With better specs and the same price as last year’s model, the Google Pixel 8a is a great value for Android buyers. The Pixel Tablet also gets a price drop to make it a more attractive option.
Android phone buyers who prefer to save a buck or two have a new option from Google.
Ahead of its I/O developer conference, Google today revealed the Pixel 8a, and like other devices in its „A“ series, the 8a offers many of the same features as the main Pixel line with select spec downgrades to keep the price reasonable. This year, it strikes an appealing balance.
The company also detailed a new way to get the Pixel Tablet. Here’s what you need to know. Google Pixel 8a: A Familiar Design Outside
Google redesigned the 8a to make it look more like the Pixel 8 ($699) and Pixel 8 Pro ($999), and less like the square-ish Pixel 7a ($499) from last year. The Pixel 8a measures 6.0 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.8 ounces, which is almost identical to the 7a (6.0 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches, 6.8 ounces) but slightly bigger than the Pixel 8 (5.9 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches, 6.6 ounces).
Despite the fresh looks, the base 128GB model still costs $499. A new 256GB model is available too for $559 and in Obsidian (black) only; the 7a was not offered with this option.
C port (v3.2) sits on the bottom edge while a volume rocker and power button line the right edge with a fingerprint sensor under the display.
The Pixel 8a has an aluminum frame and a plastic back. Gorilla Glass 3 protects the screen. This is fairly old glass that is more prone to cracking (but less prone to scratching) than Gorilla Glass Victus, which is much newer. A 6.1-inch OLED display dominates the phone’s front. It has a resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels, an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz, and a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits (1,400 nits HDR). This is a significant step up from the Pixel 7a display, which has the same resolution but a refresh rate of up to 90Hz and a top brightness of 1,000 nits. A small cutout for the selfie camera is visible at the top of the screen.
As for durability, the Google Pixel 8a has an IP rating of IP67, just like the 7a. It can withstand most dust and sit in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have a stronger IP68 rating, which means they are a bit more impervious to water.
The Pixel 8a is available in four colors: Aloe (green), Bay (blue), Obsidian (black), and Porcelain (white/grayish). The matte aluminum rear camera bar is color-matched to the back panel for a nice, uniform look.
