Google has stayed true to its approach of launching 3 new smartphones with every Pixel generation, and we have to say that the formula has worked for them. With the recent launch of the Pixel 8 series in October 2023, where the tech giant announced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with new AI features and industry-leading 7 years of OS updates, it’s time to take a look at what Pixel 8A could offer.
Not only is the Google Pixel 8A the last smartphone in the Pixel 8 lineup, but it will also be the Pixel that most people will be looking for, just like every year, as the Pixel A lineup offers the same premium and polished software experience from Google without breaking the bank.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the leaks, rumors, release date and expected price of the Google Pixel 8A. We’ll also take a look at some design changes and leaked benchmarks, as well as some brand new colors of the Google Pixel 8A. If you’re planning on getting a mid-range device or just thinking about getting your first Pixel, you’ve come to the right place.
Table of Contents
Google Pixel 8A: Updated Design
Google has always tried to follow a similar design aesthetic with the Pixel A series as with its bigger brothers. This can be seen from the design of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a through to the Pixel 7 series, but this time it looks like Google has taken a different approach with the Pixel 8a. ONLEAKS and Smartprix have teamed up and released some unofficial renders of the Pixel 8a.
Abhishek Yadav, the well-known leaker on X, has already shared several photos of the Pixel 8A before the official unveiling of the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro to confirm that the renders are similar to the real device. Let’s take a look at the renders and images from both sources and see what makes the Google Pixel 8A different in terms of design.
Let’s take a look at a complete 360-degree video of the Pixel 8A that is made by ONLEAKS and Smartprix.
In this video, the Google Pixel 8A looks very similar to the Google Pixel 8 in terms of design, but the biggest difference is that the Pixel 8a is much rounder at the corners. It seems like Google has curved the corners quite a bit compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 7A, and its bigger brother, the Google Pixel 8.
Let’s take a look at some renders from @ONLEAKS and Smartprix to better understand the design changes.
As we can see on the front and back, the Google Pixel 8A has retained the iconic Pixel camera visor and it also has some thick bezels, the chin looks pretty thick compared to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, but that’s to be expected as it’s a mid-range device from Google. Onleaks has also revealed to us the Pixel 8’s dimensions (152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9 mm) and it looks like the device will be slightly smaller and less wide compared to its predecessor, the Google Pixel 7A.
The Google logo can be seen on the back, and the stereo speakers and Type-C port are located at the bottom. On the top, however, we see a single antenna band (which looks like an ultra-wideband antenna) and an earpiece. Let’s take a look at the images of the Pixel 8a leaked by Abhishek Yadav on X. These images give us an even better look at the Google Pixel 8A.
From these images, we can see that Google’s next mid-ranger could be available in different colors. We can also see that the Google Pixel 8A still has pretty thick bezels, but at least they’re the same on all sides. There’s also a single front camera on the front with a punch-hole. According to Smartprix, we’ll be getting a 6.1-inch flat screen panel. Looking at past A-series devices, it’s safe to assume that the 6.1-inch panel could be a 1080p OLED display clocked at 90Hrtz. This would be the right time to position the device in the current product range.
It looks like the camera visor and the back panel will also have a matte finish.
On the right side of the device we see the power button and volume rocker with multiple antennas, indicating that the device will have an aluminum body, and on the left side we see the SIM card tray. Based on all the leaked images and renders, it’s safe to assume that Google is taking a different design approach with the Pixel 8A. And if these leaks are true, the Pixel 8A should fit very well in the hand. But we have to remember that these are early leaks and we should take them with a grain of salt.
Google Pixel 8A: Leaked Benchmarks
Just like the Pixel 8A’s older and more expensive siblings, the Pixel 8a will be powered by Google’s latest Tensor G3 chipset. But this time, it looks like the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8A will be slightly underclocked. In August 2023, a Google smartphone codenamed Akita appeared on the benchmarking website Geekbench and is believed to be the Google Pixel 8A. The device is equipped with 8 GB of RAM and runs Android 14. We can also take a look at the benchmarks of this unknown device (Akita) and compare them with the Google Pixel 8 for a better understanding.
The Tensor G3 is a good SoC and Google is using it to add great AI features to the Pixel devices. We all know the Tensor G3 isn’t great when it comes to raw power and thermal efficiency. But it still performs very well in everyday tasks and the Pixel devices aren’t known for their performance either.
Google Pixel 8A: New Colors
Recently, an X user @Za_Raczke, in collaboration with Smartprix, leaked wallpapers for the Pixel 8A. These wallpapers could give us a good idea of the upcoming colors of the Pixel. 3 wallpapers have been leaked and one of them also matches the color of the leaked image of the Pixel 8A that we got from Abhishek Yadav on X. These wallpapers are called as”Mineral” collection for Pixel.
One of them is called Titanite and shows a green emerald stone, which is also codenamed “Emerald”.
The second is called Barite Wallpaper and is codenamed “Sky”. It also corresponds to the color of the device that Abhishek Yadav presented at the X.
The third model is called Hematite Wallpaper and is codenamed “Licorice”.
Wallpapers usually give a good impression of the color of a smartphone, but we don’t know if these wallpapers will make it into the final version of the Google Pixel 8A. Based on the leak from Abhishek Yadav and Smartprix, we can assume that they will, as the colors match on both the Barite wallpaper and the device from Abhishek’s leak. With that, we can say that the Pixel 8A will come in three colors: blue, green, and black.
Google Pixel 8A: Retail Box
Months before Google announced the device we had our first look at the retail box of Google Pixel 8A retail box which also showcases the back of the device in black color if the box is legit it seems we will certainly have a black color for the Google Pixel 8A, The box was leaked by X(Twitter) user Mukul Sharma a.k.a stufflistings. We also got an image of the back side of the box and it looks like Google will keep the same charging speed for the Pixel 8A as the Pixel 7A, we can also clearly see the supported charging output for the Pixel 8A, which is 7.5 to 27 watts. Let’s take a look at the box images.
While at first glance the images look legit, it is too early to assume anything about the device as we are months away from the launch of the device, so take these images with a grain of salt. Now let’s discuss the release date and pricing of the Google Pixel 8A.
Google Pixel 8A: Release Date and Pricing
There is no leak (yet) about the price of the Google Pixel 8A, but since it is a mid-range device, it will compete with devices like the iPhone SE2, the Nothing Phone (2), and the Samsung A series. We can assume that Google will give the Google Pixel 8A the same price as the Google Pixel 7A, which is $499. That seems like a good deal, as you’re getting the latest SoC from Google with an updated design and it could come with some impressive AI features, just like its bigger siblings.
But let’s not forget that the Pixel 6a launched for $449 and had a 60Hz display. With the 7A, Google gave us a 90Hz display and raised the price by 50 dollars. This time around, Google could raise the price again if the rumors are true as it gets a new design. And a price hike also means it’s even closer to the Pixel 8, which is already available on Amazon for $549. And it’s a better device overall.
When it comes to the release date, Google usually unveils the A-series devices during Google I/O. This was also the case with the Pixel 7A, which was unveiled in May 2023 during Google I/O 2023. It can therefore be assumed that the Pixel 8A will also be launched on the market during Google I/O 2024.
Google Pixel 8A: What We Know So Far!
The Google Pixel A-series is the Pixel most people are waiting for because the A-series always offers good and balanced specs, top-notch software, great cameras and decent battery life. All under $500. Rumor has it that the Google Pixel 8A will continue this trend. As the leaks suggest, the Pixel 8A will have an updated design and very similar performance to the Pixel 8, it is said to be equipped with most of the AI features and also cover all the basic functions.
Even though we don’t know anything about the camera and battery life improvements, we can assume it will be better than its predecessor, the Pixel 7A. One thing we hope Google will do with the Pixel 8A is introduce 7 years of software updates, just like with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This could be groundbreaking, as no manufacturer in the $500 category promises 7 years of updates.
