Nod once if you’ve heard about the majority of the Pixel 8a’s features via leaks.
It almost feels like we’ve already written a Google Pixel 8a FAQ considering we covered a majority of its specs that were made available through the many leaks. Still, we now have concrete details regarding the Google Pixel 8a specs, which gives us the incentive—and some pleasure—to cover it again. We’d been skeptical about the rumors that Google might launch the product before the Google I/O event scheduled on May 14, 2024, but that’s the direction the company has decided to go this time. Its AI-powered capabilities are some of the Google Pixel 8a’s best features powered by the much-discussed Tensor G3 chip that graces the rest of the Pixel 8 series.
Image: The Bay-colored variant of the Google Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 8a FAQ—The Mid-Range Category Breathes a Sigh of Relief
The A-series of the Google Pixel phones are often more widely loved than the Pro series considering that its affordability offers a larger audience access to Google’s technology. After the successful launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, many have patiently waited for news on the Pixel 8a to see what specs the company will hold on to for the device. Google’s decision to retain the Tensor G3 chip has been much appreciated by many, allowing for key AI features to arrive with the device. The bright color options have also sparked some interest in the new smartphone, and so has the Google Pixel 8a’s camera.
If you’ve been tempted to pick up a new phone yourself, then we’re here to answer some of the most pressing concerns you might have about this device via these Google Pixel 8a FAQs.
When Was the Pixel 8a Released?
The Google Pixel 8a’s release date has been scheduled for May 14, 2024, coinciding with the Google I/O event where the company will make some big announcements to plot out their roadmap for the upcoming months. However, the device has been available for preorders since May 7, when the Google Pixel 8a specs were officially released.
How Much Is a Google Pixel 8a?
One of the first questions we’d wanted to be answered by Google’s Pixel 8a FAQs was the price of the device. The Google Pixel 8a is priced at $499 USD for the 128GB model. For more storage at 256GB, the Pixel 8a price has been set at $59 USD. This news comes as a relief to many who had worried that the device would cross the $500 threshold entirely and move away from the mid-range category as rumors had previously suggested. The starting price for the Google Pixel 8a remains the same as the Pixel 7a, so if you’re considering a Google phone, you can safely bet on the Pixel 8a being right for you.
Will the Pixel 8a Get 7 Years of Updates?
Just like the rest of the Pixel 8a series, this smartphone will also get 7 years of software upgrades. This includes security updates as well as Android OS upgrades, so your Pixel 8a is guaranteed a long life if you handle it with some care. If there was ever a good time to make a Google phone purchase, it is now.
Image: The Google Pixel 8a is available in Aloe, Bay, Porcelain, and Obsidian colors
What Are the Major Google Pixel 8A Specs?
The Google Pixel 8a specs are centered around the Google Tensor G3 chip and will arrive with a Titan M2 security coprocessor and software in the form of Android 14. The device has a 6.1-inch screen and weighs 188 g (6.63 oz) and showcases an aluminum frame and a plastic back. The rounded edges are a new feature of the device compared to the Pixel 7a and looks much nicer with the detail. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and the OLED HDR screen can support a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness. The 1080×2400 pixel and 430 ppi density promise a visual experience that will leave a lasting effect on you.
What Are the Google Pixel 8a Camera Specs?
Another pressing question to answer in the Google Pixel 8a FAQ is the camera specs. The Google Pixel 8a camera flaunts a dual-lens setup with a 64MP Quad PD wide-angle camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens. The main lens of the Google Pixel 8a camera offers 8x Super Res Zoom. The selfie camera stays stuck at 13MP but with an ultrawide lens to squeeze more friends into the frame with you. There are many features you can look forward to with the Google Pixel 8a’s camera with 4K timelapse with stabilization, slow-motion video support up to 240 FPS, Night Sight, Motion Auto-Focus, Live HDR+, Astrophotography, Digital zoom up to 5x, etc.
The AI support on the device can help you combine similar photos to create one with the best results and the handy Photo Unblur tool can fix your Google Photos very easily. The Magic Editor and Magic Eraser have to be the Google Pixel 8a’s best features when it comes to AI capabilities.
What Are the AI Features You Can Look Forward To? Google Pixel 8a FAQ
Apart from the Google Pixel 8a camera AI features, there are other things you can do with its ML capabilities. The Circle to Search feature has been frequently discussed since the launch of the Pixel 8 series. You can draw a circle around an image or text and the Google AI can search for relevant content directly from the app you’re in. The Google Translate feature is as efficient as always, allowing you to use your camera to translate menus and signboards on the go.
The Google AI is capable of enhancing a caller’s voice to make conversations easier and distracting noises can be just as easily removed from your videos to make the sounds of your loved ones stand out.
Is the Pixel 8a’s Battery Life Good?
According to the Google Pixel 8a FAQ, the device has a 24+ hour battery life but it is most likely that is measured by very basic use of the device. The extreme battery saver mode can extend the phone’s use up to 72 hours. The typical battery capacity has been mentioned as 4,492mAh and its fast charging capabilities should ensure you have full use of the device as soon as possible. The Qi-certified wireless charging also enhances the versatility of the device with Qi 1.3. There are many smartphones that have a better battery life compared to the Pixel 8a, but all things considered, the battery life is good enough.
What is the Memory and Storage on the Google Pixel 8a?
The Google Pixel 8a specs include 8GB LPDDR5x RAM and in terms of storage, there are two options. There is a 128GB version and a 256GB version and depending on the version you choose, prices will vary.
Is the Google Pixel 8a Waterproof?
The Pixel 8a has an IP67 dust and water resistance rating which means that it should survive a brief plunge into the sink. It’s always best not to test just how waterproof the device is, but the water resistance rating will protect the device to a degree. In Google’s own words, the device is “designed to comply with dust and water protection rating IP67 under IEC standard 60529; when each device leaves the factory but the device is not waterproof or dustproof. The accessories are not water- or dust-resistant. Water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions; they diminish or are lost over time due to normal wear and tear, device repair, disassembly or damage.”
We’ve covered the major highlights with the Google Pixel 8a FAQ and taking into account everything we’ve heard, the device is a great addition to the mid-range category. Its major competitors remain the OnePlus 12R and the Nothing Phone (2a) but with Nothing skipping the U.S. markets, we have Google’s own Pixel 7a as its next best contender. The Google Pixel 8a’s best features remain its camera and AI features, and with the regular updates that are scheduled to arrive on the phone, its AI capabilities should only get better from here on out.