Expected release date and what we know so far

Update: April 23, 2024 (03:25 AM ET): We’ve updated our Google Pixel 8a hub with newly leaked real-world images and video of the phone.

The first time Google launched an A series phone was in 2019 with the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. At the time, those were some of the best Android phones you could get for the price. Since then, Google’s released a new A series Pixel every year. As such, we expect to see a Google Pixel 8a in 2024.

In this post, we will round up all the credible rumors we’ve seen so far related to the Pixel 8a!

Pixel 8a: At a glance

• When might it come out? Based on previous A series launches, it is likely to land in May, during Google I/O.
• What new features could it have? Tensor G3, a 120Hz display refresh rate, and 8GB of RAM are expected features, although none are guaranteed.
• How much will it cost? The Pixel 8a price tag will likely be $499, just like its predecessor.

Will there be a Google Pixel 8a?

Google confirmed in its internal tracker that a Pixel 8a does indeed exist. The context for this confirmation was a battery stat that was unknowingly released to previous Pixel devices, which Google subsequently removed from newer software builds. Google mentioned that the missing battery stats are meant to be enabled on “Pixel 8a and beyond,” which is good confirmation that a device exists and is intended to be released to the public. However, this doesn’t say anything about when the phone will come out, but we assume it will be sometime this year.

There have been a few other hints suggesting the Pixel 8a may be in the works. Not only have leaked benchmarks hit (though those can be faked), but there have also been a few alleged images of the device floating around. We also saw an FCC listing, which is a surefire sign that a phone is imminent.

At this point, the question isn’t if there will be a Pixel 8a but when it might come out.

• Pixel 3a and 3a XL: May 7, 2019
• Pixel 4a and 4a 5G: August 3, 2020
• Pixel 5a: August 17, 2021
• Pixel 6a: May 11, 2022
• Pixel 7a: May 10, 2023

The list above makes it clear that Google’s preferred launch window for A series Pixels is in May at its annual I/O developers conference. However, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google did launch some A series phones later in the year. Going forward, though, we assume the Pixel 8a would land in May at Google I/O 2024, just over half a year after the Pixel 8 series proper dropped.

Google I/O is scheduled for May 14 and May 15. The chances are good that we’d see the Pixel 8a launch on May 14 during the opening keynote.

We have quite a few leaks for the Pixel 8a, giving us a pretty good idea of what to expect. Here’s what we think we know so far!

Design

The Pixel 8a should look very similar to the Pixel 8. Early real-life leaked images of the Pixel 8a, shown below, give you an idea of what to expect:

Historically, the Pixel A series has followed the same overall design language as the flagship Pixel family. That seems to be the case for the Pixel 8a as well, as the above images suggest it will take a few design cues from the 7a and Pixel 8, essentially mashing them together. This includes iPhone-like corners, an aluminum camera bar, and a blue shade that’s somewhat similar to the Pixel 7a’s Artic Blue colorway. Obviously, we can expect other colors as well, but it’s too early to say what those might be.

Another leak — this time in renders — shows more of the same:

Not only do the images appear to support that the device will be slimmer and smaller, but also the leaked dimensions stay the same at 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm. By comparison, the Pixel 7a’s dimensions are 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm. The leak also says the display comes in at 6.1 inches.

In some ways, the design looks even more rounded than the Pixel 8. Still, it’s definitely rocking a similar design language. Keep in mind this is an early leak, so it’s hard to verify the accuracy.

We have what appear to be metal dummy units for the Pixel 8a. These are usually created to allow case manufacturers to know the precise dimensions of an unreleased phone:

Overall, these design leaks all point to a phone that looks a lot like the Google Pixel 8, so that’s probably what we should expect.

According to WinFuture’s sources, the Pixel 8a may arrive in four colors: “Obsidian” (black), “Porcelain” (beige), “Bay” (light blue), and “Mint” (light green).

Folks at Android Headlines got their hands on renders showing all the colorways of Pixel 8a. The renders didn’t show us anything new except how the phone would look in its various shades.

Leaker Arsène Lupin has shared clean renders of all four Pixel 8a colors: Porcelain (beige), Bay (blue), Mint (green), and Obsidian (black). We can see the device from several angles without any watermark and across all four colors.

Moreover, the Pixel 8a also briefly appeared on US Cellular’s website, all but confirming its front panel design. This listing also came shortly after leaker Arsene Lupin posted a clean render of the phone, seen above.

Real-world photos of Pixel 8a units also surfaced online, showcasing its blue and green color options. the image offers a clear look at the seemingly frosted back panels of two Pixel 8a devices and their retail boxes. Additionally, X user @MysteryLupin has shared a separate video showcasing the box contents of those same units and listing the selling price in Moroccan Dirhams.

By the very nature of A series phones, the Pixel 8a could not have an equal camera system to the Pixel 8. As such, we would expect either the same camera system we find on the Pixel 7a or a slight upgrade of that. For the record, the Pixel 7a’s camera included a 64MP primary, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 13MP selfie.

Do note that the software powering the camera on all Pixels is the same. Therefore, the Pixel 8a should be able to do everything the Pixel 8 can unless the included hardware prohibits it.

Specs and features

The Pixel 8a will certainly come with Android 14 out of the box, just like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Google has changed its upgrade commitment for its flagship Pixels this year, bringing seven years of upgrades and security patches to the table. However, considering the Pixel 8a will be the cheapest of the three devices, you could expect three Android upgrades and five years of security patches to be the promise.

Since Google first launched its Tensor SoC in 2021, all A series phones have had the Tensor chip their corresponding mainline entry carried. Theoretically, this would mean the Pixel 8a would have the Tensor G3. Our own inside intel shows this is incredibly likely.

We also have heard that the phone could sport a 120Hz display refresh rate, a nice upgrade over the 90Hz rate of the Pixel 7a. There’s also a strong possibility the phone could support DisplayPort output, just like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

We are reasonably assured that RAM and storage options won’t change this year with the Pixel 8. That would mean the same options for the Pixel 8a we saw with the Pixel 7a, which was 8GB of RAM and a minimum of 128GB of storage. A recent Geekbench benchmark leak further backs this up, though these are very easy to fake, so this should be taken with a grain of salt. However, adding more fuel to the fire, the WinFuture leak mentioned earlier corroborates the 128GB of storage while adding there could be a 256GB variant. 

With the Pixel 7a, Google brought slow wireless charging support to the A series for the first time. Seeing as it would be silly to introduce this feature in one generation and then remove it in the next, we can be reasonably assured wireless charging could be included with the Google Pixel 8a.

Speaking of charging, tipster Yogesh Brar also leaked the battery information for the Pixel 8a. As per him, the device will pack a ~4,500mAh battery and 27W charging speeds. While the battery would be a small upgrade over the Pixel 7a’s 4,385mAh pack, the 27W wired charging would be a significant improvement for the Pixel A series. For reference, both Pixel 7a and Pixel 6a sport 18W wired charging speeds.

• Pixel 3a and 3a XL: $399 and $479
• Pixel 4a and 4a 5G: $349 and $499
• Pixel 5a: $449
• Pixel 6a: $449
• Pixel 7a: $499

The list above shows that there has never been an A series Pixel over the $500 mark. If it does actually launch, we’d expect the Pixel 8a to land at the same price as the Pixel 7a, which is $499.

However, WinFuture’s sources claim Google could once again raise the price. Based on the report mentioned earlier, the 128GB model may end up costing €570, while the 256GB variant may be priced around €630. These are reportedly preliminary figures and could be changed in the US, but if Google carries this change over, it would make the Pixel 8a $549 (128GB)/$599 (265GB).

The mainline Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are more expensive this year, at $699 and $999, respectively. Meanwhile, the $599 entry price for the Pixel 7 is an outright steal for what you get. Even with the inflated prices this year, we don’t think Google would go any higher than $499 for the Pixel 8a. That’s a reasonable price for what you’re likely to get.

The Pixel 8a could drop in May, so you don’t have long to wait. However, if you’re looking for a budget phone right now, you don’t need to wait around.

The most obvious alternative to the Pixel 8a would be the Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon). It features pretty much everything you need from a modern Android phone, including wireless charging and a display with a high refresh rate. However, the camera, display, and overall build quality will be inferior to the Pixel 7 ($359.99 at Woot!). Considering the Pixel 7 is not much more expensive than the Pixel 7a and goes on sale frequently, that’s also worth a look.

If you’re not ready to wait and want the best Pixel you can get, buying a Pixel 8 ($699 at Amazon) or the Pixel 8 Pro ($999 at Amazon) will provide that new car experience you’re craving, albeit at a much higher price. The Pixel 8 itself is a viable option over the Pixel 7a, if you’re willing to spend a little more. Additionally, the launch of the Pixel 8 series means you can find the Pixel 7 (or even a Pixel 7 Pro) for cheap.

If you want something not from Google, then the new Samsung Galaxy A55 5G ($470 at Samsung) is an interesting phone worth taking a look at. It’s a new release in 2024, featuring a newer processor and Samsung’s good software update commitment alongside One UI software features. Other alternatives include the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G ($449.99 at Samsung) and the Galaxy S23 FE ($599.99 at Amazon).