Google announces Pixel 8a, starts at $499

Google has finally taken the wraps off the Pixel 8a, the company's latest A-series device and the most affordable option in the Pixel 8 lineup.

The Pixel 8a features an updated design over its predecessor that is more in line with the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Gone are the squared-off edges, replaced by more rounded corners. The plastic back and aluminum frame have a smooth matte texture, and the front has Corning's Gorilla Glass 3. The phone is IP67 dust and water-resistant, and Google says it's the most durable A-series phone yet.

The phone comes in four colors, Bay, Aloe, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Bay • Aloe • Porcelain • Obsidian

The Pixel 8a features a new 6.1-inch OLED display with 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The display can go up to 1400 nits while playing back HDR content with a peak brightness of 2000 nits.

The Pixel 8a has a dual camera system on the back consisting of a 64MP f1.89 primary camera and a 13MP f2.2 ultrawide. On the front is a 13MP f2.2 shooter. All cameras are capable of shooting 4K 30fps video but the rear cameras can also do 4K 60fps.

Aside from that you also get astrophotography timelapse, 240fps slow motion, fused video stabilization, Cinematic Pan, 5x digital zoom, and optical image stabilization on the main wide camera. In terms of software features, you are getting Magic Editor, Best Take, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Face Unblur, Real Tone, Top Shot, Live HDR+ and Ultra HDR.

The Pixel 8a is powered by Google's Tensor G3 chipset with Titan M2 security coprocessor. There is 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and you get a choice of 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage.

The phone has a 4492mAh battery, which Google claims offers 24+ hour battery life. There's 18W of wired fast charging and Qi wireless charging support.

The Pixel 8a will ship with Android 14. As with other Pixel 8 devices, the Pixel 8a will receive seven years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates. The phone will also get other Google exclusive features, such as Circle to Search, Pixel Call Assist, Audio Emoji, and Gemini.

Other features include stereo speakers, an in-display fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB 3.2 connectivity, NFC, and dual SIM (nano + eSIM) support.

The Pixel 8a is priced at $499 / €549 / INR 52,999 for the 128GB model and $559 / €609 / INR 59,999 for the 256GB model. Pre-orders in the US start today and the device will be available starting May 14. Pre-orders in India start on May 7 at 21:30 IST on Flipkart and sales commence May 14 at 06:30 IST.