Google apparently couldn’t wait until next week’s I/O to unveil the latest addition to the Pixel lineup. In recent years, the company has used its annual developer conference to unveil an update to its budget line, but exactly a week before the event, Google just announced the Pixel 8a.
When I asked Google about the timing, they told me: “It’s its own device and we want to give it its own moment to shine.” Take that for what it’s worth.
The phone will actually begin shipping on the day of the I/O keynote (May 14), but pre-sales begin today. The device has the same starting price as its predecessor at $499. The updates also meet our expectations. At the top of the list is the addition of the Tensor G3 chip. You can read all about it in the October Pixel 8 review.
Google developed a good release cadence, introducing new silicon for flagship devices and rolling it out within its budget framework six months later. One could argue that the quick turnaround blurs the line between premium and mid-range devices, but Google has no intention of competing with the Apples and Samsungs of the world on the $1,000 side of the line (well, with non-foldable devices). to compete, at least).
The other notable detail here is the addition of Google’s Gemini. The generative AI platform can be made the default device assistant when setting up the product. Given that these LLM-based systems are a godsend, it’s best that Google keeps them as an opt-in feature for now. The platform can summarize an inbox and help the user take notes, for example.
However, one wonders how soon Gemini will completely replace Google Assistant. More information perhaps under I/O.
The system will adopt some other AI-based tools from the Premium range, including Audio Magic Erase, which essentially does what it says on the tin: reduce background noise in a recording. Other features include Magic Eraser, Best Take, Magic Editor, Real Tone and Face Unblur, all aimed at beautifying your photos.
Circle to Search is now available on device. The feature, launched in January, allows users to conduct a Google search for keywords by manually drawing a circle around them – pretty much what the name suggests.
Additionally, the device features a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2,400. The adaptive brightness now peaks at a very high 2,000 nits. The handset packs a generous 4,492mAh battery that lasts for 24 hours, or more than 72 hours if you really want to get the most out of it in Extreme Battery Saver mode.
The 8a features a dual rear-facing camera system with a 64-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. The base system still has 8GB of RAM and 123GB of storage, although Google has added an additional 245GB option. Google also announced that it would sell the Pixel tablet as a standalone device – without a hub – for the first time.
It is available in the colors blue “Bay” and striking green “Aloe”, which Google classifies as “Limited Edition”.