

Quick summary
Google Pixel 8a is expected to be better than Pixel 7a in terms of rumoured specs but also more expensive.
The price hike might be justified by upgrades like Google Tensor G3 hardware and a bigger battery, but the AI skills remain unknown.
The Google Pixel 8a is expected to make a couple of tweaks to the Pixel 8 devices launched in 2023 and offer a more affordable option for Android fans when it launches in the next couple of months. But there could also be a price rise coming with this new phone.
The Google Pixel 7a is one of the best cheap phones out there. It stands-out because it has the same core hardware as Google's flagship phone, so you get power for the price. There are compromises in other areas, but on the whole, the Pixel 7a (and other "a" devices before it) have been a solid choice.
Information coming from the often-reliable winfuture.de suggests that the Pixel 8a could attract an unwelcome price rise. That might see it launch at €570 (around £490), compared to the £449 mark of the Pixel 7a.
That's going to make the Pixel 8a a little less attractive to budget-conscious buyers, especially with the likes of the Nothing phone (2a) launching at £319.
How is Google going to justify the Pixel 8a price rise?
The question will be what you get for your money. Well, it could be that there's quite a jump in the specs for the Pixel 8a, which might justify the price rise. First there's going to be the Google Tensor G3 hardware - the same as the Pixel 8 Pro - but it's also said to be backed by a 4,942mAh battery - quite the jump from the Pixel 7a, if it's accurate.
The Pixel 8a is likely to have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, but I'm expecting a bump in the peak brightness to support HDR functions - as that's something Google has been pushing.
The Google Pixel 7a will be available in four colours - Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay and Mint - and expected to offer 8GB RAM with 128 and 256GB storage options.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The camera isn't expected to change hugely: a 64-megapixel main camera and 13-megapixel ultrawide camera will probably stay in place, but with more AI in the background offering better performance. Whether the camera will get the full Magic Editor treatment remains to be seen - but certainly, that would be a huge advantage on a phone at this price.
Google usually announces the "a" devices at Google I/O. The date for that hasn't been confirmed, but May 2024 would be a safe bet.
Chris has been writing about consumer tech for over 15 years. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Pocket-lint, he's covered just about every product launched, witnessed the birth of Android, the evolution of 5G, and the drive towards electric cars. You name it and Chris has written about it, driven it or reviewed it. Now working as a freelance technology expert, Chris' experience sees him covering all aspects of smartphones, smart homes and anything else connected. Chris has been published in titles as diverse as Computer Active and Autocar, and regularly appears on BBC News, BBC Radio, Sky, Monocle and Times Radio. He was once even on The Apprentice... but we don't talk about that.
-
Struggling to nail push-ups? A fitness expert says this simple hack will make them stronger
A simple tweak to your arm position can make all the difference
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Android Auto 14 beta arrives and it sets the groundwork for major changes
More details link Android Auto to significant car control changes
By Chris Hall Published
-
You can now try Android 16 for yourself, here's how
The latest beta from Android is now available on Pixel devices
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google Pixel 9a could come with a free perk worth a fifth of the phone itself
You just have to live in the right region
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Chromecast with Google TV just got the massive free update that's been promised for months
It may be discontinued, but there's still life in the streamer yet
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Your older Chromecast might be borked, but Google promises a fix
There's a problem with some Chromecasts, including Chromecast Audio – they can't currently Cast
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google Pixel 10 renders show the candy bar camera seems set to stay
It looks like there's not much change from the Pixel 9
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google Pixel 9a hands-on video leaks – what it reveals about the forthcoming phone
If you’re going to leak a phone, this is the way to do it
By Chris Hall Published
-
Google could make smart glasses again to take on Apple Vision Pro
Google's going shopping for low-power eye-tracking technology
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Your Chromebook will soon gain a neat trick borrowed from Pixel phones
The update will help preserve the health of a Chromebook
By Chris Hall Published