Google Pixel 8a hands-on: Flagship AI and a 120Hz OLED screen for $499

Engadget
7 May 202404:56

TLDRGoogle has introduced the Pixel 8a, a mid-range smartphone that offers flagship features at an affordable price of $499. The device sports a 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED screen, a Tensor G3 chip, and a design similar to the Pixel 8 but with thicker bezels. It is made from recycled plastic with a matte finish and has an IP67 water resistance rating. The Pixel 8a comes with a 4,492mAh battery and offers 7 years of software and security updates, a significant improvement over the Pixel 7A's 3 years of Android patches and 5 years of security updates. It is available in two storage variants, 128GB and a new 256GB option. The phone retains the same camera sensors as the Pixel 8 and supports various AI features introduced with the Pixel 8. However, it lacks Pro Camera controls, has slower wireless charging at 7.5W, and does not include a dedicated zoom lens. Despite these omissions, the Pixel 8a provides excellent value, delivering a high percentage of the experience of Google's top-tier phones at a lower price point. The Pixel 8a is available for pre-order and goes on sale on May 14th.

Takeaways

  • 📱 Google Pixel 8a is priced at $499, offering flagship AI features and a 120Hz OLED screen.
  • 🔥 It comes with a Tensor G3 chip and a 120Hz OLED display, an upgrade from the 90Hz panel on the previous model.
  • 📐 The phone has a 6.1-inch screen, slightly smaller than the Pixel 8's 6.2 inches, with thicker bezels.
  • 💠 The display is protected by Gorilla Glass, though the specific version is not mentioned.
  • 🌱 The back of the phone is made from recycled plastic with a matte finish that feels nice to touch.
  • 💧 It is water-resistant with an IP67 rating, which is slightly lower than the Pixel 8's IP68.
  • 🔋 The battery capacity is 4492mAh, and Google claims improved longevity due to power efficiency enhancements.
  • 🚀 For 2024, the Pixel 8a introduces a 256GB storage variant alongside the base 128GB model.
  • 🛡️ It will receive 7 years of software and security updates, a significant increase from previous models.
  • 📸 The camera setup remains the same, using a 64-megapixel main sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor.
  • 🧩 AI features from the Pixel 8 are supported, including Best Shot, Audio Magic Eraser, and Live Translate.
  • 📈 The Pixel 8a lacks Pro Camera controls, wireless charging speeds are capped at 7.5W, and there's no dedicated zoom lens.

Q & A

  • What is the price of the new Google Pixel 8a?

    -The new Google Pixel 8a is priced at $499.

  • What chip does the Google Pixel 8a use?

    -The Google Pixel 8a uses a Tensor G3 chip.

  • How does the Pixel 8a's display differ from the previous model?

    -The Pixel 8a features a 120Hz OLED screen, which is an upgrade from the 90Hz panel on the previous model, the Pixel 7A.

  • What is the size of the Pixel 8a's display?

    -The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch display, which is slightly smaller than the Pixel 8's 6.2-inch display.

  • What material is the Pixel 8a's display made of?

    -The Pixel 8a's display is made out of Gorilla Glass, although the specific version of Gorilla Glass is not mentioned.

  • What is the battery capacity of the Pixel 8a?

    -The Pixel 8a has a battery capacity of 4492 milliamp hours.

  • What is the water resistance rating of the Pixel 8a?

    -The Pixel 8a has an IP67 water resistance rating, which is slightly lower than the IP68 rating on the regular Pixel 8.

  • How many years of software and security updates does the Pixel 8a receive?

    -The Pixel 8a is getting 7 years of software and security updates.

  • What new color options are available for the Pixel 8a?

    -The Pixel 8a is available in new colors including Bay Porcelain, Obsidian, and a new Aloe hue.

  • What are the camera specifications for the Pixel 8a?

    -The Pixel 8a uses the same 64-megapixel and 13-megapixel sensors for its main and ultrawide cameras as its predecessor, the Pixel 7A.

  • What AI features does the Pixel 8a support?

    -The Pixel 8a supports various AI features introduced on the regular Pixel 8, including Best Shot, Audio Magic Eraser, Circle to Search, Live Translate, and more.

  • What are some features that the Pixel 8a does not have compared to the flagship Pixel models?

    -The Pixel 8a lacks Pro Camera controls, higher wireless charging speeds (limited to 7.5 Watts), and does not have a dedicated zoom lens like the Pixel 8 Pro.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Google Pixel AA Introduction and Design

Google has announced a new affordable Pixel A series phone, the Pixel AA, at a price point of $4.99. The device features a familiar design, similar to the Pixel 8, with a Tensor G3 chip and a 120 HZ OLED display, which is an upgrade from the 90 HZ panel on the previous model. The screen size is slightly smaller at 6.1 inches. The Pixel AA has thicker bezels compared to the Pixel 8 but shares a similar size and durability with its Gorilla Glass covering. The back of the phone is made from recycled plastic with a matte finish that mimics the texture of cashmere. The device is water-resistant with an IP67 rating and has a slightly smaller battery at 4,492 milliamp hours. However, Google claims that power efficiency improvements will provide better longevity. The Pixel AA also introduces a 256 GB storage variant, the first for any A series Pixel, and offers 7 years of software and security updates, a significant increase from previous models.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 8a is the subject of the video, which is an affordable smartphone model by Google. It is a part of the Pixel series and is noted for its price point of $499, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The video discusses its features and how it compares to other models in the Pixel lineup.

💡Tensor G3 chip

The Tensor G3 chip is a type of system on a chip (SoC) used in the Pixel 8a, which powers the device's performance. It is an advanced processor that enables advanced AI features and is a key component that contributes to the phone's capabilities. The script mentions it as a common feature with the standard Pixel 8.

💡120Hz OLED screen

The 120Hz OLED screen is a display technology featured in the Pixel 8a, which allows for smoother motion and more fluid visuals compared to a standard 60Hz screen. It is an upgrade from the 90Hz panel of the previous model, the Pixel 7A, and is a selling point for those interested in a high-quality viewing experience.

💡Water resistance

Water resistance in the context of the Pixel 8a refers to the phone's ability to withstand exposure to water to some extent without suffering damage. The video mentions an IP67 rating, which is a standard for rating the degree of protection against dust and water.

💡Recycled plastic

The use of recycled plastic in the construction of the Pixel 8a's back is highlighted as an environmentally friendly choice by Google. It reflects a trend in the tech industry towards more sustainable materials and practices. The script notes that the phone has a matte finish that mimics the texture of cashmere.

💡Battery life

Battery life is a critical aspect of any smartphone, and the Pixel 8a is said to have improvements in power efficiency, leading to better longevity despite having a slightly smaller battery (4,492 milliamp hours) compared to its predecessor. This is significant for users who value a phone that can last throughout the day without needing to be charged.

💡Storage variants

The Pixel 8a offers different storage options, including a base model with 128GB and a new 256GB variant. This provides consumers with more flexibility in terms of storage capacity to suit their needs, with the 256GB option catering to users who require more space for apps, photos, and other data.

💡Software and security updates

The Pixel 8a is committed to providing 7 years of software and security updates, which is a significant increase from the 3 years of Android patches and 5 years of security updates on the Pixel 7A. This commitment is important for users who value having the latest features and security measures to protect their devices.

💡Color options

The Pixel 8a introduces refreshed color options such as Bay porcelain, obsidian, and a new aloe hue. These color choices allow for personalization and appeal to different aesthetic preferences. The video specifically notes that the aloe hue is particularly vibrant and saturated.

💡AI features

The Pixel 8a supports various AI features thanks to the Tensor G3 chip. These include 'Best Shot', 'Audio Magic', 'Eraser', 'Circle to search', 'Live Translate', and more. These features leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience, such as improving photo quality or providing real-time language translation.

💡Pro Camera controls

The lack of Pro Camera controls is mentioned as a limitation of the Pixel 8a compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. Pro Camera controls allow users to manually adjust settings like shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, which are important for more advanced or professional photography enthusiasts.

💡Wireless charging speeds

The Pixel 8a has a wireless charging speed limited to 7.5 Watts, which is less than the 18 Watts available on the premium Pixel models. This is a consideration for users who rely on wireless charging and value faster charging times.

Highlights

Google Pixel 8a is priced at $499, offering flagship AI and a 120Hz OLED screen.

Announced separately from the Google I/O event to allow it to stand out.

Features a Tensor G3 chip and a 120Hz OLED display, an upgrade from the 90Hz panel on the previous model.

The display is slightly smaller at 6.1 inches compared to the Pixel 8's 6.2 inches.

Thicker bezels compared to the standard Pixel 8, but similar in size.

Uses durable Gorilla Glass for the display, though the specific version is not disclosed.

Constructed from recycled plastic with a matte finish that mimics the texture of cashmere.

The Pixel 8a is water-resistant with an IP67 rating.

Battery size is smaller at 4492mAh, but power efficiency improvements promise better longevity.

Introduces a 256GB storage variant, a first for any A series Pixel.

Comes with 7 years of software and security updates, extending support significantly.

New color options include Bay Porcelain, Obsidian, and a vibrant Aloe Hue.

Photography capabilities remain consistent with the same 64MP and 13MP sensors for main and ultrawide cameras.

Powered by a Tensor G3 chip, supporting advanced AI features introduced with the Pixel 8.

Lacks Pro Camera controls, wireless charging is limited to 7.5W, and there's no dedicated zoom lens.

Provides 90-95% of the top-tier Pixel 8's features at a more affordable price point.

The Pixel 7A will still be available at a reduced price of $349.

Sales for the Pixel 8a begin on May 14th.

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