In 2024, many new smartphones are tapping into artificial intelligence—but it’s Google leading the way with its May 14 release of the Pixel 8A, priced at $499. This model is more budget-friendly, taking serious cues from its expensive siblings on AI capabilities. From the Gemini Nano model to the Audio Magic Eraser and Best Take, this tech makes these advanced tools accessible.
The Pixel 8A epitomizes a trend that is increasingly common among Android phone manufacturers: pack them full of AI after runaway success stories like ChatGPT. While AI has silently improved smartphones in numerous ways during the last couple of years, tech companies are touting those capabilities to help set their devices apart in a crowded market.
More Powerful AI
Although not entirely new, the AI features on the Pixel 8A are still impressive, showing just how much Google wants to dominate the consumer AI market. The Audio Magic Eraser wipes out background noise in videos, while Best Take takes multiple photos and then merges them to enable adjustments to facial expressions. These features, first introduced in the Pixel 8 series, are now in the more reasonably priced Pixel 8A. Furthermore, the Pixel 8A includes Magic Editor, which facilitates the moving, resizing, or even enlarging of objects in photos, expanding its reach across all Pixel devices.
Market Competition
Google’s move comes after Samsung announced its set of Galaxy AI features across the Galaxy S24 series, which eventually made their way to other Samsung models. On the other hand, Apple is said to make an announcement about its generative AI plans for iPhones at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which will happen in June, hence heating things up in the AI-run smartphone space.
Specifications and Enhancements
The Pixel 8A has a 6.1-inch display, brighter than the Pixel 7A, and adds a 120Hz refresh rate. Google’s Tensor G3 processor powers it and offers up to 256GB of storage in the obsidian color variant. It’s going to bring better battery life thanks to more efficient software and a slightly larger battery compared to the Pixel 7A.
Camera-wise, the Pixel 8A is pretty similar to the Pixel 7A, with a 64-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 13-megapixel front camera. Picture processing likely is where the Tensor G3 processor will step in.
User Experience and Software
The Pixel 8A is designed to provide a cohesive software experience across Pixel phones, complete with features such as Circle to Search, which lets users draw a circle around an on-screen entity to search for it, and Hold for Me, which waits on hold during phone calls. It also includes safety features like car crash detection and Safety Checks.
The Pixel 8A follows a long line of A-series devices that provide a robust alternative to Google’s flagship models. By bridging the gap between mainstream and budget phones, it may challenge the uniqueness of its standard Pixel devices.
Pixel 8A Compared to Other Pixel Models
| Feature | Pixel 8A | Pixel 7A | Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, resolution | 6.1-inch OLED, 2400×1080, 60-120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 2400×1080, 60/90Hz | 6.2-inch OLED, 2400×1080, 60-120Hz |
| Pixel density | 430 PPI | 429 PPI | 428 PPI |
| Dimension (inches) | 6 x 2.9 x 0.4 | 6.00 x 2.9 x 0.4 | 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 |
| Weight (g) | 193 g | 193 g | 187 g |
| Mobile software | Android 14 | Android 13 | Android 14 |
| Camera | 64MP (main), 13MP (ultrawide) | 64MP (main), 13MP (ultrawide) | 50MP (main), 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Front camera | 13MP | 13MP | 10.5MP |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM/storage | 8GB + 128/256GB | 8GB + 128GB | 8GB + 128/256GB |
| Battery | 4,492 mAh, 18W fast charging | 4,385 mAh, 18W fast charging | 4,575 mAh, 27W fast charging |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under-display | Under-display | Under-display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None |
| Unique features | 5G, IP67, VPN by Google One, Circle to Search, 7 years updates, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser | 5G, IP67, VPN by Google One, Circle to Search, 3 years updates | 5G, IP68, VPN by Google One, 7 years updates, Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, Magic Editor |
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 8A is an impressive addition to the Pixel lineup, bringing affordability with the latest AI features. Google raises the stakes on what it can offer in budget phones by offering its premium technology downstream and making mid-range devices more attractive. With continuous software updates and various groundbreaking features, the Pixel 8A is poised to be a strong competitor in the smartphone market.
