With Google I/O 2024 just around the corner, scheduled for May 14-15, there is anticipation that Google might unveil the Pixel 8a. However, the device has already been sighted on a U.S. carrier’s website, suggesting that its official launch could be imminent.
What does Google Pixel 8a look like?
Notably, Evan Blass reported a brief mention of the Google Pixel 8a on the support pages of US Cellular.
So it's about 1AM early Saturday morning at Google HQ. How long will it take the right person to notice this and reach out to someone at the carrier, who will then presumably need to ping yet a third individual at the vendor responsible for posting (and removing) these tutorials? pic.twitter.com/4neK48wGUZ
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) April 13, 2024
Initial glimpses of the device reveal only its front view, showcasing slightly more rounded corners than its predecessor, the Pixel 7a. Upon closer examination, the bezels of the Pixel 8a are also noticeable and, as expected, they remain relatively thick—a common trait not usually critiqued in more economically priced Android smartphones. The phone features a flat display and prominently displays a front-facing camera at the top center.
During the opening keynote of Google I/O on the first day, it is anticipated that Google will announce the Pixel 8a. The smartphone is rumored to be released in four color options: bay, mint, porcelain, and obsidian. It is expected to incorporate the Tensor G3 processor and retain many specifications from the Pixel 7a, including a similar or slightly improved camera setup.
The predecessor to the anticipated Pixel 8a, the Google Pixel 7a, was equipped with a variety of features that balanced performance and affordability. It featured a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Under the hood, it was powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chipset, accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage. The Pixel 7a also boasted a robust 4385 mAh battery, capable of fast charging. Additionally, the device was praised for its camera capabilities, notably a main camera with a significantly larger sensor than its predecessor, and included a new 13-megapixel ultrawide lens.
The Pixel 8a is likely to debut with Android 14 pre-installed and promises seven years of updates, positioning it as a highly durable choice for many consumers.
Featured image credit: Daniel Romero/Unsplash