The Pixel 8a might never be released

Google’s more affordable version of the Pixel has been a benchmark for mid-range phones in recent years.

But, as we look forward to the next iteration, some rumours are beginning to emerge that it might not appear at all.

So, what is Google up to? Here’s everything we know so far about the Pixel 8a.

When will the Google Pixel 8a be released?

Google has been reasonably steady with its release schedule for the Pixel A range recently. The company seems to have settled into a pattern where we see the new model unveiled at the Google I/O event in May, although there can be a slight delay before it reaches customers.

Here’s when the last few generations were available to buy:

Admittedly, there’s still a bit of variance when it comes to release dates, but if Google goes with the schedule it’s been putting in place over the last couple of years, we should see the Pixel 8a in May 2024. 

However, a report from Android Authority outlined a leaked roadmap for the next few years of Pixel phones, with a significant change to the A range. It seems that Google will be watching the sales of the Pixel 7a closely, with the possibility of it switching to biannual releases of the A range rather than the yearly rate we have at the moment.

This actually makes some sense, as many people hold onto their phones for more than just a year, plus it would mean that Google could make more impressive updates with each new model as two years would have passed since the last one. 

If that proves to be the case, we might not see the Pixel 8a until May 2025. And by then, Google might call it the Pixel 9a instead, as leaker Yogesh Brar suggests.

How much will the Google Pixel 8a cost?

The Pixel A phones are pitched as an affordable alternative to the flagships, and sit firmly in the mid-range market. That’s unlikely to change on the Pixel 8a (if it arrives), though there could be some small price rises compared to previous generations:

• Pixel 7a – $499/£449
• Pixel 6a – $449/£399
• Pixel 5a – $449 (no UK release)
• Pixel 4a – $349/£349

However, as good as the Pixel A handsets are, there’s plenty of competition in Europe from the likes of Xiaomi, Motorola and Oppo. Google won’t want to increase in the price of the Pixel 8a too much to ensure it still remains competitive.

What specs and features will the Google Pixel 8a have?

With a potential launch not far away, there are plenty of rumours regarding what to expect with the Pixel 8a.

Design

As explained above, the Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 were quite close in terms of specs, so a gently stripped back version of the Pixel 8 could be an indicator of what the Pixel 8a will look like. Its design will probably resemble that of the Pixel 8, just with a smaller overall size.

In September 2023, leaked images from Abhishek Yadav on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that the design of the Pixel 8a will incorporate elements from both the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8.

That means rounded corners, the aluminium visor camera bar, and a blue colour option that resembles the Sky Blue colour of the Pixel 7a. Of course, we can anticipate other colour choices, although it’s still too early to predict what these might be.

In October 2023, renders from OnLeaks (published by Smartprix) reveal the Pixel 8a in Rose/Pink colour with some minor design alterations. The images suggest the device will be more slender and compact than the Pixel 8. The display will supposedly be 6.1in, with the total dimensions of the phone at 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm.

On the rear panel, that camera visor accommodates two camera sensors, while on the front, you’ll find a flat screen design featuring a hole-punch camera cut-out near the top of the display. The device also boasts relatively thin bezels on the sides and a small chin at the bottom.

A leaked retail box image, posted by Chun Bhai on his X (formerly Twitter) feed, supports these leaks, revealing the Pixel 8a in black colour option with rounded edges.

Display

There are no rumours regarding the Pixel 8a’s display at this stage.

Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect Google to stick with the current 6.1-inch OLED display. It’s already a very good screen, offering a FHD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, so upgrades aren’t necessary here.

Dominic Preston / Foundry

Performance

Given that the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7a received processors after their flagship counterparts, we’d expect the Pixel 8a to get the Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro.

We’d also expect the 8GB/128GB configuration to remain standard on the Pixel 8a. Leaked Geekbench benchmarks of the “Google Akita” (which Android Authority believes is the internal codename for the Pixel 8a) seem to back this up.

Cameras

Cameras are always a big deal with Pixel phones, including the A series. But it’s not yet clear if the 64Mp main, 13Mp ultrawide or 13Mp selfie cameras will be upgraded.

Of course, Pixel phones are heavily reliant on software for great photos, so this may see some improvements even if the hardware doesn’t

Dominic Preston / Foundry

Battery & charging

According to a report from MySmartPrice, there’s a certification for an upcoming, unidentified Pixel model.

It has a battery capacity of 4942mAh, which would be a big increase compared to both the Pixel 7a (4385mAh) and regular Pixel 8 (4575mAh).

However, this could a certification for the upcoming Pixel Fold 2, instead.

Elsewhere, the 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging are expected the remain the same as in the Pixel 7a. They’re not particularly quick, though.

Software

If it arrives before the end of the summer, the Pixel 8a will almost certainly run Android 14. But any later, and it’ll probably be the upcoming Android 15.

While Google offers seven years of both OS and security updates for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, there’s no guarantee that’ll also be available on the cheaper phone. But you can expect at least the Pixel 7a’s three years of OS and five years of security updates, which is still respectable.

That’s all we have at the moment, but we’ll be updating this article with more details as they become available. To see what the Pixel 8a will be up against, be sure to also check out our round-up of the best mid-range phones.