Usually, Google announces its “A” series of smartphones at its Google I/O. However, this year Google announced its Pixel “A” smartphone one week before its planned Google I/O. Yes, the Google Pixel 8a has just been announced and it comes with a lot of improvements and upgrades over its predecessor at a starting price of $499. Check out the detailed specifications of the device below.
Google Pixel 8a specifications:
Just like every “a” series device, the Google Pixel 8a looks quite similar to the regular Pixel 8 smartphone which launched last year. The device has rounded corners with a polycarbonate back panel and aluminum side frame. Google has also opted for more refreshed color options as this device is available in four colors – Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain.
On the front, the Google Pixel 8a has a flat 6.1-inch super Actua display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. This is a big upgrade from the 90Hz display found in its predecessor. Also, this is the first time that Google has opted for a 120Hz refresh rate for any of its “a” series smartphones. The display is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 just like its predecessor.
Under the hood, is Google’s in-house Tensor G3 SoC built on 4nm fabrication and Titan M2 security chip which is also found in the regular Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. Due to the presence of Tensor G3 SoC, the performance on this device is similar to the flagship Pixel 8 series. Thanks to the Tensor G3 chipset, the device now has tons of new features that were missing from the previous generation of a series smartphone due to limitations on the Tensor G2 chipset. AI features like a Circle to search, Magic editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take, and more are available on this device.
For memory configuration, Google is still stuck to 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM but this time there is one more storage variant. Users can now choose between 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage or the higher-end model with 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Sadly, there is still no support for storage expansion via SD card. It runs on Android 14 out of the box and Google has promised that it will get seven years of software and security updates.
However, the camera is the one department where the company did not make any changes as compared to its predecessor. It comes with the same 64MP primary sensor with f/1.89 aperture and the 13MP ultra-wide sensor with f/2.2 aperture as found in last year’s Pixel 7a. however, users should not make any complaints about the camera system as Pixel 7a has the best cameras. There is also a 13MP front selfie shooter placed in a center punch hole cutout at the top of the display.
The device is powered by a 4,492 mAH battery with 18W fast charging support and 7.5W Qi wireless charging. Other specifications include IP67 water and dust resistance, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB Type-C port, and support for the usual GPS navigation systems.
