Google Pixel 8a Leaks Fully and It’s All Good News

Evan Blass has posted the entire Google Pixel 8a product guide ahead of the mid-range smartphone’s launch at Google I/O 2024 later this month. And it is nothing but good news.

The Pixel 8a will be the latest generation in the A-series Pixel phones that date back to the Pixel 3a. And these phones have always uniquely differentiated themselves in ways that the flagship Pixels have often struggled with, by being well-regarded and devoid of issues. And while most Pixel flagships have been good values relative to Samsung and iPhone flagships, the Pixel A-series has likewise proven even more successful in this regard.

This tradition continues with the Pixel 8a. According to the leak, it will retain the $499 starting price of its predecessor and, as expected, will deliver the same Tensor G3 processor and Titan M3 security chip as its flagship siblings, along with the same 7 years of Pixel Feature Drops (new features) and security updates.

Aesthetically, the Pixel 8a moves forward with the same terrific—and unique—look and feel of the other Pixel 8 series phones, and it will come in four fun matte colors, two of them playful (green and blue). There’s all-day battery (up to 72 hours on Battery Saver) and a bigger battery, IP67 water resistance, and Gorilla Glass 3. More recycled materials.

The Pixel 8a comes with a dual-camera setup that supports all the Google AI-powered advances, like Magic Eraser, plus real tone, night view, “pocket correction” (which I believe is new), and best take functionality. It also supports Eraser Magic for removing unwanted voices and sounds from videos. Speaking of which, Gemini and Circle to Search will be available as well, plus call screening and automatic standby for phone calls. And automatic crash detection and all the safety features that Google flagship phone users enjoy.

And this is the point: While Pixels have always offered a unique value—along with some wrenching issues here and there—the Pixel A-series has always amplified that value by coming in at a much lower price and opening up the unique Pixel capabilities to a broader audience. Defining different product segments is always tough—I’m thinking of all the Office and Windows SKUs we used to deal with, and still do to some degree—but Google has usually threaded this needle nicely with the A-series.

Anyway, this looks impressive. And maybe Google can still surprise us at the official announcement. But I doubt it. What’s left to say?