Google’s Pixel 7a, launched last year, was a remarkable achievement in the affordable smartphone market, offering compelling hardware features that were previously absent in the A-series lineup. Now, ahead of the highly anticipated Google I/O 2024 event on May 14th, the tech giant unveiled the Pixel 8a, the successor to the 7a, further strengthening Google’s commitment to delivering the Pixel experience at a more accessible price point. The Pixel 8a boasts a refreshed design, the powerful Tensor G3 SoC, and brings all the AI-powered features previously reserved for the premium Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, making it a truly enticing option for budget conscious consumers.
Google Pixel 8a Price in India and Availability
The Google Pixel 8a is available globally in 128GB and 256GB storage configurations, both offering 8GB of RAM. Google is bringing both variants to India, with the 128GB version priced at ₹52,999 and the 256GB version priced at ₹59,999. The phone is available in four vibrant colour options: Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain. You can pre-order the Pixel 8a on Flipkart, with sales starting at 6:30 AM on May 14th. Google is also offering attractive bank offers of ₹4,000 and 12-month no-cost EMI on select bank cards. As a special pre-order incentive, you can also get the Pixel Buds A-series at a discounted price of ₹999.
Google Pixel 8a Specifications
The Pixel 8a showcases a refined design, crafted from a combination of glass (screen), polycarbonate (back panels), and aluminum (frame). Its aesthetic closely resembles the newer Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, while retaining the IP67 certification for water and dust resistance. The phone measures 152.1mm x 72.7mm x 8.9mm and weighs 188 grams, making it quite compact and comfortable to hold.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 8a is its stunning 6.1-inch Super Actua display – the first A-series device to sport such a panel. This 120Hz OLED display offers an incredibly smooth and responsive visual experience, surpassing the 90Hz refresh rate of its predecessor. It’s protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against scratches.
Continuing Google’s commitment to performance, the Pixel 8a is equipped with the latest Tensor G3 SoC (along with the Titan M2 security coprocessor). This powerful chipset enables a wide range of features previously unavailable in the A-series, thanks to the previous Tensor G2. These features include Circle to Search, AI-powered image editing (Magic Editor), Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take, and more. The Pixel 8a couples this powerful processor with 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, providing ample space for your apps, games, and photos.
Connectivity options on the Pixel 8a include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB Type-C port, and support for common GPS navigation systems. While it only accommodates one physical SIM card, it supports one virtual eSIM for added flexibility. Security is ensured by a convenient in-display fingerprint reader or face unlock.
Powering the Pixel 8a is a robust 4,492mAh battery that supports 18W wired fast charging. Similar to the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a also offers wireless charging utilizing the Qi standard with a charging speed of 7.5W.
The rear camera setup has been carried over from the previous model, featuring a 64-megapixel primary camera with an f/1.89 aperture and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture. For selfies, the device employs a 13-megapixel front-facing camera.
The Pixel 8a runs on Android 14 and delivers the familiar Pixel user experience. Google promises seven years of software and security updates, including quarterly Pixel Feature Drops, which continuously introduce new software features and enhance the user experience over time.
AI-Powered Features: A Pixel 8a Highlight
The Pixel 8a integrates a multitude of AI-powered features, elevating its capabilities and making it a truly unique offering in its price range. These features, previously only available on premium Pixel models, significantly enhance user experience and productivity.
Magic Editor: One of the most impressive AI features on the Pixel 8a, Magic Editor allows you to make edits to your images that go beyond basic cropping and adjustments. You can effortlessly move objects in the image, change the composition, and even remove unwanted elements in a seamless and realistic manner, all powered by powerful AI algorithms.
Audio Magic Eraser: You can now eliminate unwanted sounds from your recordings with Audio Magic Eraser. This intelligent AI feature automatically detects and removes distracting noise, such as traffic, background conversations, or even wind noise, resulting in crisp and clear recordings.
Call Screen: Google’s revolutionary AI-powered call screening feature now extends to the Pixel 8a. Call Screen automatically transcribes incoming calls, filtering out spam and telemarketers while providing a helpful summary of the call, helping you make informed decisions whether to answer or not.
Live Translate: The Pixel 8a offers seamless real-time language translation across a variety of mediums, including messages, websites, and even conversations. This allows for seamless communication with individuals speaking different languages.
Best Take: Capture the perfect photo every time with Best Take. This AI-powered feature automatically captures multiple photos before and after you press the shutter button, then selects the best shot, ensuring you never miss the ideal moment.
- Circle to Search: This innovative feature allows you to easily find information on your phone by simply drawing a circle around an object or text. The AI will instantly identify what you’re looking for and provide relevant search results.
These AI-fueled features underscore Google’s commitment to enriching the Pixel experience by leveraging powerful AI technology, seamlessly integrated into everyday tasks.
Camera: A Pixel 8a Strongpoint
Google’s Pixel smartphones are renowned for their exceptional camera capabilities, and the Pixel 8a carries on this legacy. The rear camera setup, inherited from its predecessor, continues to impress with its ability to capture stunning images in various lighting conditions.
64MP Main Camera: The Pixel 8a’s 64MP main camera offers impressive detail and clarity. Even in low-light conditions, the camera’s large aperture and advanced AI algorithms provide excellent image quality.
Ultrawide Lens: The 13MP ultrawide lens allows you to capture a wider field of view, perfect for capturing grand landscapes or group photos.
Computational Photography: The Pixel 8a’s camera truly shines when it comes to computational photography. Google’s advanced AI algorithms enhance image quality, correcting imperfections and producing vibrant, natural-looking images.
Night Sight: Google’s exceptional Night Sight mode eliminates the need for a flash in low-light situations. It skillfully captures the details of the scene, ensuring bright and clear images even in the darkest environments.
- Portrait Mode: The Pixel 8a’s Portrait Mode creates stunning portraits with beautiful subject-background separation. The AI algorithms accurately identify the subject, softening the background for a professional-looking result.
The Pixel 8a’s camera is a truly impressive aspect, delivering a high-quality photography experience that rivals more expensive smartphones.
Pixel 8a: A Great Value Proposition
Google’s Pixel 8a is an exciting addition to the A-series, offering an exceptional user experience at a highly competitive price. It combines a powerful and efficient Tensor G3 SoC with a captivating Super Actua display and a wide array of AI-powered features. The phone’s sleek design, durable construction, generous battery life, and impressive camera capabilities make it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a smartphone that balances affordability and cutting-edge technology.
The Pixel 8a’s strong emphasis on AI integration, particularly features like Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser, further elevates its overall capabilities and user experience. These groundbreaking features are not readily available in many other smartphones at similar price points, making the Pixel 8a a uniquely appealing option for tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious consumers alike.
With its compelling features and competitive price, the Pixel 8a is poised to become a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Google continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a premium mobile experience on Android, accessible to a wider audience. The Pixel 8a is a testament to this commitment, offering a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology and accessibility.