Google, it seems, couldn’t wait until I/O next week to show off the latest addition to the Pixel lineup. For the past several years, the company has used its annual developer conference to introduce an update to its budget line, but exactly one week after the event, Google just announced the Pixel 8a.
When I asked Google about the timing, they said, “It’s its own device and we want to give it its own moment to shine.” Take it for what it’s worth.
The handset actually starts shipping on the day of the I/O keynote (May 14), but pre-sales start today. The device has the same starting price as its predecessor, at $499. Updates, too, are what we expect from these updates. At the top of the list is the addition of the Tensor G3 chip. You can read all about it in our October Pixel 8 review.
Google has developed a good rollout, introducing new silicon for flagship devices and introducing it to its budget line six months later. You 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 fence (well, with non-folding, at least).
The other notable item here is the addition of Google’s Gemini. The productive AI platform can become the default device assistant during product setup. Given the hit-or-miss nature of these LLM-based systems, it’s good that Google is keeping it as an option for now. The platform can summarize an inbox and help the user take notes, for starters,
One wonders, however, how soon Gemini will completely replace Google Assistant. More info at I/O, maybe.
The system will inherit some other AI-based tools from the premium line, including Audio Magic Erase, which does pretty much what it says on the box, reducing background noise from 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 also available on the device. Introduced in January, the feature lets users perform a Google search for keywords by manually drawing a circle around them — pretty much what it says on the box.
Apart from that, the device has a 6.1-inch display at 1080 x 2400. Adaptive brightness now peaks at a very high 2,000 nits. The handset packs a generous 4,492 mAh battery which is rated at 24 hours of life, or over 72 hours if you really want to get the most out of the Battery Saver feature.
The 8a features a dual rear-facing camera system with a 64-megapixel wide and 13-megapixel ultra-wide. The base-level system remains 8GB of RAM and 123GB of storage, though Google has added an additional 245GB option. Google also announced that it will sell the Pixel tablet as a standalone — without the center — for the first time.
It comes in a blue “bay” color and a striking green “aloe”, which Google classifies as “limited edition”.
