Google Pixel 8a pre-orders
128GB model
Google Pixel 8a
$499 on the Google Store
(Get a $100 Google Store Credit)
256GB model
Google Pixel 8a
$559 at the Google Store
(Get $100 Google Store Credit)
It looks like Google isn’t waiting for its I/O conference next week to make all of its big announcements.
On May 7, the day of Apple’s iPad event, Google pounced and offered the Pixel 8a for pre-order, starting at $499 for the 128GB model. Google also released a 256GB Pixel 8a for $559, but at the time of writing it was only available in the Obsidian color variant. Fans have been waiting for the cheaper phone to hit the market since the release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro last fall, and once again it looks like Google has made the budget Android device unbeatable.
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When the Google Pixel 7a launched in 2023, we thought the rumors that it might be the last A-series Pixel made sense: it was a pretty A damn close replica of the Pixel 7 for about $100 cheaper. We’re glad Google hasn’t thrown in the towel, but is instead offering an even more attractive offer – while the Pixel 8’s price has increased by $100 compared to the previous generation to $699, the Pixel 8a is up from $699 The same price of $499 is available, the same price that the Pixel 7a started at. Basically, with the Pixel 8a you get a similar product to the Pixel 8 for $200 less.
Price-wise, that’s not the only exciting news. Google is offering $100 in Google Store credit with the purchase of a Pixel 8a through May 19th. The official release date for the 8a is May 14th.
Comparing the Pixel 8a to the Pixel 8
According to the spec sheet, the Pixel 8a has a lot in common with the Pixel 8, including:
Combinable offers
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Tensor G3 chip
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24+ hours of battery life
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Magic Editor and Magic Take camera tools
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128 and 256 GB storage options
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8GB RAM
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Up to 120 Hz refresh rate (up from 90 Hz on Pixel 7a)
The Pixel 8a comes with a slightly weaker battery than the Pixel 8, one less microphone, and no spatial audio. It’s also available in the same color variants as the Pixel 8 Pro: Obsidian, Bay and Porcelain, plus an additional color, Aloe (there’s less overlap with the Pixel 8, which comes in Obsidian, Rose, Mint and Hazel). .
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The Pixel 8a is barely smaller than the Pixel 8, with only a 0.1-inch difference in display size. It also has the same 64MP Quad PD wide camera, 13MP ultrawide rear cameras and 13MP front camera as the 7a. Considering that the 7a was a significant improvement over previous generations, it’s not surprising that Google hasn’t decided to make any big changes just a year later.