Quick summary
Google Pixel 8a is expected to be better than Pixel 7a in terms of rumoured specs but also more expensive.
The price hike might be justified by upgrades like Google Tensor G3 hardware and a bigger battery, but the AI skills remain unknown.
The Google Pixel 8a is expected to make a couple of tweaks to the Pixel 8 devices launched in 2023 and offer a more affordable option for Android fans when it launches in the next couple of months. But there could also be a price rise coming with this new phone.
The Google Pixel 7a is one of the best cheap phones out there. It stands-out because it has the same core hardware as Google's flagship phone, so you get power for the price. There are compromises in other areas, but on the whole, the Pixel 7a (and other "a" devices before it) have been a solid choice.
Information coming from the often-reliable winfuture.de suggests that the Pixel 8a could attract an unwelcome price rise. That might see it launch at €570 (around £490), compared to the £449 mark of the Pixel 7a.
That's going to make the Pixel 8a a little less attractive to budget-conscious buyers, especially with the likes of the Nothing phone (2a) launching at £319.
How is Google going to justify the Pixel 8a price rise?
The question will be what you get for your money. Well, it could be that there's quite a jump in the specs for the Pixel 8a, which might justify the price rise. First there's going to be the Google Tensor G3 hardware - the same as the Pixel 8 Pro - but it's also said to be backed by a 4,942mAh battery - quite the jump from the Pixel 7a, if it's accurate.
The Pixel 8a is likely to have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, but I'm expecting a bump in the peak brightness to support HDR functions - as that's something Google has been pushing.
The Google Pixel 7a will be available in four colours - Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay and Mint - and expected to offer 8GB RAM with 128 and 256GB storage options.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
The camera isn't expected to change hugely: a 64-megapixel main camera and 13-megapixel ultrawide camera will probably stay in place, but with more AI in the background offering better performance. Whether the camera will get the full Magic Editor treatment remains to be seen - but certainly, that would be a huge advantage on a phone at this price.
Google usually announces the "a" devices at Google I/O. The date for that hasn't been confirmed, but May 2024 would be a safe bet.
Chris has been writing about consumer tech for over 15 years. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Pocket-lint, he's covered just about every product launched, witnessed the birth of Android, the evolution of 5G, and the drive towards electric cars. You name it and Chris has written about it, driven it or reviewed it. Now working as a freelance technology expert, Chris' experience sees him covering all aspects of smartphones, smart homes and anything else connected. Chris has been published in titles as diverse as Computer Active and Autocar, and regularly appears on BBC News, BBC Radio, Sky, Monocle and Times Radio. He was once even on The Apprentice... but we don't talk about that.
-
Google Pixel 9a tipped for a camera change you might find surprising
Details on the Google Pixel 9a camera might not be what you expect
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google Search gets an unusual update that could prove controversial
Google is stripping away a potentially useful tool, one that it says few people use.
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Google’s Pixel Drop brings great free updates for your Pixel phone, new or old
Android 15 rolls out at last, and that means there's a neat Pixel Drop to go with it
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Android phones getting something iPhone owners outside Europe can only dream of
Court ruling ramifications becoming clear
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Google TV Streamer’s best feature is coming to your Chromecast
Chromecast with Google TV can now deliver Google's smart home controls
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google could be tearing up its copy book for the Pixel 9a
The next affordable Pixel phone might launch sooner than expected
By Chris Hall Published
-
Your Philips, Sony or Panasonic smart TV gets some powerful new features for free
The Google TV Streamer isn't the only one having all the fun
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Gmail gets a great free update to help you organise your life
Never miss an important email again (as long as they are within four categories)
By Britta O'Boyle Published