Will 2024 see the launch of a Google Pixel 8a? If so, what can we expect? Here’s everything we know so far about the next budget Pixel.
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Published on40 minutes ago
Update: May 6, 2024 (03:00 AM ET): We’ve updated our Google Pixel 8a hub with the latest leaks, including a detailed spec sheet and the European as well as UK pricing for the phone.
Google launched its first A-series phone in 2019 with the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. At the time, those were some of the best Android phones you could get for the price. Since then, Google has released a new A-series Pixel every year. We are now only a few days away from the expected announcement of the Pixel 8a.
In this post, we will round up all the credible rumors about the Pixel 8a so far!
Pixel 8a: At a glance
When might it come out? Based on previous A series launches, it is likely to land in May, during Google I/O, which starts on May 14.
What new features could it have? Tensor G3, a 120Hz display refresh rate, and seven years of software support, although none are confirmed yet.
How much will it cost? Like its predecessor, the Pixel 8a will likely cost $499. Will there be a Google Pixel 8a?
The Google Pixel 8a is not officially out yet, but its existence is now undeniable. While Google initially mentioned the phone within an internal tracker (related to battery stats), the floodgates have opened since then. We’ve witnessed everything from real-world leaked images to official-looking renders and even leaked Google promotional videos showcasing the device and its features.
In addition to these compelling visual leaks, benchmark results and an FCC listing further solidified the device’s status as not just real but rapidly approaching release.
At this point, the question isn’t if there will be a Pixel 8a but when it will officially launch.What is the most likely Google Pixel 8a release date?
Pixel 3a and 3a XL: May 7, 2019
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G: August 3, 2020
Pixel 5a: August 17, 2021
Pixel 6a: May 11, 2022
Pixel 7a: May 10, 2023
The list above makes it clear that Google’s preferred launch window for A-series Pixels is in May at its annual I/O developers conference. However, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google did launch some A-series phones later in the year. Going forward, though, we assume that Google will stick to launching the A-series Pixel at its Google I/O conference.
Google I/O 2024 is scheduled for May 14 and May 15. The chances are good that we’d see the Pixel 8a launch on May 14 during the opening keynote.What specs and features could the Google Pixel 8a have?
We have quite a few leaks for the Pixel 8a, giving us a pretty good idea of what to expect. In fact, we even have a video ad that gives away plenty of secrets. Here’s what we think we know so far!
The Pixel 8a should look very similar to the Pixel 8. Early real-life leaked images of the Pixel 8a, shown below, give you an idea of what to expect:
Historically, the Pixel A series has followed the same overall design language as the flagship Pixel family. That seems to be the case for the Pixel 8a as well, as the above images suggest it will take a few design cues from the 7a and Pixel 8, essentially mashing them together. This includes iPhone-like corners, an aluminum camera bar, and a blue “Bay” color that’s somewhat punchier than the Pixel 7a’s Artic Blue and the Pixel 8’s Bay. We can expect other colors as well, which we’ll get into in a second.
Not only do the images appear to support that the device will be slimmer and smaller, but also, the leaked dimensions stay the same at 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm. By comparison, the Pixel 7a’s dimensions are 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm. The leak also says the display comes in at 6.1 inches.
Recently, leaker Arsène Lupin has shared clean renders of all four Pixel 8a colors: Porcelain (beige), Bay (blue), Mint (green), and Obsidian (black).
