When Google launched its Pixel 7a final yr, it turned out to be a really fascinating providing and one of the vital feature-packed Pixel A-series gadgets ever, not less than from a {hardware} standpoint. The Pixel 7a added options like wi-fi charging and an IP67 score for mud and water resistance. This, coupled with its sometimes “Pixel” nonetheless imaging high quality, made it a really engaging providing, holding its Rs. 43,999 price ticket in thoughts, which continues to be on the greater finish of the mid-range phase.
This yr, we have not gotten something considerably new aside from the brand new Tensor G3 processor and a 120Hz refresh fee show, as just about many of the inside {hardware} stays equivalent to the Pixel 7a. Like Samsung, Google is banking on AI options (enabled by the Tensor G3) to persuade customers to improve to the most recent mannequin. So, what precisely do you get with the brand new Pixel 8a? Let me clarify.
The Google Pixel 8a has a well-recognized design however with rounded corners and retains its IP67 certification
Aside from the not-so-obvious adjustments I discussed above, the Pixel 8a does include one huge improve over the Pixel 7a, and that is storage. Sure, customers in India will lastly have the choice to select between the 128GB storage variant (accessible at Rs. 52,999) and the brand new 256GB variant, which is on the market at Rs. 59,999. Whereas it could appear to be a sexy choice, you must take into account that the OnePlus 12 (which will get you a much better telephone total) is priced at Rs. 64,999 (for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant) in India. RAM continues to be capped at 8GB, like on the Pixel 7a and even the premium Pixel 8.
The Pixel 8a’s design is the largest and most noticeable visible change. There are two new colors – Bay and Aloe – to select from, and so they each stand out. I acquired the Bay end, which jogs my memory of clear blue skies on a sunny summer season day.
The telephone’s total design has gone from a rectangle with sharp corners to rounded corners. The rear panel continues to be product of polycarbonate however has a pleasant frosted matte end. It feels fairly totally different in comparison with what’s accessible on the Pixel Eight and the Pixel Eight Professional launched final yr. There’s a flatter visor-like digital camera module, which barely protrudes from the remainder of the rear panel. The perimeters of the rear panel and the digital camera seamlessly merge with the aspect body, nonetheless providing that IP67 score for mud and water resistance.
The Google Pixel 8a’s new 6.1-inch Actua show is flat however with a noticeably thick bezel
Whereas the Pixel 7a switched to a 90Hz show (from the 60Hz show on the Pixel 6a), Google has now upgraded the Pixel 8a’s show to a 120Hz unit and given it its Actua branding. The 6.1-inch unit is correctly flat with barely curved edges on its protecting glass on all 4 sides. What’s unmissable are these chunky bezels. Its thickest aspect is on the backside, and the thick bezels one way or the other jogged my memory of the iPhone XR from 2018.
On the within, Google went with the anticipated candidate, its Tensor G3 processor. It is no efficiency workhorse, as we all know from the Pixel Eight and Pixel Eight Professional, however it does deliver a number of new AI-enabled options to the Pixel 8a or the A-series. There’s the brand new Magic Editor, Audio Eraser and lots of extra options, together with a safer Face Unlock expertise, which first appeared on the Pixel Eight and eight Professional final yr.
The cameras stay the identical as final yr. There is a 64-megapixel main digital camera that now guarantees SuperRes Zoom photos as much as 8X. It’s accompanied by the identical 13-megapixel ultrawide digital camera as on the Pixel 7a. Additionally, the identical is the 13-megapixel selfie digital camera on the entrance.
The Pixel 8’s battery has grown greater from the 4,385mAh unit on the Pixel 7a to a barely bigger 4,492mAh capability. What has remained the identical is the 18W wired charging and the identical Qi-standard wi-fi charging.
The Pixel 8a’s digital camera system has not seen any upgrades over final yr’s Pixel 7a
Whereas the Pixel 8a appears refreshingly new (particularly in its two new finishes), Google appears to be largely enjoying round with the identical {hardware} beneath. This reminds us of what Samsung has managed with its Galaxy S24 this yr.
In the meantime, patrons will get to mess around with some new AI options, however it’s onerous to justify its new value, which has now climbed and settled within the premium phase, closing the hole between itself and the premium Pixel 8. Whereas the efficiency was by no means the spotlight of the Pixel A collection, the Pixel 8a will now be competing with some high-end premium heavyweights from Chinese language manufacturers and Samsung, which simply supply extra versatile and succesful digital camera {hardware}.
Can Google’s experience in AI nonetheless make the Pixel 8a related and worthwhile in 2024? How a lot of an improve is the Pixel 8a over the Pixel 7a? And the way a lot nearer is it to the Pixel Eight when it comes to worth? Discover the solutions to the above questions and extra in our full overview, which will likely be out quickly.
