When Google launched its Pixel 7a last year, it turned out to be a very interesting offering and one of the most feature-packed Pixel A series devices ever, at least from a hardware standpoint. The Pixel 7a added features like wireless charging and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This, coupled with its typically 'Pixel' still image quality, made it a very attractive proposition, keeping its Rs. Note the price tag of 43,999, which is still at the higher end of the mid-range segment.
This year, we didn't get anything substantially new apart from the new Tensor G3 processor and a 120Hz refresh rate display, as pretty much most of the internal hardware remains identical to the Pixel 7a. Like Samsung, Google is banking on AI features (enabled by the Tensor G3) to convince users to upgrade to the latest model. So what exactly do you get with the new Pixel 8a? let me explain
The Google Pixel 8a has a familiar design but with rounded corners and retains its IP67 certification
Aside from the not-so-obvious changes I mentioned above, the Pixel 8a comes with one big upgrade over the Pixel 7a, and that's storage. Yes, users in India will finally have the option to choose between the 128GB storage variant (available at Rs. 52,999) and the new 256GB variant, which is available at Rs. 59,999. While this might sound like an attractive option, you have to keep in mind that the OnePlus 12 (which gives you a much better phone overall) is priced at Rs. 64,999 (for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant) in India. RAM is still capped at 8GB, like the Pixel 7a and even the premium Pixel 8.
The design of the Pixel 8a is the biggest and most noticeable visual change. There are two new colors – Bay and Aloe – to choose from, and both stand out. I received the bay finish, which reminds me of clear blue skies on a sunny summer day.
The overall design of the phone has gone from a rectangle with sharp corners to rounded corners. The back panel is still made of polycarbonate, but has a nice frosted matte finish. It feels very different compared to what's available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro launched last year. There's a flatter, visor-like camera module that barely sticks out from the rest of the back panel. The edges of the back panel and camera blend seamlessly with the side frame, still offering that IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
The new 6.1-inch Actua display on the Google Pixel 8a is flat but with a noticeably thick bezel
While the Pixel 7a switched to a 90Hz display (from the Pixel 6a's 60Hz display), Google has now upgraded the Pixel 8a's display to a 120Hz unit and given it its Actua branding. The 6.1-inch unit is properly flat with slightly curved edges on the protective glass on all four sides. What can't be missed are those chunky bezels. Its thickest side is at the bottom and the thick bezels somehow reminded me of the 2018 iPhone XR.
Inside, Google went with the expected candidate, its Tensor G3 processor. It's not a performance workhorse like we know from the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, but it does bring several new AI-enabled features to the Pixel 8a or A-series. There's the new Magic Editor, Audio Eraser, and many more features, including a more secure face unlock experience, which first appeared on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro last year.
The cameras are still the same as last year. There's a 64-megapixel main camera that now promises SuperRes Zoom images up to 8X. It's accompanied by the same ultra-large 13-megapixel camera as the Pixel 7a. Also, the same is the 13-megapixel selfie camera on the front.
The Pixel 8's battery has grown from the Pixel 7a's 4,385mAh unit to a slightly larger 4,492mAh capacity. What has remained the same is the 18W wired charging and the same standard Qi wireless charging.
The Pixel 8a's camera system hasn't seen any upgrades over last year's Pixel 7a
While the Pixel 8a looks refreshing (especially in its two new finishes), it looks like Google is mostly playing with the same hardware underneath. This reminds us of what Samsung has achieved with its Galaxy S24 this year.
In the meantime, interested buyers will be able to play with some new AI features, but it's hard to justify its new price, which has now risen and settled into the premium segment, closing the gap between itself and the Pixel 8 premium While performance was once the highlight of the Pixel A series, the Pixel 8a will now compete with some high-end premium heavyweights from Chinese brands and Samsung, which easily offer more flexible and capable camera hardware.
Can Google's AI expertise still make the Pixel 8a relevant and worthwhile in 2024? What upgrade is the Pixel 8a over the Pixel 7a? And how much closer is it to the Pixel 8 in terms of value? Find the answers to the above questions and more in our full review, coming soon.
