?
-The Pixel 8a is getting 7 years of software and security updates.
What new color options are available for the Pixel 8a?
-The Pixel 8a is available in Bay porcelain, obsidian, and a new aloe hue.
What storage variants does the Pixel 8a offer?
-The Pixel 8a offers a base model with 128GB of storage and a new 256GB variant.
Does the Pixel 8a have the same camera sensors as the Pixel 8?
-Yes, the Pixel 8a uses the same 64-megapixel and 13-megapixel sensors for its main and ultrawide cameras as the Pixel 8.
What AI features are supported by the Pixel 8a?
-The Pixel 8a supports AI features like Best Shot, Audio Magic Eraser, Circle to Search, Live Translate, and more.
What are some features that are not available on the Pixel 8a compared to the flagship Pixel models?
-The Pixel 8a lacks Pro Camera controls, has not upgraded its wireless charging speeds to 18 Watts, and does not have a dedicated zoom lens.
When does the Pixel 8a go on sale?
-The Pixel 8a goes on sale starting next week on May 14th, 2024.
Outlines
π± Google Pixel AA: Mid-Range Marvel at $4.99
Google introduces the Pixel AA, a budget-friendly smartphone priced at just $4.99, which is $200 less than the Pixel 8's regular starting price. The device features a familiar design with a Tensor G3 chip and a 120Hz OLED display, slightly smaller than the Pixel 8's at 6.1 inches. The Pixel AA has thicker bezels but is almost identical in size to the Pixel 8. It is made from recycled plastic with a matte finish and is water-resistant with an IP67 rating. The battery is smaller at 4,492 milliamp hours, but Google claims better longevity due to power efficiency improvements. The Pixel AA offers a 64-megapixel main camera and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, the same as the Pixel 8 A, and supports AI features introduced with the Pixel 8. It also provides 7 years of software and security updates, a significant upgrade from previous models. The Pixel AA comes in new colors, including Bay Porcelain, Obsidian, and a vibrant Aloe Hue, with the latter being the exclusive color for the 256GB storage variant. Notably, the Pixel AA lacks Pro Camera controls and wireless charging speeds are capped at 7.5 Watts, unlike the 18 Watts on premium models. Sales begin on May 14th, and the Pixel 7A will remain on sale at a reduced price of $3.49.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Google Pixel 8a
π‘Tensor G3 chip
π‘120Hz OLED screen
π‘Durability
π‘Recycled plastic
π‘Water resistance
π‘Battery life
π‘Storage variants
π‘Software and security updates
π‘Color options
π‘AI features
π‘Pro Camera controls
π‘Wireless charging speeds
π‘Dual-camera setup
Highlights
Google Pixel 8a is priced at $499, offering flagship AI and a 120Hz OLED screen.
The Pixel 8a features a Tensor G3 chip and a 120Hz OLED screen, an upgrade from the 90Hz panel on the previous model.
The display size is 6.1 inches, slightly smaller than the Pixel 8's 6.2 inches.
Thicker bezels are noticeable on the Pixel 8a compared to the regular Pixel 8.
The Pixel 8a's display is covered with durable Gorilla Glass, though the specific version is not disclosed.
The phone's back is made from recycled plastic with a matte finish designed to mimic the texture of cashmere.
The Pixel 8a retains water resistance with an IP67 rating, slightly lower than the Pixel 8's IP68.
The battery capacity is 4492mAh, smaller than the Pixel 8, but power efficiency improvements promise better longevity.
For 2024, the Pixel 8a introduces a 256GB storage variant, a first for any A series Pixel.
The Pixel 8a will receive 7 years of software and security updates, a significant increase from previous models.
New color options include Bay Porcelain, Obsidian, and a vibrant Aloe Hue.
The photography capabilities remain the same, utilizing a 64-megapixel main and 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor.
Powered by the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a supports advanced AI features introduced with the Pixel 8.
The Pixel 8a does not include Pro Camera controls, a limitation for those seeking manual camera settings.
Wireless charging is limited to 7.5W, lower than the 18W available on premium Pixel models.
The Pixel 8a lacks a dedicated zoom lens found in the Pixel 8 Pro.
Despite some feature trade-offs, the Pixel 8a delivers 90-95% of the top-tier Pixel 8 experience at a more affordable price.
The Pixel 8a is $200 less than the Pixel 8, positioning it as a strong mid-range Android phone option.
The Pixel 7A remains on sale at a reduced price of $349, offering value to those prioritizing photography over AI features.
Official sales for the Pixel 8a begin on May 14th, following the live announcement.