Google Pixel 8a is official – ‘unbeatable value’ Android phone launches with premium level features for your photos
GOOGLE has finally announced its brand new cheaper smartphone, the Pixel 8a, with a number of premium level features.
The device had been expected by Android fans for some time after several rumours and leaks.
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This year, the tech giant has gone big on pumping as many of the top tier tools into its cheapest handset.
In particular the firm has gone big on camera AI, introducing features that were limited to the premium end of the Pixel range until now.
It comes as Google ups the AI competition against rivals such as Samsung, OnePlus and Honor who have all gone big on the tech buzz.
These include Best Take, allowing you to choose the perfect smile for each face in a photo.
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And for video lovers, you can remove unwanted sounds using the latest Audio Magic Eraser.
Plus, there’s Magic Editor that lets users easily reposition and resize subjects or use presets to make the background pop.
Google is using its own Tensor G3 processor inside, which is the same chip that powers the main Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The camera uses a 64-megapixel main lens alongside a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens.
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As for battery, Google says the 8a should last more more than 24 hours – and you can stretch it to about 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.
One positive for consumers’ wallets is that Google has committed to provide the 8a with seven years of updates.
Google urges users to try overlooked Android battery-saving button as savvy fans say they’ve switched it on ‘for months’
So you’ll not only receive new features when they arrive but your phone will stay secure too – meaning you won’t need to spend more money on an upgrade as soon.
The Pixel 8a is on sale from May 14, starting at £499 / $499 for 128GB of storage.
There’s also a 256GB option.
And it will be available in four colours:
- Obsidian
- Porcelain
- Bay
- Aloe
The announcements comes a week ahead of a major Google event where the company is expected to reveal news about its upcoming Android update.
With all the fanfare around AI this year, experts are predicting some new details about Google’s own efforts too.
Who offers free updates longest?
The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone – with the latest features thrown in too for free.
Samsung
While the A55 has four years of OS and five years of security updates, the Galaxy S24 series has more, with at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Nothing
Nothing only offers three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates.
Google
Since the Pixel 8, Google has said that devices will receive at least seven years of support.