Google's Pixel 7a turned out to be an impressively affordable option from Google when it launched last year. It brought a bunch of new hardware features that were previously missing from its A-series of devices. Ahead of Google's software announcements scheduled for May 14, 2024, the company has now announced its successor to the Pixel 7a called the Pixel 8a. The Google Pixel 8a has an updated design, the Tensor G3 SoC, and also includes all its AI smarts previously reserved for the premium Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.
Google Pixel 8a Price in India, Availability
The Google Pixel 8a will be available in 128GB and 256GB storage options worldwide. The brand continues to maintain 8GB of RAM for both these storage variants. Google is also bringing these two variants to India with the 128GB variant priced at Rs. 52,999 and the 256GB version priced at Rs. 59,999. The phone will also be available in four colors: Aloe, Bay, Obsidian and Porcelain. The phone is up for pre-order now on Flipkart and sales will begin at 6:30 am on May 14. Google is also offering bank offers of Rs. 4,000 No Cost EMI for 12 months on select bank cards. Those who pre-order the Pixel 8a can also buy the A-series of Pixel Buds for just Rs. 999.
Google Pixel 8a specifications
The Google Pixel 8a offers a refreshed design made of glass (display), polycarbonate (back panels) and aluminum (frame). Its design, which now looks very similar to its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, also maintains the Pixel 7a's IP67 certification. The phone measures 152.1mm x 72.7mm x 8.9mm and weighs 188 grams.
The newer, rounded design has a 6.1-inch Super Actua flat screen, which the brand claims is the first A-series device to have one. However, that OLED panel now refreshes at 120Hz versus the Pixel 7a's 90Hz refresh rate. The screen is protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass 3 just like the previous model.
Like last year, Google has updated the Pixel 8a's SoC to the latest Tensor G3 (along with the Titan M2 security coprocessor) and includes a bunch of features that weren't previously possible on the A-series because of the Tensor G2 . From circle to search, to AI (Magic Editor) image editing, Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take and more. The phone offers 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
The Google Pixel 8a is shown in one of its new color combinations, Aloe
Photo credit: Google
Communication standards include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB Type-C port and support for the usual GPS navigation systems. The phone only offers space for a physical SIM card along with a virtual eSIM. The phone can be secured using its in-display fingerprint reader or face unlock.
The phone is backed by a 4,492mAh battery and supports 18W wired fast charging. Like the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a also offers wireless charging but at the same time 7.5W (Qi charging standard).
As for the cameras, Google kept everything from the previous model. There's a 64-megapixel primary camera (f/1.89 aperture) and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera (f/2.2 aperture) on the back. You also get a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies.
Google's Pixel 8a boots to Android 14 with the regular Pixel user experience and promises seven years of software and security updates, which also includes its quarterly Pixel Feature Drops, which add new software features .
