Google Pixel 8a launched in India with Tensor G3 SoC, 64-megapixel camera

Google’s Pixel 7a certainly proved to be an impressively affordable option from Google when it launched last year. It brought a lot of new hardware features that were previously missing in its A-series devices. Ahead of Google’s software announcements scheduled for May 14, 2024, the company has now announced a successor to the Pixel 7a called the Pixel 8a. The Google Pixel 8a gets a refreshed design, Tensor G3 SoC, and it also brings all its AI smarts previously reserved for the premium Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.

Google Pixel 8a price in India, availability

Google’s Pixel 8a will be available in both 128GB and 256GB storage options globally. The brand has stuck to 8GB RAM for both these storage variants. Google is also bringing both these variants to India with the 128GB variant priced at Rs. 52,999 and the 256GB variant is priced at Rs. 59,999. The handset will also be available in all four colors – Aloe, Bay, Obsidian and Porcelain. The phone is now available for pre-order on Flipkart and the sale will begin on May 14 at 6:30 AM IST. Google is also offering bank offers worth Rs. Rs.4,000 and 12 months no-cost EMI on select bank cards. Those who pre-order the Pixel 8a can buy the Pixel Buds A-series for just Rs. 999.

Google Pixel 8a Specifications

The Google Pixel 8a offers a refreshed design made of glass (screen), polycarbonate (rear panel) and aluminum (frame). Its design, which now looks similar to its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, also retains its IP67 certification from the Pixel 7a. The handset measures 152.1 mm x 72.7 mm x 8.9 mm and weighs 188 grams.

The new and more rounded design features a flat 6.1-inch Super Actua display, which the brand claims is a first for an A-series device. However, this OLED panel now refreshes at 120Hz versus the 90Hz refresh rate on the Pixel 7a. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, just like the previous model.

Like last year, Google has upgraded the Pixel 8a’s SoC to the latest Tensor G3 (with the Titan M2 security coprocessor) and it brings a lot of features that weren’t previously possible on the A-series due to the Tensor G2. From Circle to Search, AI Image Editing (Magic Editor), Audio Magic Eraser, Best Tech and more. The phone has 8GB LPDDR5x RAM and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage.

The Google Pixel 8a is featured in one of its new colors, Aloe
Photo Credit: Google

Communication standards include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB Type-C port, and support for the usual GPS navigation system. The phone only offers space for a physical SIM card along with a virtual eSIM. The handset can be secured using an in-display fingerprint reader or face unlock.

The phone packs a 4,492mAh battery and supports 18W wired fast charging. Like the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 8a also offers wireless charging but at the same 7.5W (Qi charging standard).

As far as cameras are concerned, Google retained everything from the previous model. On the back there is a 64-megapixel (f/1.89 aperture) primary camera and a 13-megapixel (f/2.2 aperture) ultrawide camera. You also get a 13-megapixel front facing camera for selfies.

Google’s Pixel 8a boots up on Android 14 with the usual Pixel user experience and is promised to get seven years of software and security updates, including its quarterly Pixel feature drops, which add new software features.