American tech giant Google has recently unveiled the date for its highly anticipated annual developer extravaganza, Google I/O, set to dazzle audiences on May 14. The event will have a plethora of Google’s revelations. Foremost among these is the latest AI developments and the eagerly awaited debut of the much-hyped Android 15 Beta.
But that’s not all, rumour has it that Google may have another ace up its sleeve in the form of a budget-friendly marvel inside the Pixel 8 series called the Pixel 8a. Referred to as Akita, this latest addition to the Pixel family will be following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Pixel 7a.
In terms of specs we can expect the integration of advanced generative AI capabilities akin to those found in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. With the launch event for the Pixel 8a a mere two months away, anticipation is at an all-time high. With that being said here are the expected specifications of the Pixel 8a
Pixel 8a expected specifications
In terms of its design, the upcoming Pixel 8a appears poised to draw inspiration from its predecessor, the Pixel 8. We can expect a sleek metal frame complemented by a glass back, all housed within a refined candy bar-style silhouette. A departure from its predecessor, the Pixel 8a will embrace a more gracefully curved profile as seen in an Steve.H.Mcfly’s renders and from an early preview of the device’s actual design leaked by 9to5Google, that showcases a dual-camera setup nestled in a pill-shaped island on the rear, much like the Pixel 8. The metal camera bar protrudes slightly from the device, echoing the Pixel 8’s style, while the dual-camera unit within sits snugly flush with the bar.
Adding on, the Google Pixel 8a features a slightly smaller 6.1 inch display boasting a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, contrasting to the 6.2 inch screen as seen on the Pixel 8. It may also feature an in-display fingerprint sensor too. Moreover, other expected specs hint at a potential expansion within the 8a, that could be a larger battery with wireless charging support at 5W.
The Pixel 8a is expected to closely mirror those of the Pixel 8, likely powered by the Tensor G3 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM. Google is anticipated to introduce a 256 GB storage variant for its A-series smartphone alongside the standard 128 GB model, marking the first time such an option is available in this lineup. Similar to its predecessor, the Pixel 8a is expected to feature a single physical SIM slot while also supporting eSIM functionality.
Furthermore, leaks suggest that the Pixel 8a will boast a 64 MP primary sensor complemented by a 13 MP ultra-wide lens, and may also retain the same specifications as its predecessor, the Pixel 7a. However, with the introduction of the new Tensor G3 chip featuring an enhanced image signal processor (ISP), the Pixel 8a is primed to capture even more stunning photos and videos, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessor.
Other features include a clean Android experience, a trademark of Pixel phones. Adding on to it the device will be packed with AI features like Circle to Search (as seen on the Pixel 8 series and S24 series) Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take, and the AI-powered Google Assistant. However, users looking to utilize Gemini AI nano-powered capabilities may need to opt for the pricier Pixel 8 Pro, as the Pixel 8a may not support this feature.
On the software front, the Pixel 8a will come pre-installed with the Android 14 OS and will be eligible to participate in the Android 15 beta program, which will be unveiled at Google I/O 2024. The handset is also expected to be among the first devices to receive the stable version of Android 15 in the latter half of 2024. However, it remains uncertain whether Google will provide software support of 7 years of major Android OS upgrades, to the Pixel 8a as it does to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Pixel 8a Expected Price
The highly anticipated Google Pixel 8a is scheduled for announcement on May 14, with expectations pointing towards an exclusive availability on Flipkart in India. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, which was launched at Rs 43,999 in 2023, the Pixel 8a is anticipated to maintain an affordable price point, likely not exceeding Rs 45,999.
Notably, Google has commenced manufacturing its Pixel smartphones in India, a move that could potentially lead to cost efficiencies. Consequently, there exists the possibility that the Pixel 8a may even be priced lower than the Pixel 7a, offering consumers an attractive proposition.
