The Pixel 8A is officially here, with very few surprises since it leaked to everyone over the past few weeks – as Google devices always do. The 8A gets Google’s latest processor, adds a host of new AI features, and continues to do so Starts at $499 in the United States. But no Best news Is that the 8A adopts seven years of software support for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which is unheard of in a mid-range phone.
The 8A retains the same general shape and size as its predecessor. But its 6.1-inch screen is getting some important updates: The top refresh rate is now 120Hz, up from 90Hz, and the panel gets up to 40 percent brighter, reaching 2,000 nits in peak brightness mode. They’re significant upgrades, especially since the 8A’s main competition in the US, the OnePlus 12R, comes with a premium display.
This is the year of AI in things, and the Pixel 8A is no exception. It comes with the same AI-powered photo and video features that made waves on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, including Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. Circle to Search is also available, and the 8A will be able to run Google’s mobile-optimized AI model, Gemini Nano. As with the Pixel 8, this will be a developer option offered via feature drops.
Other specifications are either unchanged or slightly enhanced compared to the last generation. There’s still 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, although there’s a 256GB option now. The camera hardware is unchanged from the 7A, including the stabilized 64MP main sensor. There is an IP67 rating, 7A compatible, and the battery capacity is slightly higher at 4,492 mAh compared to 4,385 mAh. Wireless charging is available via Qi 1.3 at up to 7.5W – no Qi2 here.
The Pixel 8A is in a strange position this year, as its biggest competition may come from Google itself. As of now, Samsung’s mid-range Galaxy A55 5G appears to be skipping the US, giving the Pixel 8A an open path. The aforementioned OnePlus 12R is also an option, but it’s not sold through major wireless carriers, which is how most people in the US buy their phones. This puts it up against the standard Pixel 8, which is often on sale. We’ve seen it match the 8A’s price of $499.
“Freelance web ninja. Wannabe communicator. Amateur tv aficionado. Twitter practitioner. Extreme music evangelist. Internet fanatic.”