Google Pixel 8a Roundup: Tensor G3 SoC, 120Hz Display, 64MP Primary Camera, And More

Google Pixel 8a Roundup: Tensor G3 SoC, 120Hz Display, 64MP Primary Camera, And More،

Google Pixel phones are known for offering next-level camera quality, a sleek Android experience, and sturdy build quality. Last year, the California-based tech giant unveiled the Pixel 8 series, powered by the much-improved Tensor G3 SoC. Consisting of two smartphones, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, the series also offers many AI-based features.

However, given the improvements in the Pixel 8 series, enthusiasts are now looking ahead to the Pixel 8a launch, which seems imminent. Given that there were rumors that Google was considering shutting down the A series altogether to see high-quality smartphone renders and that Google was confirming the phone via a not-so-secret Android bug tracking page, we went through a long road. So let's see everything we know about the Pixel 8a.

Google Pixel 8a Latest News (Updated March 20)

Google Pixel 8a release date

Like previous years, we expect the company to announce the Pixel 8a during Google I/O 2024, scheduled for May 14. Additionally, according to a new report from Android Authority, smartphones should be available in more countries. The Pixel 7a was available in 21 countries, but the Pixel 8a is expected to be available in 31 countries in total, including India.

Pixel 8a design

In October 2023, Smartprix was the first to release high-quality renders of the alleged Pixel 8a. As seen in the images, the Pixel 8a will have a rather curved design, making it identical to the Pixel 8. We're talking symmetrical bezels on the front, with a punch-hole cutout, raised horizontal camera visor on the back. , and a pill-shaped cutout that houses the dual-camera setup. Additionally, the phone is expected to be available in four colors: Mint, Berry, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Pixel 8a screen

According to the report, the Pixel 8a will have an improved display. Although the resolution and size remain the same as the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a will feature a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED panel supporting 120Hz refresh rate, which will make the user interface more vivid and more responsive.

Additionally, the new panel can achieve a peak HDR brightness of 1,400 nits, significantly higher than the Pixel 7a's 1,000 nits brightness. The corner radius is also increased (128 px, compared to 47 px on the predecessor), matching the design of the flagship Pixel 8. The post also mentions that the Pixel 8a displays come from BOE and Samsung.

Google recently unlocked DisplayPort output support for the Pixel 8 series through the Android 14 QPR3 beta. According to the report, this particular feature, which should allow users to connect to an external display via the smartphone's USB-C port, will also be available on the Pixel 8a.

Pixel 8a processor

For those following the Pixel A series, it is easy to decipher that the Pixel 8a will feature the Tensor G3 SoC. In the past, the Tensor G1 SoC from the Pixel 6 series made its way to the Pixel 6a. We also saw the Pixel 7 series' Tensor G2 SoC on the more affordable Pixel 7a. Therefore, it makes sense for the company to bring the Pixel 8 series Tensor G3 SoC to the Pixel 8a.

The Tensor G3 is significantly faster than the Tensor G2, thanks to its improved chipset structure, which features nine cores. Besides faster processing, the chipset also brings a new GPU. However, as seen on the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a is expected to use a slightly different version of the Tensor G3 (Integrated Package on Package) SoC, which is cheaper to manufacture. However, in everyday use, the packaging technique should not have a major impact on the performance of the Pixel 8a.

Will the Pixel 8a benefit from improvements related to its camera?

Unfortunately, the Pixel 8a will ship with the same camera hardware as the Pixel 7a. However, it's important to note that Google used the same 12 MP Sony IMX363 main camera for generations before switching to the new 64 MP Sony IMX787 sensor on the Pixel 7a. To compensate, the company relies on exceptional image processing that rivals (and often wins) its competitors, who, on the next phone, are expected to benefit from the Tensor G3 SoC. On the more positive side, we expect Google to bring some of the Pixel 8's exclusive camera features to the Pixel 8a. The other two camera sensors include a 13 MP ultra-wide shooter and a 13 MP selfie shooter.

Pixel 8a: battery and charging

In January 2024, a photo of the Google Pixel 8a retail box surfaced online. As seen in the image, the information on the box suggests buyers to use a USB-PD power adapter with an output power of up to 27W. Although this could indicate that the upcoming A series smartphone will offer faster charging, that doesn't confirm anything. The Pixel 7a supports 18W wired charging, with relatively slower wireless charging for those catching up.

Expected Pixel 8a pricing and availability

According to a recent report from WinFuture, the Pixel 8a could debut with a higher price, starting at 569.90 euros for the model with 128 GB of UFS3.1 storage and 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. There could also be a 256 GB model, which could cost around EUR 630.00. Additionally, the introductory price could increase by 10%. However, we've often seen Pixel A series phones get deep discounts a few months after launch, and that could be the case for the Pixel 8a.

If the price rumor is true, the Pixel 8a could cost around Rs. 9,999. 50,000 to 55,000 in India, which considering the overall performance and features of the smartphone seems relatively higher. Nonetheless, it is important to mention that the information presented in this article is based on rumors and leaks regarding the Pixel 8a based on reliable sources. There is always a chance that the company will change something at the last moment.

Pixel 8a Frequently Asked Questions

Will Pixel 8a launch in India?

Yes, given that the country is one of the fastest growing smartphone markets in the world, the Pixel 8a is expected to launch in India, alongside the phone's global launch.